John 18:19-24 - Before a Kangaroo Court

John 18:19-24

19 The high priest therefore questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. 21 "Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; behold, these now what I said." 22 And when He had said this, one of the officers standing by gave Jesus a blow, saying, "Is that the way You answer the high priest?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?" 24 Annas therefore sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 

Message: Before a Kangaroo Court

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: Preface - Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, and pulls out his dagger to cut off a high priest's servants ear, but Jesus tells him to back down, as He is to drink the Cup (of wrath) the Father has for him. Jesus is taken to Annas, but it seem Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus. 

In verse 19, the high priest is questioning Jesus, it seems with a desire to find out his impact. This is unorthodox for someone that has been arrested, for the questioning should be only addressed to the witnesses instead of the accuser. Jesus makes mention of this in verse 21 - "Question those who have heard what I spoke to them." Why go to the accuser to ask him about the impact he has on others, instead go to those that have possibly been impacted. 

Jesus remarks that He spoke "openly" and did not hide, but went to the temple and synagogues. 

But this did not go over well with those asking the questions, for one of the officers hit Jesus for him responding to a question with a question. And yet Jesus was simply being honest and responding to questions. But then Jesus was sent away by Annas to Caiaphas and sent bound. 

This lesson is titled Kangaroo Court based upon Tabletalk for this day (November 6, 2018). A kangaroo court is "a mock court in which the principles of law and justice are disregarded or perverted." There is a predetermined verdict regarding the accused. 

Summary: Jesus is accused by Annas regarding his impact, answers that Annas should ask those that have been impacted, but Jesus is then sent to Caiaphas bound. 

Promise: Like Jesus we need to hope that justice prevails when we are accused. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you were authentic in your time on earth, being forthright in the information you provided of yourself and your relationship to the Father. You did not hide, but stayed at the forefront of those that would later accuse you. You were authentic in your approach always with Your people and You are fair. You went to the cross to redeem me and I praise You for Your sacrifice and all that you did for me. Keep me humble and trusting in You always. 

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

John 18:12-18 - Taken to the High Priest

John 18:12-18

12 So the [Roman] cohort, and the commander, and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound him, 13 and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. 15 And Simon Peter was following Jesus, and [so] was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought in Peter. 17 The slave-girl therefore who kept the door said to Peter, "you are not also [one] of this man's disciples, are you? He said, "I am not." 18 Now the slaves and the officers were standing [there], having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves, and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. 

Message: Taken to the High Priest

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 heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, though most likely outnumbered, in pulling out his dagger to cut off a high priest's servants ear, but Jesus tells him to back down, as He is to drink the Cup (of wrath) the Father has for him. 

Now the description of Jesus' formal arrest occurs. He is taken to Annas, father-in-law to Caiaphas, the high priest at that time. Annas however was high priest prior and as the patriarch of the priestly family, probably was seen by many as still holding the title. Caiaphas had emphasized that Jesus should die. Peter followed along with another disciple (probably John because entrance to the courtyard signified wealth and John had it from his family).  But given the opportunity he denied being a disciple. Peter made out to be one of the boys, warming himself with the high priests at the fire. And yet this denial was predicted by Jesus, reminding us that Jesus knows all things. 

I am not sure I see much else from this passage really. 

Summary: Jesus is taken to Annas, but it seem Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus. 

Promise: I trust in Jesus for He knows what is ahead of me, but I remain responsible and choose wisely. 

Prayer: Lord, as I think of this passage and your arrest for my sins that You will pay for. I hope that I will not be one of the crowd, denying you when given the opportunity. I ask that I would have the courage to stand up for what I believe and announce You before others and yet I know many times I have not. And sometimes hide, but I pray for boldness and that I would display to others the person I am with You and the one You have called me to be. 

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

Leviticus 8 - The Old Covenant Priesthood

Leviticus 8, specifically verses 12 and 13 - "Then he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him, to consecrate him. Next Moses had Aaron's sons come near and clothed them with tunics, and girded them with sashes, and bound caps on them, just as the Lord had commanded Moses." 

Message: The Old Covenant Priesthood

Time: There is sufficient evidence that Moses penned Exodus and Leviticus including references to Leviticus by New Testament authors. Its name means "pertaining to the Levites" and its purpose was to instruct the Israelites on right living and proper worship. The most likely time for this is 1446 BC. The book communicates that receiving God’s forgiveness and acceptance should be followed by holy living and spiritual growth.

What the Lord is Saying: Our fundamental need of having a right relationship to our Creator - 

• Forgiveness of sins (Romans 3:21-26)
• Imputation of Christ's righteousness; justification (Romans 3:21-26)
• Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31)
• The Holy Spirit to regenerate us (John 3:1-8)

Our pathway to achieve these is having a mediator in order that we will be rightly related to God, approved by Him and accepted into His kingdom. It in Jesus that our sins are forgiven, that we are justified or made right with God and the Holy Spirit, who is God, regenerates us. 

In the Old Testament, the Messiah was anticipated and people in their daily lives saw a type or foreshadowing of the Messiah through the old covenant priest. The priest is mentioned often in the Old Testament as one who is set apart for service. The priest is commissioned via the anointing of oil, through offering sacrifice and even by receiving special clothing. Perhaps baptism, confession and being born again sets us apart today in these ways. The priest must be set apart because only he was able to enter the inner parts of the tabernacle to offer sacrifices to cover people's sins. The priest was the go-between man and God. And only the high priest could enter the holy of holies and once a year, the day of atonement.

The priest enabled the people to worship the Lord. And yet there was still this separation as ordinary people could not enter the Holy of Holies and the service of the priests was distinct or separate from other people's service to the Lord. 

Yet, it is important to recognize this history. This reminds me the importance of sin and it's seriousness in our lives and yet how we do not have the means on our own to be made right with God. We need someone else to provide this for us. In the old covenant, it was provided by the priest through sacrifices and entering into the holiest presence of God. Throughout the history man has not been able to absolve his own sins. He has needed someone else to do this. 

Summary: God has always provided a substitute and a mediator between God and man to reconcile us (Priests, Jesus). Man sins. God provides the way for righteousness. 

Promise: We have no need for earthly priests today. Christ is our mediator. We study the old covenant revelation to better understand the work of Christ. 

Prayer: O Lord, thank you for the consistency of Your Word and showing me the place of a mediator you have always provided to remove sin and make me righteous. It was a priest in Old Covenant time and it is Jesus today and for always. There is nothing that man does to make himself holy and yet you want us to be a people that obeys you because You are a God to be obeyed. You are Holy and we need to rightly obey You. Thank you for these lessons and reminders from your Word. 

Hebrews 2:17 - Christ Our Priest

Hebrews 2:17

Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 

Message: Christ Our Priest

Time: The authorship of this book is shrouded in mystery, though its Jewish composition can still nail down its authorship to AD 64-69, as the book does not mention the destruction of the temple in AD 70. It has references to Jewish customs and the Old Testament, so most likely was sent to a Jewish community.  

What the Lord is Saying: 

Charles Swindoll states that "Hebrews clearly lays out the present priestly ministry of Christ in the life of the believer. Jesus is both the divine Son of God and completely human, and in His priestly role He clears the way for human beings to approach the Father in heaven through prayer."

Only chapter 1, 10, 11, and 13 do not mention this role of priest of Jesus in Hebrews. 

My study so far has been of Christ Alone as the one who saves us. I've looked at His attributes, His work or obedience, and now have shifted to His titles - as our Prophet and now our Priest. The priest is a title that meant a great deal to the Jewish community for a high priest acted as a representative on earth of God. They brought sacrifices to cover sin and it is interesting the Catholic Church carried on this role in similar ways. The Day of Atonement was one of the most significant days as annually it represented the cleansing of people - to maintain the covenant relationship between the Israelites and the Lord. 

Even up to the time of the Reformation this office of Priest was one of the stark identifiers in what Martin Luther saw as a problem with the Roman Catholic church - that man needed a go-between to get to God or be absolved of sin. What is a mystery is how the priests role continues to institute or give the idea that the priest must receive penance and be the intercessor between God and Man. For me, God remains a mystery in many people's lives so they are looking for any type of authority to help them understand God and so the Priest becomes that authority and what we do then is listen to whatever the person has to say. 

The Westminster Shorter Catechism written in 1646 and 1647 states, "Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us (WSC 25)." In today's text, Jesus is made like his brothers in all things, so God becomes a man and lives as a man. So that he might become a merciful and high priest - the problem with the continuous role of priest is the priest offers something temporary. Old covenant priests repeated their sacrifices annually, by replacing the penalty of sin with the blood of an animal. The practice was to retrieve an unblemished animal, so to find an animal that is as perfect as possible and this blood atoned for sin. The Messiah is one that releases people from captivity. Man is captive to his flesh and because of this will always be imperfect. Jesus as Messiah releases man by offering Himself and offers a perfect version of man - one without sin. Thus, Jesus is our High Priest. I'm not sure people think that the priest today is meant to replace Jesus, but it gives that impression. Why would we continue to use someone like a priest that is not all sufficient?  

Promise: Jesus cannot fail to save the elect. He offers true atonement for sin. Jesus through His sacrifice regained for men and women a relationship with God. 

Prayer: Lord, it saddens me to see how you are misunderstood in our world, but I suppose this is what happens when eyes are blinded to the truth and it is apparent. It is hard to be part of a remnant at times for the majority is what we often want to be about. But the reality is, as we work and live in our world, we as Christians are a minority and what we think and believe about life and living and salvation is somewhat unique. I pray that the message of the Gospel would penetrate people's lives and for those you place in my place, you would help me be a conduit of information for the truth of who You are. Thank you for using me in the way you have, for even using this blog to help communicate to others. Help me to continue to be a light to those in need. Be glorified always. 

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 celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of May is about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April was about salvation by grace alone; March about the sovereign providence of God; February was about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January was about the doctrine of God.

- The Divine Nature of Christ, The Human Nature of Christ, Jesus the Last Adam, Jesus the True Israel, Jesus the Messiah, Obedience in Childhood, Obedience in Baptism, Obedience in Temptation, Obedience under the Law, Obedience in Suffering, Christ Our Prophet, Christ the Priest

Mark 15:27-32 - Crucified and Reviled

Mark 15:27-32
27 They *crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. 28 [And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with transgressors.”] 29 Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. 32 Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.
Message: Crucified and Reviled

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 arrived at the cross. He was too weak to carry the crossbeam after being beaten, scourged, spit on, mocked, so Simon the Cyrene was grabbed as he passed by and he carried the beam until it was joined with the upright post. Jesus' garments were divided among the soldiers.

They *crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. Jesus is not alone but has two robbers on either side of Him being crucified. By placing robbers on his right and left his reproach is equalized or ever worse than these two thieves. These men could have been part of the brigade of Barabbas. Yet, Jesus had not even sinned and still the rejection and mockery that he received was focused squarely on him. Mark does not even mention that they walked with Jesus to the cross bearing a crossbeam. Obviously the death on the cross is great, but for Jesus it went beyond physical pain to an attempt to hurt him emotionally and psychologically. [And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with transgressors.”] Isaiah 53:12 states, "Because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors." The brackets around this verse are there because this verse is omitted from most manuscripts. But, it does show the fulfillment of prophecy.

Mark now talks of the emotional suffering that Christ endured by first, those passing by. This could have been a road or walkway or perhaps people made a specific trip to the crucifixion. Yet, there, seeing Jesus suffering isn't enough for them as they were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” Again, it is interesting to me what Mark calls attention to here. Peter was there, witnessing this and making note of how people responded. For Peter he seems to be focusing on other people a lot in this gospel. And the remark from the people is again a misunderstanding of what Jesus had said. The temple he had mentioned was himself not the physical structure. In fact these words will be fulfilled. Their words are as Gil mentions, "thou poor vain miserable creature, that boasted of thy power, where art thou now? and what dost thou think of thyself?"

The second group that Peter mentions is the expected chief priests and scribes: In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Their condemnation of Him seems more expected. Yet, unlike the passerby's the mocking is among themselves. But was not this their practice, to speak among themselves and instead motivate others be the ones assaulting him. Yes, they questioned Jesus, but this was more of a slanderous act they were doing.

And finally the 3rd group mentioned are those on the left and right of Jesus: the robbers who were also being crucified. This contempt is odd by all. Nothing more can be done to Jesus and yet there is an attempt to do more, by everyone around him continuing to mock him. The robbers were almost declaring that they were unlike him, but even worse. Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him. 

Summary - Mark will now take a moment to not talk about how Jesus is suffering physically on the cross, but how the passerby's or the people watching Jesus be crucified don't just watch, but continue to mock him and insult him.

Promise: R.C. Sproul writes, "Jesus was not about saving Himself. He was about saving His people, which required that He stay on the cross until the bitter end."

Prayer: Lord, you experienced pain that I will never know. I seek to escape pain. Thank you Lord. That's really the best I can do is thank you and try to pledge my life in service to You. You didn't deserve it and yet it fulfilled prophecy. None of this was needed and yet you endured whatever it took to save me, to save all of us.

Mark 15:6-15 - Pilate Capitulates To The Crowd

Mark 15:6-15
6 Now at the feast he used to release for them any one prisoner whom they requested. 7 The man named Barabbas had been imprisoned with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the insurrection. 8 The crowd went up and began asking him to do as he had been accustomed to do for them. 9 Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he was aware that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead.12 Answering again, Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” 13 They shouted back, “Crucify Him!” 14 But Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!” 15 Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Message: Pilate Capitulates To The Crowd

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 - It is Friday morning and the chief priests have consulted and concluded Jesus is guilty of blasphemy, but now they take him to Roman authority, Pilate, to recommend his execution. Blasphemy carries no weight with Pilate so they mention that He proclaims himself to be King of the Jews. Pilate addresses Jesus and he admits it and then others accuse him but he remains silent to these many other accusations.

In verse 10, the text remarks that Pilate was aware that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. This was the concern that the Jewish leaders had with Jesus. They felt like he would rival their authority. This is interesting because in life sometimes conflicts are over authority and not necessarily what is best for the people. From Peter's perspective, the Jewish leaders had envy for Jesus because they saw the audiences that he commanded and they saw how people flocked to him, walking many miles to see Him. They didn't have that type of popularity or notoriety.

As Pilate now is going to bring these criminals before the people it is known that at this time of year, during the Passover feast he used to release for them any one prisoner whom they requested. To this day the president prior to leaving office will pardon criminals or set them free. And this appears to be the custom at this time of the year. Pilate wondered if Jesus was the one that would be released. Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” This is now the name of Jesus, King of the Jews, and not messiah, healer, provider, but rather the name that the Jewish leaders took the greatest offense.

The man named Barabbas had been imprisoned with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the insurrection. Barabbas is the one brought forth to be released. He was a rebel who had been imprisoned for staging a revolt against the Roman government which was often the case among people. The Jewish government ended up being there only for spiritual matters while the Roman government had the weight of criminal items. Thus, it had more weight and there were those that didn't like this, like Barabbas, who had in the past sparked a revolt against the Roman authority. And the idea of Pilate releasing someone is repeated - The crowd went up and began asking him to do as he had been accustomed to do for them. The custom had been for someone to be released at the Passover.

But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead. The chief priests wanted to make it clear that the one to be released was Barabbas and not Jesus. So it was clear that Barabbas would be released so Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” Pilate seems to be experiencing some inward struggle as he then asks the people what would be the fate of the one they call King of the Jews. Jesus is not simply called the King but is known to be the king by the people is Pilate's assertion. Though Pilate is willing to let Jesus go, the people respond with They shouted back, “Crucify Him!” This was prompted by the chief priests and then now echoed by the crowd. Yet even after hearing this pronouncement by the people, Pilate wonders again - “Why, what evil has He done?” but the response is still the same But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!” This is a mob scene. I recall a movie called the Oxbow Incident that I always thought showed the picture of this. In that story is the idea that they people are convinced of the guilty of 3 men and stage a lynching of those men for the murder of one of their own, and yet in the end they discover that even after the lynching the guilty party is still at large and they go back to a salon in sorrow for what they have done.

It seems the crucifixion of Jesus takes on a similar tone and one we have to be mindful of and careful of, even today. There is a tendency in us to go along with the crowd and ignore the facts but to have in us this desire to see another man's demise because it is somewhat easy and at the time we want Justice.

Pilate does what the people ask him to do. Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. The chief priests have gotten what they wanted, Jesus to be crucified.

Summary - It is Friday and the fate of not only Jesus but also a rebel is up for grabs. The chief priests want to see Jesus' demise. Pilate is going to pardon someone, but the attention of the pardon is turned towards Barabbas who has been an insurrectionist or rebel of the Roman authority. The people recommend his removal. But do not want Jesus to be pardoned. Jesus, the chiefs priests felt, was a rebel to their own authority. Despite a couple of attempts by Pilate to set Jesus free, he turns Jesus over to the people to have Him crucified.

Promise: Every time we trust in earthly princes we come to be apart of the crowd that crucified Jesus. Our allegiance is not to be with the crowd and the pressure we may feel to be a part of that crowd, but to focused on the Truth, the Truth of God.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for going along with the crowd often instead of doing what is right. I am never promised a rose garden, but in fact there will be hard toil as I labor for You and desire to achieve maturity as a believer in Christ. Help me God to beat to the correct drum. O Lord, my Lord, how majestic is Your name in all of the earth. I am to praise Your name and do the right thing, no matter the cost.

Mark 14:66-72 - The Rooster Crow

Mark 14:66-72
66 As Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest *came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and *said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” And he went out onto the porch. 69 The servant-girl saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, “This is one of them!” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too.”71 But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man you are talking about!” 72 Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he began to weep.

Message: The Rooster Crow

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 just been convicted and sentenced to death by the high priest and the people began to spit on and fist pump Jesus. The reason for his conviction is a culmination of events of how the priests have been threatened by Jesus since he has come on the scene. And now Jesus himself has confessed that He is the Messiah, the Son of God and that He will be at the right hand of God. The charge to Jesus is blasphemy. It is Thursday, in the middle of the night, about 3 am. Peter and John are nearby having followed the assembly of people to the court area to see what would happen.

As Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest *came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and *said, “You also were with Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus has already had made bold predictions about future events - his death and resurrection and then also the scattering of the sheep and how they would reject him. And now in this moment Jesus was not only being arrested but now spit on and beaten. The disciples initially fled when Jesus was arrested, but then curiosity led them to where the courts were accusing him. But, they are reverting back to their previous position now of innocence. What makes this denial more significance was how the accusation was insignificant. It wan't the high priest making the church, but a servant and a servant girl of the high priest. Peter took this as possible future danger.

How often has this occurred in life when I have shrugged off my affiliation with God or things spiritual simply out of a fear of being associated with Jesus. I have a danger in life of blending in, not going against the flow. Peter's response is:

1. But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.”

And he went out onto the porch. The servant-girl saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, “This is one of them!” The first time was alone and now she says the same thing but with an audience.

2. But again he denied it. 

And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too.” Now it has gone from the servant-girl to the bystanders. So, there is no trial at all, no association at all with a high priest, just harmless people who possible were involved in the spitting on. But, the result is the same.

3. But he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this man you are talking about!”

It is a sad affair as Peter has clearly denied His affiliation with Jesus. He denies being a part of the group of people following Jesus and then he makes it clear that he doesn't even know Jesus. He clearly shows that he has nothing to do with Jesus whatsoever.

Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he began to weep. In the moment of it occurring we are concerned about the audience, but then afterward, we are convicted and see first hand that what we have done is what we have said we do not want to do and that is deny our association with Jesus.

Summary - Jesus has been accused of a crime and Peter has been a witness to this. The crime is being the Messiah, the Son of God. The high priests servant girl asks him by herself, then in the company of bystanders and then the bystanders themselves ask - Peter denies being part of the group of followers and then denies even knowing Jesus. But, apart from the group, Jesus is embarrassed by His actions and weeps over his sin of denial.

Promise: It is good to think of our sin for then the Holy Spirit will remind us of our sin. This is the mark of a Christian.

Prayer: Lord, I need to be aware of my sin more. Remind me of my wrongdoing. I too quickly justify My behavior. I too quickly spend time protecting myself from any accusation. I gather with Christians and proclaim Your name but before men I go along with the crowd. Forgive me Lord. Forgive me Lord. I am embarrassed before You My God. Lord, if I can help others see this, show me the Way. 

Mark 14:61-62 - The Son of Man at The Right Hand of Power

Mark 14:61-62
61 But He kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”

Message: The Son of Man at The Right Hand of Power

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 appeared before the Sanhedrin court after being seized under the cover of darkness by the elders, priests, and scribes. Witnesses have been brought to the court as they seek evidence against Jesus. The only item mentioned is Jesus stating that the temple will come down in 3 days, though this was referring to His body, the temple and not a literal temple. Throughout all of this He (Jesus) kept silent and did not answer. Silence was actually a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:7). Peter and John have followed him to the courts to watch, after initially fleeing from the scene when Jesus was arrested.

The court scene is continuing to occur. Again the high priest was questioning Him. Up to now Jesus had been silent. There was no reason to speak for he was completely innocent of everything. But the high priest continues to question Jesus, which is what the high priest(s) have been doing often over the last 3 years. The high priest was saying to Him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" The question presented is whether Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Mark doesn't use the name God but instead refers to God as the Blessed One, which was common at this time because the name of God should not be mentioned or the Jewish people often wouldn't use the name of God.

Jesus responds now for the first time with "I am" affirming that what has been said is correct. He didn't respond when things were said to Him that were not true. But now he responds with a quote from the Old Testament as was often the way Jesus responded to questions. Jesus says and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” He uses the name Son of Man which was the most common way that he addressed himself. But the Son of Man that he is quoting from Daniel is also referring to God incarnate so He is claiming Himself to be God. Daniel 7:13 says, "I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him." Psalm 110:1 also says, "A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet." So there is a combination of these verses and the sentiment from Jesus of the prophecy of himself.

Jesus uses words from the Old Testament that are clearly prophecies of the Messiah and His position before God and how He will come in the future. He is stating that He is the Messiah and aligning Himself with God.

Summary - Jesus responds to the answer from the chief priest, most likely Caiaphas about whether Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, Son of God. Jesus responds for the first time with the affirmative because what is asked of him is a valid question with an affirmative response.

Promise: Jesus affirms his deity, his purpose and that he is the Messiah.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for confirming who you are, the Son of Man, the son of God, the Messiah as predicted. Help me Lord to always proclaim You as such. It saddens me to see how you are put forth and projected in our world today. Forgive me for sitting there and laughing along with it. Be praised God. I do want to praise Your name.

Jesus Calling: April 10

     Trust Me in every detail of your life. Nothing is random in My kingdom. Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me. Instead of trying to analyze the intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on trusting Me and thanking Me at all times. Nothing is wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good, through My transforming grace.  

     While you were still living in darkness, I began to shine the Light of My Presence into your sin-stained life. Finally, I lifted you up out of the mire into My marvelous Light. Having sacrificed My very Life for you, I can be trusted in every facet of your life. 

Jeremiah 17:7
English Standard Version (ESV)

     “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
         whose trust is the Lord.

Verse Thoughts
I think of this often that I am to live and be all that I can be, trusting in God's statutes and following His ways, but in all my circumstances, I am to rest in His outcome for my life and all it's parts. He is sovereign and He will do what is best in me. I tend to grade those outcomes and decide if I like them, but I rather must trust Him.

Romans 8:28
Amplified
     We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Verse Thoughts
I need to remember the context of this passage because "working together for good" is a thought that is based upon "present sufferings (v.18)", "frustration (v. 20)", "bondage (v. 21)", "groaning (v.22)", "wait patiently (v.25)", "our weakness (v.26)". Help me remember this Lord because I tend to think good is material wealth, happiness, career acclaim, but it seems to be more about the assurance that the finish line awaits as I go through present sufferings.

Psalm 40:2
ESV

     He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
         out of the miry bog,
     and set my feet upon a rock,
         making my steps secure.

I Peter 2:9
New King James Version
     But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 

My Prayer
Help me find reason and comfort in each moment of my day. I can give a timely word to people in need. I want to trust in You Lord. Help me to see that the mistakes I make, the anger, the impatience, can be used by you to transform me. Your grace is amazing. Thank You for lifting me up from the pit of destruction and setting my feet upon a rock and making my steps secure. Thank You for choosing me and making me holy and setting me a part to be Your special people. Lord, I praise You and praise You again. I once was blind, but now I see. And it's all because of You. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Mark 1:40-45 - The Disobedient Leper

Mark 1:40-45
40 And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”41 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, 44 and He said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.

Message: The Disobedient Leper

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: 

At first glance, when I look at this passage, I see that on the heels of Mark mentioning that Jesus' purpose in ministry is to preach the gospel, the next scene Mark gives us is of a man being healed. The man comes to Jesus basically begging to be healed, believing that Jesus can heal. He doesn't give Jesus his sob story, but simply states that If you are willing (or I believe you have the power), you can make me clean. Jesus obliges I am willing; be cleansed, and the man is healed. And then in response Jesus gives him a command. Now, isn't this similar to what Jesus asks of each of us. Each person comes to Jesus and believes in him and then Jesus blesses them. Jesus doesn't ask each person to do something first and then he blessed, but Jesus simply blesses. But, afterwards he does ask something of this man and asks something of us, his followers.

He tells him to: (1) say nothing to anyone, (2) go to the priest, (3) make an offering. But instead the man goes and spreads the news. And Jesus has to retreat to smaller villages to continue his mission. Jesus loves people. He has a compassion to heal them, but he also has a mission and he understands that many will not approve of him.

Old Testament Law had very specific rules about lepers. Lepers had to take precautions to prevent the spread of their disease. They had live outside the camp, away from God's special presence. The leper could only re-enter the camp once healed - but this re-entry was preceded by the priest conducting a close investigation of the leprous man or woman and offer sacrifices to restore the person to ritual purity. In Old Testament law, purity was obtained through sacrifices. It is interesting that this is the command that Jesus gives. The priests could not heal, but their intent was to confirm the healing and restore them to purity. So while Jesus healed this man, he intended the man to go the priest ready to be restored, not mentioning how he had been cleaned, but to take the proper procedures to re-enter the city. He wanted the man to follow the correct procedures and keep his healing a secret, in a way.

Thus, Mark does communicate here that Jesus does continue to have a mission, but he also brings to the attention that people are enthralled and amazed and see the potential of saving their ailments at the hands of the healing master Jesus. But, Jesus is still about his purpose and thus, everything he continues to do is to preserve that purpose.

Promise: Jesus hates what sin has done to his creation, and He is full of compassion for those who suffer the effects of the fall. Despite knowing what this man will do, the Lord heals him anyway, which is a remarkable display of His patience, compassion, and grace to undeserving sinners.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being about compassion. Thank you for loving your people. And thank you for having a purpose. Lord, there will be different times that I am sidetracked throughout my day, but keep me focused on You and Your purposes and Your plans in my life. I am on mission to proclaim You, but I also have responsibilities in life. Keep me focused. Thank you for your example and showing me the way.

Psalm 115:9-18 - Blessing The Lord Now and Forever

Psalm 115:9-18

9 O Israel, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield.
12 The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us;
He will bless the house of Israel;
He will bless the house of Aaron.
13 He will bless those who fear the Lord,
The small together with the great.
14 May the Lord give you increase,
You and your children.
15 May you be blessed of the Lord,
Maker of heaven and earth.
16 The heavens are the heavens of the Lord,
But the earth He has given to the sons of men.
17 The dead do not praise the Lord,
Nor do any who go down into silence;
18 But as for us, we will bless the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
Praise the Lord!

Message: Blessing The Lord Now and Forever

Time: Based upon authorship and subject matter, Psalms cover a range of centuries. David is mentioned 73 times, Solomon 2, Moses 1, and 50 designate no specific person. It is believed they were compiled around 537 BC. The psalms deal with such subjects as God and His creation, war, worship, wisdom, sin and evil, judgment, justice, and the coming of the Messiah.

What the Lord is Saying: 

As I continue to look at this Psalm, I saw in the first 8 verses a contrast between all praise to God and the folly of replacing God or instead worshiping idols. To God be the glory. He is the patient one despite many questioning that He is even there. But, God does as he wishes and He is to be glorified; He doesn't need me and He is sovereign over all. How narrow it is those that people can choose instead to worship a man-made idol and in so doing they get completely off track. It amazes me in life how easily we got off track and begin living for things that just don't matter. The Lord is to be praised above all. Daily I need reminders to remember God, seek Him, thank Him, praise Him.

People appraise God as being helpless and the Psalmist responds to show the stupidity of idolatry and finding rest in man-made things.

Appeal - The Covenant People
O Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. The first 8 verses sound like a prayer of praise to God, but verse 8 makes a shift to words maybe from a leader to the people, such as a choir leader to the congregation appealing to them to trust in the Lord. He is Israel's help and Israel's shield. He helps us and he protects us. Those are words I must not forget. Sunday, a man walked into a church service in Sutherland Heights, Texas and opened fire on a small church gathering killing 26 and wounding more. This tiny church now has lost half of its membership. It's hard to fathom, but it should remind us that people need the help of God daily in their lives. Without that help, we do not think properly. In all of life's situations he is our help and our shield. This doesn't mean that nothing bad will happen to us; his protection lasts for eternity.

Appeal - The Consecrated Priest
O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. Verse 9 appealed to Israel and this verse appeals to the priest. The people are to trust in the Lord, but also the priests. The priests should set the example for the masses that it is God who is our help and shield.

Appeal - The Converted Pagan
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. From Israel, to the Priest, to the person, or the pagan, all are to trust in the Lord. He is our help and shield no matter where we are at in life.

Application - Assurance of Blessing
The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord, the small together with the great. Our Lord is the business of blessing. And I need to be in the business of recognized those blessings. This doesn't mean everything will work out the way I want it. Help me, Lord, to see where you are working and thank you for it. You are mindful of me. You have given me Life, eternal life. You have given me breath. All the good that I have in my life is a gift from You. Each day that I can live is a gift from You. And my faithfulness, my measure of my fear is not contingent on the degree of blessing that I will receive. God simply blesses His people.

Application - Assessment of the Blessing
May the Lord give you increase, You and your children. May you be blessed of the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. The Lord is able to bless anyone at anytime. Nothing is too difficult for Him. I need to trust in this each day. Forgive me Lord for thinking you are done with me.

Applause - The Globe
The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth He has given to the sons of men. Heaven is the home of the Lord. It is his home right now. Any time Scripture attempts a description of Heaven it resorts to symbolic language. The earth has been given to human beings. God came to this earth to redeem it. It needs redeeming, continually.

Applause - The Grave
The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence; At this time, Jesus had not yet brought life to those in the grave. The Old Testament shares a gloomy picture of the grave. In contrast, the living are to praise the Lord.

Applause - The Godly

But as for us, we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forever. Praise the Lord! We are to bless the Lord forever. He is to be praised at any time, at all times. 

Promise: The Lord is about blessing His people and we are about blessing the Lord, praising His name forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that we are able to put our trust in You. Thank you for being our help and our shield. Help me to believe this each day and trust in You no matter what comes. As we experience difficulties and trials that we think are too big for us to deal with, remind us that we can trust in You, remain in You and you will help us and shield us from the world and its messages. Thank you for the way you have blessed me. I don't understand it, but I continually thank you for it. Help me to continue to recognize this in my life.

Psalm 110:4-7 - The Eternal Priest-King

Psalm 110:4-7

⁴ The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind,
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”
⁵ The Lord is at Your right hand;
He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.
⁶ He will judge among the nations,
He will fill them with corpses,
He will shatter the chief men over a broad country.
⁷ He will drink from the brook by the wayside;
Therefore He will lift up His head.

Message: The Eternal Priest-King

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: I continue on, albeit slowly. The day doesn't have enough time in it. Or rather, I guess it does, but I end up spending it on other things. I like this quiet time in the morning. Lord multiply the richness of the time I do have with You. Thank you for Your Word. You are a priest forever.

As I mentioned previously, the consensus is that this passage is Messianic, but is it that alone? Going back to verse 1 is the address that, The LORD said to my Lord. Thus, the words are coming from the Lord and speaking to someone. The Messiah is one of several interpretations for this passage and so the beginning of verse 4 is repeating the address to this individual. The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Notwithstanding, Melchizedek is a mysterious person in the Bible, coming in and out of scenes. He blessed Abraham in Genesis 14, thus he must have a special role. The Book of Hebrews expands on this. David refers also here to Melchizedek. But the greatness of Melchizedek is not limited to him, but engulfs the order of priests that follow after him.

It reminds me of Joseph Smith, who I believe created and established the faith of the LDS and in so doing hones in on this mysterious way of Melchizedek, expanding and creating a doctrine to ordain priests or rather apostles of the LDS movement throughout time (eternally). It was a leap, but one that has kept that faith movement extremely fruitful in its endeavors, though its footing is on terribly shaky, not holy, ground.

Yes, it is clear from Psalm 110 that Melchizedek and the order of priests after him do take on an eternal priesthood. Melchizedek is also a descendant of David. Jesus is our Great High Priest and thus, his sacrifices and atonement is for all people and negates the need for future priests after him.

But, back to Melchizedek. From Genesis 14:18 he was a priest of God Most High. And this priesthood is forever. And this priesthood is also a kingship for Melchizedek was both priest and king. If Jesus is our true intermediary, then why do we need someone else to show us the way. John the Baptist prepared the way. We are called to be disciples and preach the Word to all nations. It seems the priesthoods continued because people didn't have access to the Bible. Or the priests had the access and so they controlled somewhat what the people would hear.

Going back to verse 1, The Lord said to my Lord. There, it is -- adonai speaking to adoni. The second Adoni is one of respect, but the Lord, or God is speaking in the first adonai. And in verse 5 are the words -- The Lord is at Your right hand. Again, the Lord is Jehovah and Jehovah is at your right hand. God is our power and protector. He is our Leader and sustains all. He is our Rock and our fortress. He is the great I am. He is our God, watching over us. He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.There will be a day of battle and at that time God will be the victor. But He will not only win, but He will shatter the powers of those seemingly in power. It is like an underdog beating the most favored foe. There are those powers that are completely against God and His ways and God will strike them down in this moment. These are heathen nations that God will oppose and have victory over. God is my lord and he at my right hand and he will shatter the heathen kings. 

In verse 6, He will judge among the nations. He will uphold right and wrong and he will decide who has been right or wrong. He instituted a Law for people and who has lived in accordance to it? God will be the judge and decide. The Law was there to point people back to God, showing them that are incapable of keeping it, as we see each day, but this always points us back to God for our help. Our help comes from the Lord. Lord, I admit there are things throughout my day that cause me to be unsettled. Right now, I am feeling down and neglected and not important. And my response is often to pout or to remain depressed rather than look to You for strength and to look to you for comfort. Lord, at times this type of thinking then takes me to discontent where I think that where I am is not right. My thought life Lord gets dark and I start assuming what people are thinking about me, all because I have not gotten some need met. I need to continue to trust You Lord.  

And continuing with the theme that he will judge, his judgment becomes more final through the rest of verse 6 - He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. Benson commentary says that these words are not meant to be taken literally but figuratively. But it is clear that his wrath is complete; it is not simply a judgment but their is finality in it. There is a resting place for those that oppose God and it is separation from Him. He will shatter the heads of the leaders of those that oppose God. It is not centralized, but global.


And the Messiah here, if represented, Jehovah, my Lord, He will drink from the brook by the wayside; The victorious leader pauses, for a moment, at the brook by the wayside. Drinks often refer to sufferings. The Messiah on the way to be crucified, momentarily shoulders the sufferings of the world. There are different ways to look at this verse and different ways to interpret, but all see it as a pause. Therefore He will lift up His head. On the cross, Jesus took on the suffering of all mankind, breathed out and then lifted his head to conquer sin and death by resurrecting from the dead. The leader here pauses and then commences his task in the lifting of his head. 

I've been on this passage too long. I've had trouble getting through it. It's a passage that has been subscribed to Jesus but it also could be at the time a reference to a leader being led by the Lord.

Promise: God is in charge and sits at the right hand declaring his glory through victory He has over kingdoms and people that oppose Him. The bottom line is God is victorious.

Prayer: Lord, help me to understand Your Word continually and help me to see it as it is. Continue to help me to study it and stay in the practice of leaning on it. Lord, I want to be guided by truth.

Romans 15:14-16 - Paul's Priestly Service

Romans 15:14-16 - ¹⁴ I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. ¹⁵ But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God ¹⁶ to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Message: You are mature in Christ, now keep on ministering and offering the Gentiles as acceptable to God

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

Background
Paul has been speaking to the strong ones, primarily, the strong in faith, and reminding them of the importance of being sensitive to people at different levels of faith. And to be sensitive to them regarding their beliefs or convictions. I am to build other people up, to live in harmony with others, to welcome others. Christ has welcomed me. The Jews and the Gentiles have both been grafted into the family of God. I am not to pass judgment on another person because of a conviction they have, though this is in the context of what that person believes regarding a religious conviction. This doesn't mean I can never judge nor does it mean that I am to accept everything a person does. Sometimes what people do is outright sin. I am not to be accepting towards everything a person does. 

You are mature in Christ
Paul then in verse 14 says some things to the Jewish Christians here, which is who he is primarily speaking to in this book of Romans. Verse 14 kind of reminds me of the letter to seven churches that is recorded in Revelation 2 and 3 and the words John says to each of those seven churches, praising them first for something they are doing right. "You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another." 

There may be a tendency to think that because of all that Paul has said in this fine book that these Christians were therefore deficient in their understanding but this verse is a bold proclamation that these Jewish Christians were in fact living out their faith in a doctrinally sound manner and were passing on what they learned to others. And this was all based upon what he had heard concerning them because he had never visited them personally.  

These were Christians that came along the side of other Christians and counseled them. They were there for each other, providing encouragement and instruction. 

Reminder
Paul makes a transition in verse 15 to state why he has stated what he has. All of us need to be reminded. And Paul has not held back in his explanations. He has been bold in those explanations, comprehensively describing the explanation of thought and deed. 

Ray C. Stedman makes this remark:

"I saw a man the other day with a string around his finger. The string was to remind him of something. The fact that we so easily forget things is somehow built into our humanity and I think one of the greatest proofs of the fall of man is that we have such a hard time remembering what we want to remember, yet we so easily remember what we want to forget!... Living out in the world, as many of you are, working every day among non-Christians, it is so easy to be sucked into the attitudes of the world around. It is so easy to get the idea that life is designed to be a pleasant picnic, that we can work toward the day when we can retire and enjoy ourselves. I find that attitude prevalent among people everywhere, but that is not what the Bible says. The Bible says we are in the midst of a battle, a battle to the death, against a keen and crafty foe. He wants to discourage us and defeat us, and to make us feel angry and hostile. He knows how to do it, and he never lets up. This life is not designed to be a time of relaxing. There are times when we need recreation and vacations, when we can slow down a bit. But you never see the Apostle Paul talking about quitting the battle. You cannot quit, as long as life is there. So Paul tells us that we need to be reminded, day by day and week by week, that we are in a battle and that we have a crafty foe. This life is not all there is, by any means. This is school time, a training ground, where we are to learn our lessons. This life is getting us ready for the real thing that is yet to come."

I agree with this statement. We believe so often that life is about us and about our enjoyment. In Christ, however, I am on mission. 

Be a minister
Throughout these past 2 chapters, the overriding message in these chapters is to be a minister to our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is to think of others as more important than myself. It is to want the best for others. I think we all just have this tendency over and over to make ourselves happy and please ourselves. Yet, Paul uses a different word here for minister to emphasize something. He uses  leitourgos because he saw his missionary work like that of a priest offering sacred worship to God.

Paul desires to present Gentiles before God. A person makes a sacrifice or presentation before God to show God that I am denying myself and bringing something before you, hoping that you find it pleasing. So Paul wants to encourage these Christians to not just accept the Gentile but to present these Gentiles to God as a sacrifice like a priest would do. It is one thing to accept others that are different from us, but it is quite another thing to present them before God. It is to come alongside them and really desire their best.

Offering of the Gentiles
Transformation of thoughts are possible. Paul is a testament to this. Prior to being in Christ he hated the Gentile believers and now he is bringing them before God as a sacrifice, desiring them to be pleasing to God. The Lord will reward us as we offer up these sacrifices.


Promise: We labor, not only for the saving of men, but for the satisfying of the heart of God. This is the most powerful motive.

 

Malachi 1

Message: Our offerings to the Lord and giving God first fruits; being careful how we come to the Lord.

Time: After the completion of the second temple. Late 5th Century BC, possibly during Nehemiah's return to Persia -- 433-424 BC. 

What the Lord is Saying:

God says, "I have loved you."

You say, "How?"

The Lord shows that even if Edom (from Esau) rebuilds their city, the Lord will lay it down as waste. Interesting. If God chooses Israel to be His people then there are people that He chooses not to be His.

Priests, as leaders, can do wrong. God wants our first fruits or our best to be offered to Him. We often, instead, give Him what is left over. This is not simply acceptable, but rather evil. We think that we can present any sort of offering to the Lord and he will find favor in it and us. The passage talks about offerings that a governor (political leader) wouldn't find acceptable, so why do we think it is okay to give God those things?

I think often of why there is so much detail written in the Old Testament about offerings to the Lord--different types and each with specific requirements and instructions. And here I see that it matters how we present offerings. We need to be careful in all things. We need to be careful in how we present our offerings to the Lord.

The Lord's name is great and He is a great king. Treat Him as such.

Promise: God wants to receive our best. He doesn't find favor when we just give whatever. We are His called out ones and not called to do nothing with what He has given us.

Zechariah 3

Message: The vision of being presented as a new man, snatched out of the fire, and ready to serve.

Time: Written during the building of the temple -- 520-516BC

What the Lord is Saying: Another vision. Zechariah was shown Jeshua, the high priest. Satan was there accusing Jeshua. And the Lord comes to the rescue, offering protection to his chosen.

Jeshua dirty clothes, dirty covering, sins were taken away and he was given fine new clothes. The Lord declared that Jeshua had been rescued like a burning stick from the fire. He was given new clothes. He was made a new creature.

The call to Jeshua was then to follow the Lord, serve Him carefully and then the Lord would give him authority over the Temple.

In the future, the Branch will come and the sins of the people and land will be removed in a single day. Neighbor with neighbor will sit.

-- Here we can see a picture of Jesus our Lord and being justified by faith, receiving righteousness and it being imputed to our record. 

Promise: God alone removes the guilt of sin and clothes His people with pure garments, a righteousness not our own, making peace with us in Christ.

From Tabletalk, November 27, 2013 -- "Just as Solomon and Zerubbabel, sons of David, built God's temple during the old covenant period, so does Jesus Christ, the final son of David, build God's temple today during the new covenant period. Unlike the temple of old, however, Christ does not build merely with human hands. As the God-man, He is the divine temple builder who is building His church into a holy temple, a clean sanctuary that will endure forever."

Hebrews 2:17

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
(Hebrews 2:17 ESV)

Jesus became like man in every respect. This was essential. Nothing was to be left out. As such, the descendants of Abraham are his brothers. Mercy is not giving someone what they deserve. With a nature like ours, his compassion extends to us all the more because he knows and understands the trials we experience. Yet, his service (unlike ours) was always marked by faithfulness and this means we are safe. He surpasses the Jewish High Priest. "The Son of God became a man, that he might so fully enter into the feelings of the people as to be faithful, and that he might be qualified, as a high priest, to perform the great work of rendering God propitious in regard to sins." Before God, we now have favor and success.