Mark 7:5-8 - Prophetic and Apostolic Tradition

Mark 7:5-8
⁵ The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?” ⁶ And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

‘This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far away from Me.
⁷ ‘But in vain do they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’

⁸ Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”

Message: Prophetic and Apostolic Tradition

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 - In Mark 1:15 are the words from Jesus - The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the gospel. Jesus initially calls a few to be his disciples and later expands it to 12. He will send out his disciples to speak this message of the kingdom of God. Along the way, Jesus performs many different types of miracles: physical healings, spiritual healings such as forgiveness, power over nature. There is the clear testimony of His power throughout these pages as He shares his message with the masses but also intimately with his disciples showing always his reliance on God and the power of God in people's lives. Jesus has become very popular in this area as many are coming to him to experience Him, to experience God. At the beginning of Chapter 7, Mark pauses a moment in his gospel to bring attention to the Pharisees and their attack on Jesus for doing things that are contrary to the laws and traditions they have followed. Jesus permits his disciples to eat without clean hands. 

As I saw in my reading at the beginning of Chapter 7, the Pharisees are following Jesus around, perhaps checking on him, but also disapproving of his actions. Mark mentions how one attack was related to not following traditions, not necessarily the Moses law, but traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation through the rabbi's. I think of faiths that have traditions like these, such as abstaining from caffeine or other types of abstinence issues. Thus, the Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?” Jesus uses this as an opportunity, hopefully to go beyond the mere act of washing one's hands prior to eating, which isn't a bad thing and something that is still encouraged to this day, to focus on the "why" of what we do. 

And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

‘This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far away from Me.
But in vain do they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’

Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.

The concern by Jesus here is that the Pharisees are going to great lengths to purify themselves outwardly in hopes that this rituals would make themselves acceptable to God. If they kept enough rules, thus sacrificing one's own desires, then through the rule keeping they would be set apart as worth unto God. And this is chiefly what Jesus is counteracting in his message. Paul sums it up well in Romans 2:28-29 - A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. Obviously, at this point Romans had not yet been written so Jesus brings us back to the words of Isaiah in 29:13 which conveys the same idea that simply speaking or doing something outward is not what Jesus is looking for, but rather a change of heart. 

In addition, the commandment of God comes to us from the written word of God. It is this word that we must hold onto....and nothing else. Nothing overrides the written word of God.

Summary - Jesus is speaking of the importance of a heart change. I don't think he is diminishing the importance of keeping oneself clean, but he is emphasizing that we all need to make sure that we don't get caught up in rules and outward appearances and forget the real issue is the motive of one's own heart.

Promise: We must not change Scripture to make it fit our man-made traditions.

Prayer: Lord, Jesus, help me to focus on what is on the inside. Yes, the outward matters and I knew my best to exemplify in my life the best in my obedience, but overall, I need to focus on the inside. This is where evil resides and can outpour evil onto my life. 

Mark 6:7-13 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Mark 6:7-13
⁷ And He *summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; ⁸ and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— ⁹ but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics.” ¹⁰ And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. ¹¹ Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” ¹² They went out and preached that men should repent. ¹³ And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.
 
Message: Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

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 arrives in Nazareth, about a 3 day journey from Capernaum. He has made it to his hometown and he speaks in the synagogue, as he has done elsewhere. The people of Nazareth did not accept Jesus. Jesus continued to heal people, but maybe not to the extent that he could because of the unbelief present in Nazareth. But the message of the Gospel still goes out. We must continue to teach and spread the Good News. The reception may be different but our mission does not change.

Jesus is on mission. His desire is to get the message of the gospel out to the people. He is asking people to repent and believe. Mark 1:15 stated this - The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe. Along the way Jesus has healed many, exercised demons, but also extended the message of repentance and believing. He has spoken with authority, forgiving sin, teaching about the purpose of the Sabbath. He has spoken of the different soils or conditions of man. He has shown his authority over nature: stilling the sea and taking charge of weather. And he has declared that he has power over death.

Now in verse 7, Jesus began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. Jesus commissioned the twelve and gave them a special type of authority. They were not to go solo, but in pairs. In my own life, I have seen that going to minister in pairs is much more effective and easier than going at it solo. It is important that we support and encourage one another in the work of the gospel. The fact that he gave them authority over unclean spirits and could pass along this authority testifies of the power that He had and only Him to do this. He wanted his teaching to be spread. This authority he gives them is one time and not to be repeated because only Jesus has the authority. 

And He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics.” He wanted them to travel light. They are to rely on the generosity of others as they go forth. For these disciples they were to trust that people would provide them what they needed. They only needed their walking shoes. They did not need a bag, money or change of clothing. Ministers of the gospel are not to be worldly minded, but heavenly minded and trusting God for his provision. People are hospitable, helpful, and giving. This is no accident. Jesus knew this because God made people like this. Therefore, the disciples do not need to feel like they need everything with them before they go.


And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. As strangers entered a town, the neighbors of the city took them in. They were there to speak a message and share. They were not there to stay a long time. People are more willing to help if you do not stay a long time. They were not to be a burden to anyone.

Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them. They were not to be surprised with the fact that some will not accept him. Just as Jesus, even in his hometown, was not accepted, we will encounter places that do not accept the message of the gospel. But we are not to be discouraged, but simply shake it off and move on. 

They went out and preached that men should repent. The gospel message stays the same: repent. People are to turn from their wicked ways and embrace God. People are to realize they are sinners and need forgiveness. Today, at times, is the feeling that we must first show people that they have disobeyed God, that we must instruct people on what it means to be a sinner. Yet, sin seems to be more clear in each person than we think. While preaching the message of repentance, they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them. The casting out of demons and anointing people and healing them was an expression of the work of God in their lives. It further testified of the work and goodness of God. 

Summary - The mission of Jesus and his ministry is simple - get the message out. Jesus knew that he could be more effective in this by sending out the twelve disciples he had called. Thankfully, many are there to provide disciples a meal, a place to stay. People are giving. But, at times we will encounter people that are not. Do not dwell on them. Move on. Always stay focused on the gospel message. People are to repent. Repentance is the key. 

Promise: The message does not change because of people's response. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving us and knowing what we need. Thank you for the message of repentance, for realizing that we need to take a 180 in our lives and go the opposite way. Help me as your bond-servant to continue to get that message out. I pray that I would be faithful to the call and help people see the importance of repenting. Thank you for men like Billy Graham and their faithfulness to the gospel message. Thank you for using him to change lives. I pray that we continue to be faithful to the message of the gospel.

Mark 4:35-40 - Jesus Ceases a Storm

Mark 4:35-40
35 On that day, when evening came, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. 37 And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. 38 Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. 40 And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Message: Jesus Ceases a Storm

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: 

This has been a comprehensive chapter, Mark 4, on the subjects of parables and their importance and significance in Jesus' ministry as he uses these stories to provide us with lessons he wants us to communicate. The most basic of which, the parable of the sower, leads off the chapter and is explained further, about the type of people or soil and surfaces that will receive the Word from God and how those people respond or not. Then there is a clear responsibility that the good soil recipients have to this planting and receiving of the Word, to live it out all the time realizing that God is in control and He takes care of the outcomes. We focus on the presentation, he takes care of the outcome. Our growth in the body is often slow and gradual but He is always working. Eventually, there will be huge dividends, far greater than anything we could ever realize or see. He is in control and He is working through His people.

Mark now in these verses - 35-40 -- retells an account he has heard from an eyewitness. (1) Peter was there and this is conveyed by the detail given (other boats were with Him, a fierce gale of wind, Jesus in the stern, asleep on the cushion).  (2) The storm itself was violent and significant. At least 4 of the disciples were fishermen by trade and had spent considerable time at sea, on the water and yet were nervous for their life (do you not care that we are perishing?). (3) Despite what they have seen by Christ thus far, overcoming demon possession and caring for the sick, they wonder still of his power, witnessed by their words (Why are you afraid?). Yet, I am no different. Despite what he has done in my life, I stare too often at my life, others, circumstances, and new situations and think, somehow that he isn't in control.

This is more about simply calming a storm. This is about our lives, that we bring before the Lord continually. We come to him and he rescues us from our eventual death, sealing us with Him for all time, giving us the assurance that we will live for eternity with Him (I John 5:11-12). He succeeds in our eternity, so we can now also see that he will succeed in our live on earth. He has already tried to comfort us with the knowledge that He is in control and will take care of the outcomes of our lives: the harvest will come (v. 29), the mustard seed will grow beyond our wildest dreams (v. 32), so however violent storms occur in our lives, He is there. He calms the storms. He rescues us from the perils of life. He brings peace to us.

This doesn't always mean that we win the game. In sports we consider the outcome of the game and that the winner walks off with complete peace, God does not work in this way. There is peace no matter the outcome, because He is in control of it. We can submit and surrender to Him and then He will give us strength through the outcome. Yes Jesus calms the storm, but He also makes a point that we need to have faith through the storms. Storms of life will continue. Things will happen in life we don't like and don't always understand, but Jesus tells us to continue to have faith. Faith needs to be present in our life no matter what comes our way. 

Promise: Our salvation is not based on the power of our faith but on the power of our omnipotent Savior. In this message, the power of the storm being calmed did not wait for the disciples to respond correctly. God resulted in His outcome no matter what. He isn't waiting for me, but Oh, how I want to walk with him in obedience.

Prayer: Lord, I do not want people around me to see unbelief in my eyes or worry or panic. Situations of life are unfortunate at times and uncertain, but I can still remain confident that you are working and teaching me. I want to roll with the punches and trust that You are calming the storm. Help me not to define what the outcome should be. You have grown me this far and you will continue to grow me. I want to be greater than these responses by the disciples. You have given me the Holy Spirit and so I do have the means to be greater in my response. Walk with me today Lord. I need your strength. I need Your power. I need You. Oh Lord, I need you.

Mark 4:13-17 - The Path and Rocky Soil

Mark 4:13-17
13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 16 In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17 and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.

Message: The Path and Rocky Soil

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:

This chapter is interesting. I already see a consistent message in this parable of the sower and that is that God chooses and calls people to himself. There seem to be more that do not respond than respond. In the parable there are 4 surfaces, but only 1 with good soil. The other 3 are beside the road, on rocky ground, among thorns.

It reminds me of the ministry of apologetic's that has grown very strong over the last several years. It is a ministry I think that has always been present, but perhaps more well defined today. However, at times I have struggled to understand its purpose. I say that because as I now study these 4 surfaces in which the seed (the gospel) is being dropped, while there are characteristics of these surfaces I have often thought that apologetic's is helping to change 3 of those services to the fourth, the good soil. And based upon my experience, that process is not easy. It requires a lot of work. It seems similar to my desire to change the grass in my backyard that is Bermuda to Fescue grass. That is a process that will not come easily. I will have to uproot all of it, not just the grass, but the soil and roots underneath what I see. Thus, as I talk to people and use apologetic's, I notice a similar process. It is difficult and uprooting something or someone that already thinks they are healthy and growing is a difficult process. Convincing them that the Fescue grass seed is better is not easy. In fact, I can't convince them, but instead it takes an agent outside (of both types of grasses) of both persons to intercede. That agent is God. God changes hearts, not man.

I am reminded of a book I was reading called Christ-Centered Apologetics by Joel Furches in which he states that the chief audience for apologetic's is not the multitude, but rather the followers. Apologetic's can and should be studied, for the purpose of confirming God's truth to His followers. Yes, it can be part of our toolbox when talking to people that we consult, but that is not its chief aim in studying.

Picking up this passage, verse 13 says And He said to them. I believe 'them' is the same as His followers in verse 10. He is addressing His followers. This is a message to them first for they have been given the mystery (v. 11). Then He says - Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? This is interesting. Jesus is saying that understanding this parable is key to understanding all the parables he will offer. And he says Verse 14 - the sower sows the word so immediately we know that the seed is the Word of God. It is his message to all.

Today's passage looks at 2 surfaces:
1. The path beside the road
These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
2. The rocky soil
These are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.

As I read this, I am immediately thankful that Jesus is telling us about all of the different sources and he is telling us what happens to the seed, the word, when it falls on those surfaces. We are called to preach and the reality is different soils we receive the message differently. I don't know why, but that message is startling to me, somehow in a new way. Almost, as if God does not want us to ever get discouraged because he wants us to understand that outcomes are never our responsibility. Obviously, it is normal for me to take training classes and improve on my delivery because I want to do my role as a speaker in the best way that I know. However, this preparation and training is not so that more will be saved. As my boss at the City said a number of years ago in describing the work that we do, "Focus on the presentation, not the result."

1. It is interesting the audience and the description of those beside the road. It resonates for I see these people often. The word is sown. The word is preached. They hear, but they immediately are taken away some place else. And they are lured away by Satan. The word was trying to take root in them for that is what the Word does, it takes root in us. That is its purpose, but they have been distracted. Who knows how long they are lured away. This doesn't appear to be a permanent luring away, but rather momentary is possible. The word will be sown again to them and perhaps at another time they won't be lured away.

2. For the seed that is sown on rocky places, these individuals receive it with joy. They like it. They could even make a decision for Christ. I think of Christian concerts when I was younger and the altar calls or revival services or crusades. Many received the message with joy, but often it was temporary. Something else that is interesting is Jesus says when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. Affliction and persecution arises because of the Word, because of the Gospel, because of the message. The gospel is not all about providing us good times and no problems. Rather, affliction and persecution are a necessary part of our growth. Yet, we are conditioned to think that affliction and persecution are contrary to God working in our life and what God wants of us. The problem here is not the affliction and persecution, but that when it hits, the person falls away. The person rejects the seed, the Word. The person no longer believes the message. What an amazing truth for our lives, for this time, when the world is telling us only "Let the good times roll."

Promise: True conversion is proven over time as people stand for Christ even under much suffering.

Prayer: Thank you again Jesus for saving me. Thank you Holy Spirit for speaking to me and calling me to be yours now and forever. Help me to be sensitive to people, continue to preach the word, even when it seems they are on shaky ground. You can change hearts at any time. Thank you for taking the time to explain these truths and giving me complete understanding so that I will not be discouraged.

Mark 4:1-9 - The Parable of the Sower

Mark 4:1-9
1 He began to teach again by the sea. And such a very large crowd gathered to Him that He got into a boat in the sea and sat down; and the whole crowd was by the sea on the land. 2 And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching,3 “Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow; 4 as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. 6 And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. 8 Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” 9 And He was saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Message: The Parable of the Sower; Why we should not ask "Why"

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:

As we begin chapter 4, Mark remarks that He began to teach again - this is the ministry focus that I think Mark wants to communicate to us: Jesus came to teach us. After getting baptized, teaching was the first thing that Mark mentioned as Jesus went into the synagogue. We have seen Jesus be radical and controversial to the teachers or Jewish scribes at the synagogues, and to many people following Him, some of who just want to be healed, but Jesus really wants people to take hold of the message he has. And yet, through the first 3 chapters not so much has been really said, other than repent and believe. Forgiveness of sins, His authority over everything, and His mission have been shared, but perhaps now here is a message, through a parable, to convey to a very large crowd gathered to Him. 

I wonder if Mark is wanting us to hear the messages of Jesus, but also let us see how Jesus relates to people. While his mission of teaching repentance and believing is His mission, we walk with Jesus through those messages, between them, and get to see Him relating as well to people as they come along.

This parable seems rather easy in its prose. Here is a sower who seeks growth from seed. The sower is dropping seed and it ends up in 4 places: (1) Beside the road, (2) on rocky ground, (3) among thorns, and (4) into the good soil.

(1) as it fell beside the road, it simply became bird seed and that's it, nothing else is said about that.
(2) as it fell on rocky ground, we see that, almost like a weed, it sprang up; so it looked good from the ground up, but when the sun came out it got scorched because it had no root.
(3) as it fell among thorns, it did grow, but the thorns kept it from producing fruit (e.g. - unequally yoked from 2 Cor 6:14).
(4) as it fell into the good soil, it grew, it increased and it yielded not just fruit, but an abundance, multiplying. 

Today, I will simply provide a basic commentary on this because Jesus is going to explain this parable more fully later in the chapter.

It's interesting that Jesus uses the parable to show us the danger or the result of different ways seed is dropped, perhaps different audiences to whom he is speaking. He doesn't simply give us the optimal place to drop seed -- the good soil -- but takes the time to explain the other surfaces it gets dropped. It happens. As the seed goes forth, it hits different surfaces. And we have seen this so far. He has been teaching, but the scribes and Pharisees receive it one way, followers desiring to be healed receive it another way, disciples one way, and then others who are there to listen to the message. But the point is the seed is received in different ways. And the ground will determine its growth. The seed is a nutrient, but what is key, is the ground. Has the ground been prepared? I Corinthians 3:6 - I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.

Thus, his conclusion to the parable is apt - He who has ears to hear, let him hear. We have all been given ears, but those ears have different meanings to different people. Some peoples ears are there to respond, to defend, to correct, but here Jesus says specifically some ears are there to hear.

There is truth in this message and in some ways, this truth is unsettling. There is a principle I've noticed in my life about people and how they often respond to life's events. It is generally with this question - "Why?" For me, it speaks to the first sin of the Bible. After God told Adam and Eve they could eat from any tree in the garden except for one, the serpent comes on the scene and I believe says to Eve, "Why?" God has given Adam and Eve an abundance, and yet the serpent expresses to Eve, but "Why not that tree?" What was God's purpose? For Adam and Eve to trust him. He wanted them to trust him, so that they could see they have everything they need.

This question has invaded our lives. Often the question is "Why do bad things happen to good people?" "Why did that person die?" "Why did so and so suffer?" "Why did I get sick?" "Why did I get paralyzed?" -- unfortunately the "why" question is everywhere in our society today and it is being asked to a greater degree, to the point that people are now abandoning God because they can't get an answer. My thinking is there is no answer needed because I don't need to ask the question. I could. I could say "Why do my kids not live in big mansions already?" "Why did my youngest child pick up smoking weed at the age 14 and now over 2 years later still have the habit?" "Why did my only daughter already get married and leave home?" "Why did I get that kidney stone last night?" "Why did my mom get lung cancer when she never smoked?" -- the Why question could be asked in my life in many ways and at many times, but I actually believe it is a question that should not be asked. It's not a God question. It's a serpent or Satan question. Accept the parable and realize the key is that there is good soil. So, put forth seed, sow, and let God take care of the outcome.

There is another idea in this passage and that is the surfaces that the seed falls on. I think those surfaces represent people in our lives. Not everyone who hears the gospel will respond to it in an affirmative way, but only when it lands on the good soil. Something we need to remember. Our job is to sow and God is to reap. Let us hear this and remember that He is always the one in charge. 

Promise: God gives hearts to believe. There is good soil, yet often there is more soil out there that is not good. But, it does not matter, speak and let him take care of the outcome.

Prayer: Thank You God for this message, that is simple in its delivery and application, but I admit, hard at times for me to accept because of all of the numerous voices in the world. Just as in the parable, the side of the road, rocky road, and thorns are more than the good soil. So, the voices of the world are great. But, keep me centered on you and trusting in you and believing in you. Your way is not simply the best way, but rather it is the only way. You are the Way, the Truth, the Life. That's it. Lord, I need more faith each day to trust you. Thank you for giving me life. I don't deserve it and never let me see myself as greater than anyone else. The one who is greater is You. So keep me praising You all my days. This is my desire.

Do you ever find yourself asking that question in life-- "Why?" Do you see how it is not a question of trusting God? 

Proverbs 14:4 - The Mess of Productivity

Proverbs 14:4
Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue (abundant crops) by the strength of the ox.

Message:  The Mess of Productivity

Time: King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. Solomon's proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears that no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

What the Lord is Saying: There are multiple messages in this passage, but the central one is that productivity is messy. Much revenue comes from the strength of an ox. An ox was a key component of agriculture, especially during times when there wasn't automated equipment. An ox can do more than a person. It is a hard working, large animal. But, it also must be fed and cared for. It is an animal that can be messy. So, if you desire cleanliness and always keeping things clean and never making a mess, then you will have to accept sometimes not being very productive. There is nothing wrong with keeping things clean but its okay to let things get messy as well. Do we try to find ways to be productive without being messy. That seems to be the message here. Harvesting is a long-term result or consequence and for that, we may have to experience temporary disarray.

I think there is also a word here toward animals and their usefulness which often gets lost now in our technologically savvy way of the land.  

Promise: The issue here to me is trusting the process. God has provided animals to help us succeed. And this help may be messy and that may be hard for people that like things to be clean. But, we must be willing to sacrifice something that is important to us to yield a long-term benefit. 

Prayer: Lord, you are good. Your ways are right. Help me Lord to trust in your outcomes and realize what you have provided for me in this world to assist me. Help me, at times, to roll with the punches and not stare to quickly at the here and now, but to trust you for the outcomes that you have clearly set up. Thank you for overseeing all of life and providing me what I need 

Ecclesiastes 11:3-4 - We are Not in Control

Ecclesiastes 11:3-4
³ If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. ⁴ He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.

Message:  We are Not in Control

Time: The Book of Ecclesiastes does not directly identify its author. The conventional belief is that the author is indeed Solomon. The book was likely written towards the end of Solomon's reign, approximately 935 B.C. It is a book of perspective whereby the speaker reveals the depression that inevitably results from seeking happiness in worldly things. Most every form of worldly pleasure is explored by the Preacher, and none of it gives him a sense of meaning. He accepts that life is brief and ultimately worthless without God and advises the reader to focus on an eternal God instead of temporary pleasure.

What the Lord is Saying:
Unpredictable life occurrences
Verses 1 and 2 of chapter 11 spoke of serving and giving our all to serve. Now is the time and we are to give our best. Verse 2 ends with the phrase - for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth or we do not know what tomorrow brings. We may experience calamities and when we do our care-free way of life may be no longer, and we may be the ones on the other end needing to be rescued and hoping for acts of service toward us.

Thus, the end of verse 2 idea that we do not know what may occur on the earth bridges what is found in verse 3 and 4: there are fixed laws in this universe and man does not have the power to suspend them. Man is powerless over the weather. We do so much in this world, in our lives, to try and control our outcomes. While there is no problem being prepared, we still need to realize that God is in control. The rain and weather is a great example of this. If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. 

From Westminster Confession 3 - Of God's Eternal Decree - I - God from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass. 

Life is unpredictable. This is true. Jesus said in John 3:8 - The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.

Weather disasters have become common place. I am not sure if God wills these disasters, in order to wipe out large amounts of people; yet, I think they should be a reminder that there is much in life that is not in our control. Two days occur a landslide occurred in China that wiped out villagers. Tornadoes and hurricanes can displace people and vanquish life. 10 years ago a bridge in Minneapolis collapsed during rush hour. We cannot foresee these dangers. They can happen at any time. We do not know where it comes from or where it goes. 

Yet, we are not idle
Yet, we are not to sit idly by since we know this truth, that we don't control outcomes. Verse 4 states -  He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. The words from Joseph Benton are:

He who neglects the necessary works of sowing and reaping, because the weather is not exactly suitable to his desires, will lose his harvest. Whereby he intimates, that men will never do good here, which is expressed by sowing, and consequently not receive good hereafter, which is called reaping, if they be discouraged from it by every doubt and difficulty.

Yes, we understood and know that God is on the throne and in charge of outcomes, but in the meantime we continue to do our best, to work hard, to take precautions. We make the most of the harvest we have. We cannot secure ourselves from failure. Don't get deflated. Rough times will come, but continue to prepare and plan accordingly, yet trust God throughout.

Promise: The providence of God is the only foundation upon which we find confidence to act in this unpredictable world.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for being in control. It is hard to see events in life and see situations occur, like the mudslide I read about in Columbia recently. We are so prone to wanting answers, but the reality is life is unpredictable, but we seek to trust you through all of life and we continue to safeguard our lives and our families the best we know how. Help those people experiencing loss and help people everywhere to follow you all their days and make wise choices, but not to lose faith and when bad things happen. You Lord are our God and we can trust You. Help us to not give up, but to keep striving. Forgive my doubt.

Ecclesiastes 10:20 - Avoiding Bitterness of Mind and Speech

Ecclesiastes 10:20
²⁰ Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known.

Message: Avoiding Bitterness of Mind and Speech

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: This is a verse that confronts me, especially in the workplace. There is a spirit often of discontent that wells up in me and it carries forward to cursing those over me. There are always going to be things that frustrate us about those in leadership for we think that we can do things better. It is one thing to make suggestions, but when you sense your voice is not going to be heard then often people resort to grumbling with others. This sort of speech is foolish. For one, we do not know which people have eyes and ears where we do not expect them and anything we say just might end up making its way to them.

What remains at odds with bitterness is love for one's neighbor. It is hard. Bitterness is anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly. How often do I walk around with a bitter heart over very minor things?

The reverse of this is that idea that we are to respect those over us. True, they have vices and they have irritants, but we are still to give respect.

I found this attitude is not encouraged in our world where are communication zones have increased. All of our social media sites, blogs (like this one), media influences, internet news pages, are constantly reporting a commentary on society, on whatever we are experiencing -- and communicating over and over how each person's values and desires should be respected. As I look upon the canvas of social media right now and media in general, there is a constant spirit of attacking going on toward our President. The bottom line is people have not gotten what they wanted. They don't respect the leader. Therefore, they believe they don't have to respect his ways so they take it to the street to convey their displeasure towards him.

I think what is interesting about this all is people are often not taking care of what is most important and instead engaging in activities that have no good outcomes. People have stopped reading their Bible because they are listening to commentaries that the Bible is irrelevant.

The bottom line is I need help with this. I need help not falling into the rhetoric of fear and disrespect towards my elders. What is clear in the Bible.

Promise: God is over all, even kings and rulers. They don't have to adhere to my ways. I can trust God for outcomes.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be careful with my words and my thoughts.

Genesis 50:15-21 - Sovereign over Suffering

Genesis 50:15-21
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Message: Sovereign over Suffering

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying: In this passage, it seems that Joseph's brothers now have fear, after the death of their father, that Joseph will want to pay them back (for the evil they had done to Joseph) for wrong which they did to him. But Joseph, forgives. The evil that came his way, yes it appeared evil from their standpoint, but God meant it for good. This is a simple lesson, but a profound one to realize in life. We need to trust God. We need to look to closely at the events of life and comment on them. This is hard as we have become a society of commentaries, often assuming the worst, attacking tradition, or deciding in advance that we know the outcomes. How we need to continue to wait for the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth so that we see life from His perspective.

God sees the beginning from the end. He knows the outcomes. As the title of this message states, which comes from the Tabletak devotional magazine: Sovereign Over Suffering -- it reminds me that God is sovereign over all, and this includes suffering. Through suffering we must continually trust God through the process and not so quickly beg for an immediate escape. God is doing something and it is not necessarily our job to analyze and deconstruct what is it we think God is doing in that suffering moment, but rather I am to trust Him for the outcome.

Promise: Make it a mission and goal to know the character of our Creator better so that I can better trust in His goodness and grace in the midst of all my suffering.

Prayer: O Lord, help me to trust you for outcomes. Help me to do my best and as a boss of mine said, "focus on the presentation" but don't get caught up in the outcome. Lord, you are in charge and I need to let you be in charge of my life and not feel like I must intervene at times and take control. I was reminded yesterday in a reading from Greg Koukl that even in possible arguments that arise with unbelievers or even those antagonistic towards God and Christianity, my perspective should always remain in the Gospel and preaching it and then offer an apologetic response. Help me to reside there Lord. How shortsighted I am Lord. Forgive me for not trusting You. I want to turn and believe in what you are doing.

Proverbs 21:1 - Lord Over the Hearts of Men

Proverbs 21:1 - The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. 

Message: The Lord turns the king's heart wherever He wishes

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

How much does God control and direct our lives? And not just our lives, as believers, as those following the Lord, but what about those like a king that may or may not be following after God.  

Romans 13:1 states, "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." The Christian has a responsibility to subject oneself to the government. Why? Because God establishes authority. 

This idea or rather the doctrine that there is divine sovereignty, whereby God is directing all things, is a doctrine of comfort, but it is also a doctrine of confusion. When events are favorable to our interpretation, divine sovereignty makes sense, but when events are seen as unfavorable, I must admit being a little confused over the same doctrine. 

Conversion
From the idea of conversion, there are two different views: monergism which is the belief that God’s grace alone is able to raise dead, rebellious sinners to spiritual life without their cooperation, and synergism, the concept that God’s grace is incapable of accomplishing salvation without the assistance and cooperation of man. Those ideas are very sharply distinctive. I do believe in monergism, but I also think that God uses man and sometimes the works of man to draw people to Himself. By doing this, man could then think that he has a part in this action. To me, that is what is often challenging for me to comprehend; that man doesn't have a part. Can man affect change? And while this doctrine is necessary to discuss, I don't believe that people must be on a certain side in order to be saved.

Let me clarify, I definitely don't believe that man has anything to say about his own salvation. Man is not trying to work his way to God. He is incapable. He is a sinner and the moment he sins, he is imperfect and incapable of gaining God's acceptance.

But, can a man, living as a disciple and follower of Christ be involved in the conversion of a person, and if so, at what level is that involvement?

Beyond conversion
Beyond conversion, I have also wondered to what extent God, in general, order the events of the day. I do think God creates laws and rules in society and by setting those rules up, man's choices follow a normal path because of those laws.

And then there is this verse, that is really more specific, in that it states that the Lord is guiding or directing or turning a King's heart.

Psalm 78:15-16 - He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them abundant drink like the ocean depths. He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers.

He split - He gave - He brought - He caused.  

Once again, here is the text - Proverbs 21:1 - The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. I notice here that Solomon is using the picture of channels of water. Per TableTalk, farmers in the anticent world--and even today--had to redirect the natural flow of rivers and streams to supply their gardens with life-giving water. This was a difficult task. God ordered this in the world. The Lord redirects and directs the king's heart so that it turns wherever he wishes. 

John Piper says, "God "works all things after the counsel of his will (Ephesians 1:11)." This "all things" includes the fall of sparrows (Matthew 10:29), the rolling of dice (Proverbs 16:33), the slaughter of his people (Psalm 44:11), the decisions of kings (Proverbs 21:1), the failing of sight (Exodus 4:11), the sickness of children (2 Samuel 12:15), the loss and gain of money (1 Samuel 2:7), the suffering of saints (1 Peter 4:19), the completion of travel plans (James 4:15), the persecution of Christians (Hebrews 12:4-7), the repentance of souls (2 Timothy 2:25), the gift of faith (Philippians 1:29), the pursuit of holiness (Philippians 3:12-13), the growth of believers (Hebrews 6:3), the giving of life and the taking in death (1 Samuel 2:6), and the crucifixion of his Son (Acts 4:27-28).

I think what I conclude is God directs the hearts of kings and their outcomes can be good or evil. God is not tempted by evil, but he is also sovereign over wickedness. His sovereignty is not limited to our defined good outcomes. 


Promise: Though God exercises his providential rule, man remains accountable to his actions. His grace does not mean that we do not restrain sin.

Jesus Calling: February 28

    Stop judging and evaluating yourself, for this is not your role. Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people. This produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes, a mixture of both. I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her. Comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless.
    Don't look for affirmation in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people. The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love. Many believers perceive Me as an unpleasable Judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures. Nothing could be farther from the truth! I died for your sins, so that I might clothe you in My garments of salvation. This is how I see you: radiant in My robe of righteousness. When I discipline you, it is never in anger or disgust; it is to prepare you for face-to-Face fellowship with me throughout all eternity. Immerse yourself in My loving Presence. Be receptive to My affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of grace. 

Luke 6:37
English Standard Version
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

John 3:16-17
English Standard Version
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Isaiah 61:10
New American Standard Bible
I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Proverbs 3:11-12
English Standard Version
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.

Let God define my life. Be careful to observe all of the commandments. We need to be careful how we conduct ourselves every moment. If we are engaging in sin, we need to stop. God loves us, without condition, which means my performance is not earning His Love. Be the best I can be, within the context of His commands, but stoop grading life. Look forward each day for what God will do in our lives.

My Prayer

Lord, help me to live each moment for you, being careful what I do and say. I pray for your guidance through me and that I would honor You daily with my speech and conduct. Work in me to reflect You. I pray as I speak to others that You take care of outcomes. This is true in my life. The secret of my days in walking with you faithfully, not looking all around, at myself to determine if my road is correct, but trusting that following You leads me down the path that I need to be on. But, I must follow. If I don't follow you, I can't then make it out that I'm leaving in a proper manner, when I'm not.

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.

Daniel 9

Message: Daniel prays and Gabriel gives him a prophecy

Time: 1st year of Darius the Mede, son of Ahasuerus

What the Lord is Saying: Daniel mentions he learned, from reading the word of The Lord (from Jeremiah) that Jerusalem must be desolate for 70 years. In response Daniel (1) prayed (2) fasted (3) wore burlap and (4) sprinkled himself with ashes.

Daniel's prayer begins with adoration of God, reminding himself of God's promises and that God's keeps them for his people.

Daniel's problem, though, of him and his people is we:
(1) rebel against you God, ignoring God's commands and regulations
(2) refused to listen to your ambassadors

Daniel's condition is now "shame" - the painful feeling from a self-awareness of having done wrong

And now we are far from you God because you sent us away. God promised that our rejection of Him would yield curses and judgments.

Yet, we know that God has mercy and is forgiving and can look past our sin, though we still do not obey. When disaster befalls us, we can't be surprised. But God rescues His people.

But he pleads to the Lord, that because of God's mercy, would he turn his anger from the City of Jerusalem. Daniel knows that the people don't deserve kindness. He knows that their position is based upon God's kindness. They don't deserve help, but they ask for mercy.

Prophecy
Gabriel comes - to communicate a command and communicate a prophecy. A period of 70 sets of seven to finish their rebellion. 7 sets of seven + 62 sets of seven will pass from this command until the Anointed One arrives. But the Anointed One will be killed; a ruler will arise who will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, with war. The ruler will make a treaty for one set of seven. He will put an end the sacrifices and offering. And then mentions a sacrilegious object that causes desecration.

Promise: It is the Lord that is in control of our outcomes. His mercy brings us safety. We do not ever deserve His kindness, but instead is for God's grace and Mercy. Yet God's blessings may be delayed in our lives when we continue in sin.