Joshua 5:1-12 - Israel Obeys the Covenant

Joshua 5:1-12

verse 1, "their hearts melted, and there was no spirit in them."

verse 5, "for all the people that came out were circumcised."

verse 9, "I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you."

verse 10, "they observed the Passover."

verse 12, "the manna ceased." 

Message: Israel Obeys the Covenant

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

What the Lord is Saying: I get sidetracked often in the morning, working on other things at times, rather than diving back into the Word. I spend time journaling and right now been talking to LDS missionaries and so reading up on that and thinking about what I might say to them. I get up later at times and don't focus myself on the Word. Today, I come back to my study of Joshua, having not really focused on it over the past 5 days. 

I was actually talking to a friend about this the other day and he commented and wondered why this book isn't a bigger deal. There is a lot of focus on Moses, but maybe not as much on Joshua. And yet he took Israel to the promised land (Canaan) after Moses passed away. Like Moses, a sea was divided or parted, this time the Jordan river. I think a common theme so far in these writings is the simple idea that God is with us, at least here God was providing his assurance to his people that he was there. I read that in the devotional and I think that got me off on the tangent of thinking about the lesson given in Sunday School two days ago by Dave Pitcher, a retired doctor in our class that is going to seminary but sounds like he has already gone. He is very astute and passionate about reading this Word and studying it. And maybe I realized for a moment that his message on Sunday, though a little hard to grasp, was basically another testament to that idea - God is with us. That this word of God that we read so casually each day is in fact very robust and clearly a divine book. It is deeper and wider than we could ever imagine. 

I get lost sometimes by our current teacher - Rob and what he gives us sometimes each Sunday - it is a lot of information and it amazes me also how he can glean so much from God's word. Maybe I get overwhelmed each week by all that is said. It is my nature to want to dive into all of it. I so appreciate the community of church and the people in the class and getting to know people and where they are at in their journey. 

Chapter 5 - verse 1 - the kings of the Amorites and kings of Canaanites heard about the Lord drying up the waters of the Jordan for the Israelites and their hearts melted and they had no spirit in them any longer. 

In the Joseph Benson (1748-1821) commentary, on this he says - "This (hearts melted and no spirit in them) did not happen without God’s special providence, that the Israelites might quietly participate of the two great sacraments of their church, circumcision and the Passover, and thereby be prepared for their high and hard work, and for the possession of the holy and promised land; which would have been defiled by an uncircumcised people."

This verse has meaning. People were impacted by this parting of the water. It went beyond simply impacting Israel. The work of God impacted others. They lost all courage. These people groups had terror and shock and amazement - to see what God could do and to see what he has done.  

The Israelites and Joshua have crossed the Jordan. From the last chapter in verse 19 they are camped at Gilgal, on the eastern edge of Jericho. This is confirmed in verse 10 of chapter 5. The Lord speaks to Joshua and tells him to circumcise the sons of Israel that have not yet been circumcised. The comment of "the second time (v.2) " does not mean men are circumcised a second time, but rather there is a second ceremony of circumcision taking place with those young men who were born in the wilderness and then came out of Egypt (v.4). Their fathers and other men had died coming through the wilderness. These are the children God has raised up in their place (v. 7). So they were circumcised and then remained their to be healed from that act. 

And in verse 9, the Lord said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." Interesting choice of words - "rolled away." That phrase makes me think of Jesus, buried in the tomb, and the stone was rolled away. It seems something similar here in that by commanding the act of circumcision, the Lord is stating his commitment to the sons of Israel, that He is with them. And they are special and distinct. God had restored his covenant or promise to them. There obviously was some doubt and the Egyptians had made the people think at various times there was question of God keeping his promises. 

In Exodus 32:11-14 is the idea from Moses to the Lord that the Lord was somehow mad at his people of Israel. The Egyptians were speaking with the idea that God had left his people, as people were killed in the wilderness though Joshua 5:6 says they "perished because they did not listen to the voice of the Lord." But still there was that feeling that God had left them and so the Lord pleads with God to change His mind. I think this is what it looks like to us at times that God is wallowing back and forth between blessing his people and not blessing them. 

David writes of this in Psalm 106:45, "He remembered His covenant for their sake, and relented according to the greatness of His lovingkindness." This is the way we see it. We say that God remembered, but I don't think God ever forgets but we see it this way about Him. I think what we don't understand is God's entire purpose and so we say words about God so that it makes sense to us. 

Numbers 14:13-16 is another passage that speaks of the Egyptians thinking that God rescued his people but then they were slaughtered in the wilderness and so God could not bring this people into the land he had promised them (v. 16). Thus, there is a reproach by Egypt as spoken in verse 9 of Joshua 5. This passage speaks of that idea that God is over them, going before them in a pillar cloud by day and a pillar fire by night and yet somehow won't be fulfilling His promises. This is what the Egyptians think. 

Deuteronomy 9:25-29 is Moses again falling before the Lord, now for 40 days and nights imploring God to not destroy His people. His destruction was God telling them they would be punished for their sin (Exodus 32:34). If not, the land (of Egypt) will say God could not do this work of blessing His people. 

 God promises a land to His people - and blessings to His descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). And God will always come back to this. Yes, His people will turn their back from him and because of this there will be consequences but He gave a promise to Abraham and that promise will be made. We can bank on this. The Egyptians and many others will think it is not so, but God will be with His people and He will bless them. 

In verse 10 of Joshua 5, after this circumcision came the Passover. This is the 3rd Passover. The first two were kept under Moses—(1) in Egypt, when the Lord delivered them; (2) the second at Sinai, when He had “brought them unto Himself.” (3) The third is on the other side Jordan under Joshua. Circumcision was necessary prior to the Passover. Just as today we say that a person must make a commitment to the Lord, have an inner change of their life prior to partaking of the sacrament, the Lord's Supper. 

Then in verse 12, "the manna ceased." From a search on the web it says, "manna is a food that God provided to the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the desert after leaving Egypt. It was described as a white, powdery substance that fell like hoar frost at night. Exodus 16:31 says that manna tasted like wafers made with honey and was similar in size to a coriander seed." Manna would no longer be needed. It was needed for a time, while Israel was in the wilderness. He provided it but now it is no longer needed. 

Summary: The people of the land of Canaan are amazed at God's provision. The sons of Israel are circumcised and Passover is held for the 3rd time and then the manna ceases to be provided by God. 

Promise: Outward acts of obedience like circumcision and baptism are important, but it doesn't prove genuine faith. Faith must be present and obedience naturally follows. 

Prayer: Lord, it has taken me some time to read through this text. I do other things at times, but after taking time to really study it, I am amazed at its teaching and how you provided for the people of Israel and you kept your promises. Lord, your Word confirms that You are sovereign. You are in charge. And you are leading your people to promised lands, blessing people in the process. Lord, it seems throughout scripture and these lessons You are doing things and speaking to people and providing yourself and we are questioning at times, choosing our own solutions to situations rather than submitting to You. And You continue to show that you are real, like with Israel and the parting of waters and we can celebrate this and respond with obedience while You continue us on the journey. On this earth, that journey is to the places you provide for us. Beyond this earth, it is living with you forever. Lord, help me to keep trusting in You and believing in You and following Your ways, looking for opportunities to come alongside others and help them understand what you show me through Your word. I am a witness and it is good to be a witness and talk to others along the way. Many don't believe this and many others have different ways to You. Keep me close to You and Your word and thank You Spirit for continuing to teach me, I believe in Your ways. 

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

John 18:38b-40 - Exchanging Jesus for Barabbas

John 18:38b-40

38b And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in Him. 39 But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?” 40 So they cried out again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber.

Message: Exchanging Jesus for Barabbas

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: I am at the end of John 18. After going to a garden with the disciples, Judas arrives as well bringing Roman officers, chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus. Jesus willingly goes. It's time, but Peter isn't ready to see Jesus leave and pulls out a sword, striking the high priest's slaves ear. Jesus tells Peter to put the sword away. Jesus is taken to a court for interrogation, first to Annas, then Caiaphas, then Pilate. Peter follows, and yet when questioned about being a disciple is recorded as being questioned by 3 people of his affiliation with Jesus and 3 times denies being a disciple/follower. Jesus had predicted this. Jesus proceeds to defend Himself from the officials questions. Throughout He speaks truth. The accusations seem unclear. Jesus wonders what is being asked of Him and defends His mission: to speak, teach in the synagogues, and be open to people. He is King, but his Kingdom is not of this world, but He has entered this world to speak Truth. 

Truth is what I see everyone wants in life. Defining themselves. Our jobs are about doing truth. Doing things right where we are planted. I am a Men's Retreat and we are seeking truth. This is who John has presented to us in His Gospel. The man of truth. It has been a simple message.

• Believe (3:12)
• Believe in Jesus (3:16)
• To enter - born of water and Spirit (3:5)
• Drink of Him, His water (4:13-14)
• Worship (4:23)
• Jesus is doing His Father's will on earth (4:34)
• Do not sin (5:14)
• Jesus gives life to whom He wishes (5:21)
• Believe and have eternal life (5:24)
• Receive Him who God sent (5:43)
• "I am the bread of life" (6:35)
• To come to Jesus, must be drawn (6:44)
• The world hates Jesus because He speaks of their evil deeds (7:7)
• If thirsty, go to Jesus and drink (7:37)
• Believe in Jesus and innermost being will flow rivers of living water (7:38)
• Follow Jesus, the light of the world, and you will have the light of life (8:12)
• Not believing results in dying in your wins (8:24)
• Abide in Jesus' words (8:31)
• Enter through Jesus, the door, to be saved (10:9)
• Jesus will lay his life down and take it up again (10:17-18)
• Jesus sheep hear His voice (10:27)
• Believe and there is life even if one dies (11:25)
• The Son of Man will be glorified (12:23)
• To believe in Jesus is to believe in God (12:44)
• Love one another (13:34)

At this point, the tone shifts to Love. It is as if people have believed and now Jesus focuses on His love and our need to love others and in the process bear fruit (15:8)

• A Helper will come (16:7) 
• He will guide you into all truth - to Glorify Jesus (16:13-14)
• Jesus wants us with Him (17:24)

This is the Truth. At least the truth John speaks of Jesus in His Gospel. And it is because of these words that when given the opportunity to release one prisoner during the Passover - Barabbas or Jesus -- Barabbas being a criminal who most likely murdered someone, they chose to release Barabbas, resulting in Jesus being condemned to death -- though not really guilty of any crime - and yet not a friend to the world, but one focused on a broader goal -- Truth for eternity. 

Interesting dichotomy here. 

People of this world are indeed stuck in this world. 

Part of me wants to absolve Pilate of being responsible for Jesus' death because He does state that he finds no guilt in Jesus. Yet, at that moment, he does not let Jesus go. I think of most scenes in a court and when a judge pronounces someone innocent, he is let go. But Pilate does not do that and instead knows that the Jews need to let someone go who is guilty. 

Verse 39 mentions a custom of releasing someone. Leviticus 16:5-10, "5 He shall take from the congregation of the sons of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering. 6 Then Aaron shall offer the bull for the sin offering which is for himself, that he may make atonement for himself and for his household. 7 He shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the doorway of the tent of meeting. 8 Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats, one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. 9 Then Aaron shall offer the goat on which the lot for the Lord fell, and make it a sin offering. 10 But the goat on which the lot for the scapegoat fell shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, to send it into the wilderness as the scapegoat." In this scenario, there is determine to be one scapegoat or one that escapes the offering. And the process of choosing will be casting lots. Casting lots appears to be random. Proverbs 16:33 however says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." What appears to be random is not random. It is a decision from the Lord. And in that decision results in one dying and one not. 

Is there anything random in this life? While up at the men's retreat, after playing guitar, the guitar player dislocated his finger and had to leave to go back to town to the emergency room. This happened while he was in bed. Someone later called it a freak accident. Yet, I wonder if it was random. Often, we think of cancer or aliments that people get as being random because you do not know when they will strike, and yet I wonder if it is all indeed random or if there is intention of the Lord. Maybe at the time we see it as being random and yet, in His perfect plan of working all things out for good (Romans 8:28) he takes seemingly random events and makes them good. Yet, how can we say this about a school shooting, a hurricane that takes the lives of thousands, a terrorist bombing, a genocide, the World War II concentration camps? Do we prefer to conclude these are random events? Perhaps it makes us feel better to not think that God could have been involved in all of this for some purpose that He decides. Those events occurred due to the choices from man, we could conclude following the result of Adam and Eve's sin. But not all. Hurricane's, Tsunami's, earthquakes, happened according to nature and winds and atmospheric pressure - yet, all of these set up by the hand of God - created as part of this world. 

Scapegoat - A person or group that is blamed for something wrong that someone else did, or made to suffer in their place. For example, "Politicians have used the financial sector as a scapegoat for the global economic crisis". In the Bible, a goat that symbolically took on the sins of the people during the Yom Kippur ceremony and was then sent into the wilderness. The term was coined in 1530 by Protestant scholar William Tyndale during his translation of the Hebrew Bible into English.

Other Verses:

Leviticus 19:4 - Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods; I am the Lord your God. 

Matthew 27:15-21 - 15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. 21 But the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”

Luke 23:18-25 - 18 But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” 19 (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) 20 Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, 21 but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!” 22 And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 23 But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. 24 And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted. 25 And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.

I John 5:21 - Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

Interesting that these others verses that accompany this reading are references to idolatry. In choosing Barabbas, the one chosen was not the real thing, but an impostor. So on one hand, their was a chose, a rather obvious one in that the innocent one was not chosen. And yet as mentioned earlier, it was not random. Thus, in the choosing, in what appeared to be random - it wasn't. 

Summary: Pilate states Jesus is innocent, but he remains a prisoner and the chief priests must determine between Jesus and Barabbas, the murderer. Barabbas is chosen to be spared. 

Promise: Both this (Jesus) and the other goat (Barabbas) typified Christ; this in his death and passion for us, that in his resurrection for our deliverance.

Prayer: Lord, I am still trying to understand this passage of scripture and how it relates to Leviticus 16. But, I do know you were chosen as it would seem, though innocent, to take on our sin. The lot fell to Barabbas to be set free and yet as the thief, his sin and all of our sin was transferred to Jesus, the ultimate scapegoat for the sins of all people. Thank you God for knowing what we need always and in all things I submit and surrender to You and accept what You provide. 

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

John 13:1 - Loved to the End

John 13:1 - Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 

Message: Loved to the End

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: I head into chapter 13 now and think back to Chapter 12 and the many different themes of that chapter, such as: people who are following Jesus and are recognizing Him for who He says He is, sent by God, with an eternal purpose to provide salvation. Yet, naturally, many others do not see and instead see Him as a threat to their own established ways. God wants to save people but this will come at a cost: Jesus dying and Jesus knows this and finds trouble in this at times, yet still trusting God. Others want Jesus to be something He is not, rescuing them now from the political forces. Believing in Jesus will be transforming to lives today, away from a life of living in darkness. This is forever the mark of man's existence - eternal life with God or eternal contempt not with God. Trust God, believe in Jesus today. 

As I head into chapter 13 to study and learn from it and how it will speak to me - I see that the Passover Feast is coming, but first something else ("Now before the feast of the Passover"). 

And "Jesus knowing His hour had come." Departure time. God had sent His Son into the world to announce salvation through Jesus. But His time on earth is limited because God wants to save people from judgment and while people are being saved at this time, upon his resurrection and ascension people will be saved with more abundance. Jesus knows this. Jesus has eternity in Him. While He can still be troubled at his impending death, and who of us is not fearful of that day, He can still trust God completely. 

He does this because He loves us - "having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." I am not sure if I have read John describe Jesus' love with these specific words of "He loved." Jesus' love is apparent everywhere He goes as He heals people and brings them to physical life and healing but also eternal life and healing, but in these words John mentions Jesus and His love for those here and His love will not end. 

Summary: Jesus knows his departure time from earth is soon, going to the Father, and His love for people remains. 

Promise: From Tabletalk -- Jesus loved us enough to submit Himself to the worst death possible—death under the wrath and curse of God.

Prayer: O How You love me. Thank you for the great love and thank you for planting that love in me and your sacrifice for me. forever conquering the grave. 

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

John 11:54-57 - Before the Final Passover

John 11:54-57

54 Therefore Jesus no longer continued to walk publicly among the Jews, but went away from there to the country near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there He stayed with the disciples.

55 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 So they were seeking for Jesus, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was, he was to report it, so that they might seize Him.

Message: Before the Final Passover

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: So with the plot now on for those to kill Jesus, which is what the disciples concern was earlier when he went to Bethany near Jerusalem (verse 8), John mentions in verse 54 that Jesus will no longer continue to walk with the Jews. He will get away from walking with the Jews as Has more to accomplish, though He knows His death is inevitable. But this lets us know that He will decide the time and not let others decide it for him. 

Verse 55 mentions the Passover was near. I remember in John 2 the Passover was near, so time is passing along, at least a year between those two passages. Based upon what I have read Jesus is probably about 31 if he began his ministry at age 30, but that is just my guess. Later, when Jesus was crucified, that would be during the feast of the Passover. 

In verse 55 it mentions the Jews left Jerusalem "to purify themselves." I looked this up in commentaries and Charles, a theologian in the 1800s states, "The Law ordained no special purifications before the Passover, but on the general principle of ceremonial cleanness, a large number of pilgrims would necessarily go up before the feast to observe the legal rites and offer the required sacrifices." Numbers 9:6 remarks that some are unclean, but Lord to Moses says those individuals (unclean because of a dead person) can still observe the Passover. And yet there is also mention in Leviticus 22:3 about approaching the holy (whatever that is at the time) unclean that person is cut off. As such, possibly there is an approach to 'better be safe than sorry.' 

And people wonder, possibly Jews whether Jesus will be present at the Passover. He is not with them. He was at the last one it seems in John 2, but for this one, at this time, possibly it is not known. It is clear that some Jews want to seize Him. 

Summary: Jesus goes to the wilderness, but back in Jerusalem, many are preparing for the Passover, wondering if Jesus will be present at it. 

Promise: We are not to seek suffering or harm, but as it occurs, we are to faithful and endure it. 

Prayer: Lord, you are holy and as I even come before you at various times to celebrate communion or a baptism or even an event like Christmas or Easter, I am not sure if I have taken the time consistently to prepare myself. You want me to observe these events, to remember, and in that be thankful the Your gift to me, but I think it can be important to first confess sin and see if there is any wicked in me and to think about how my life at that moment can be defiled by other things, by other priorities, by other thoughts. Help me to focus on You. Even as I attend church and walk into a fellowship, too many things are often on my mind. Even as take a moment to study Your word each day and pray, often there are thoughts at war within me of other responsibilities. So help me God to be serious about those times of service and worship and study, as I approach You - to cleanse me. I don't even pray God prior to getting into your Word and yet this pattern is done at Church. I know I'm not requited, but help me make those times more focused so that I am hearing You when You speak. 

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

Exodus 12 - The Lord's Supper as Remembrance

Exodus 12 - 7 Moreover they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses in which they eat it...11d you shall eat it in haste--it is the Lord's Passover...13b and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt...14 Now this day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations you are to celebrate it as a permanent ordinance. 

Message: The Lord's Supper as Remembrance

Time: Moses is the most likely author of this book. His education and early tradition make him the likely author and it says in Exodus 24:4 that he wrote what the Lord said. The title Exodus means departure of Israel from Egypt by the hand of God. The book covers 80 years, from 1526 to 1446 with the events at Mount Sinai. God fulfilling promises and his story of redemption are the central ideas.

What the Lord is Saying: John Calvin said, "The new covenant does not destroy the old in substance, but only in form." In today's lesson, we remember the Passover and we also see how the Lord's Supper is linked to it. We previously saw with the sacrament of baptism a link between it and circumcision. Thus, these sacraments differ in their administration, but their substance is the same. Baptism, like circumcision, points to regeneration while the Lord's Supper, like the Passover, points to redemption. 

As I have stated before and believe--God's redemption of His people does not change throughout history. One of the reasons I reject the claim that many today make that baptism is needed for salvation is I don't agree that salvation changes. The Bible has always pointed or looked forward to Jesus and His sacrifice. John 8:56 is an interesting verse by Jesus in which He says, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." Jesus even follows this up by saying, "Before Abraham was born, I am." Whoa! Jesus here is engaging with people about the relationship between Himself, God and Abraham, showing that He was promised by Abraham. And Abraham saw the future. And now today, as we live past Bible times, we look back to Jesus and His sacrifice. 

Before Christ and His final atonement there was the sacrifice of animals offering done to atone for sin. It was regular but through blood--sin was covered. In Christ, the perfect sacrifice, atonement is permanent, once for all (Hebrews 7:27). And Hebrews also records 10:18, "Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin." Jesus has forgiven sin once and for all. 

The text today refers to the old testament sacrament of atonement and redemption. The blood from an animal - a lamb - was placed on doorposts to signify that those within those walls would not receive judgement for their sin. God judged those in the land of Egypt, as Pharoah led these people to reject God. Blood in essence forgave people of their sin. I think this is important because sin was similar or the same in these people. But one was saved and the other not. This is also a sobering truth. For God does not save all. Some will reject Him and some will turn from God and His ways. All of the onus is  on God for what is occurring - saving some, not saving others. God is choosing. People may not like this. They make it think it unfair. So I think what man does then is set up a system of religion that is instead based upon the faithfulness or good deeds of a person. At least that is my thinking. Man has this desire to put the credit on himself. We like that plan. Our world works in this manner so we want things with God to work the same way. 

And yet does our world work this way? I often wonder why some people have good paying jobs while others do not. I mean God has granted me with gifts and I have utilized them and grown through the ranks to achieve what I have, getting paid in the process. I look at people that play sports or sing songs and the world pays them in huge riches. We are all different, each with different gifts. Not all of us can rise to this level so isn't all of life lived in God's sovereignty. Is He not in control of everything? And yet each person still has accountability to their lives. I think of people dealing drugs, trafficking women, abusing innocent people -- are these people under God's control as well. I've been reading Jeremiah and God uses Babylon as His instrument to judge others. Horrible things occur to nations. I'm sure somewhat innocent people are saved while others are redeemed. 

But again for this lesson, in reviewing the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Sacraments, as I have seen are about remembrance of an event already that has occurred. The Passover was celebrated to remember God redeeming His people. The Lord's Supper therefore also is now celebrated, after Jesus paid for sin, forgiven sin, to remember that He has redeemed us. It was instituted prior to Him fully redeeming us. And yet for us now, we practice it after Jesus has fully redeemed us. 

Summary: The Passover remembered God saving the people of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The Lord's Supper remembers Jesus saving us all from eternal damnation because of our great rebellion to God. 

Promise: As we take the supper, let us remember that because Christ paid the price for us, we owe Him everything that we are. 

Prayer: O God, you are great. You are powerful. You are in charge. You have redeemed mankind and redeemed me. You have placed your Spirit in me so that I will know and worship You and make you known throughout this world, living as your vessel to encourage others in the same way. You have chosen me for this time. Each day is a gift from You. Each moment. I look at my wife and am amazed at the gift you have given to me in her. The joy of being with her. And thankful also for people you have placed in my life. Everyday is a celebration of your providence. Lord, you gave us the Lord's Supper a gift to come together and celebrate your great love for us in redeeming us not simply for a moment but for an eternity. Lord, would you help that observance time for me to be a sweet joy and a sweet time of remembering. Plant in that time I take the cup and the bread the realization that without You I am nothing. Lord, I think you know I seem to struggle with that time. I know it is needed and I want to do it, but often I miss or don't feel its connection or treat it as a celebration. Maybe I am a person that struggles with those type of events and yet simply enjoy the moment my moment of living with You as my Savior and Redeemer. I am not sure, but I do thank you for this time to spend in Your word and reflect on You and what You have done for me. I still don't know why I am so blessed. 

Mark 14:17-21 - Jesus Pronounces an Oracle of Woe

Mark 14:17-21
17 When it was evening He *came with the twelve. 18 As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” 19 They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” 20 And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl.21 For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”

Message: Jesus Pronounces an Oracle of Woe

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 Thursday now. Jesus was in Bethany the day before having received the anointing from Mary in the house of Simon the Leper and afterwards Judas had begun to betray Jesus by going to the chief priests and telling them he would take them to Jesus and in exchange Judas would get money - perhaps for himself or for others. Jesus is in preparation for the Passover meal and has two of his disciples go and locate the place and prepare the place for the meal.

The Passover celebration was a joyous one for Jesus and His disciples. When it was evening He *came with the twelve. Jesus has arrived at this guest chamber with his disciples. It was now the evening as the sun is setting. The lamb has spent the afternoon cooking. Judas was back with them, but at this moment not aware of where he was going. As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.  Jesus really sort of drops a bomb on them of information. In Mark's telling of this event, the washing of the feet is not mentioned. Jesus remarks that one of the disciples will betray Him.

The disciples respond, seemingly unaware of what was going on. The fact that I would suspect Judas must have meant that we don't have the complete story of the events and while Judas questioned Jesus' anointing, perhaps questioning Jesus and what he was doing was not uncommon among the disciples. And him wandering off must have meant that other disciples had wandered off at times. They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?” At this point, it is puzzling in a way that Jesus brings this up. But then also the way the disciples respond almost make it sound like they each must have thought about turning from Jesus at some point. While they may have suspected Judas they may have also suspected themselves. I mean, although our allegiance is toward Christ, how often do we live like it isn't? How often do I turn from him and seek self? And then hope that pleasing self is proper? Maybe each one, in their grief, thinks they have been found out.

Jesus responds with And He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips with Me in the bowl. He shows who this person is, that he is one that has up to this point partaken in everything he has been given and provided. But many were eliminated at this point because there were probably just 3 or 4 near Jesus that was using the same bowl as he was. The truth is getting closer to be revealed.

For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” Now this is interesting. Jesus as Son of Man, and therefore, is proclaiming his human quality is to go to die as it is written. He will be sacrificed as it is written. Jesus will achieve the outcome of death. Yet, each person is still responsible for their own sin. This is a difficult concept in itself. Jesus is to die but the person involved in killing him would have been better to not have lived. The latter phrases give the impression that if that person hadn't then Jesus wouldn't have died, but I don't think that is what is being said. Instead Jesus is separating the outcome from the person responsible and saying the person is still responsible. I still think this is a tough statement by Jesus - It good for that man if he had not been born. This then means that the error is in the heart of man and what motivates him. It also speaks to the seriousness of the betrayal because it is very well possible that Judas did many good things in his life up to this point, but his life is going to be marked often by his one act.

As Tabletalk pronounces here on October 20 2016, "The Bible is clear that human beings cannon blame God for their sin even though sin is included in God's predetermined plan for His creation." John Calvin states that "God ordained Judas' betrayal of Jesus, but He did so to achieve the good of our salvation. Judas betrayed Jesus, yet He did not do so because He wanted to see sinners saved but because he loved money more than the Lord." What motivates us?

Summary - Jesus is now at the Passover table and the disciples are eating. Jesus takes a moment though to call out the betrayal of one of the disciples, but he doesn't call out that person, but instead will slowly reveal him over time. In that moment all the disciples feel guilty and each one is in a way responsible, but we know that there is only one for this one issue of betrayal and his life will forever be remembered by that one act.

Promise: God is only about good. Man is intent on pleasing self. The story may appear the same but each one has a different motivation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the truth of Your word. Your gospel message of redeeming us and setting us free is illuminated even more clearly when we see our own sin. So help me to continue to examine myself so that the Light and Glory of who you are is then praised. Thank you for revealing truth to me and helping me see that Judas and I are responsible for our sin despite that fact that sin is part of your Story. You mean it for good, we mean it for something else, often selfish gain. Thank you for helping me see this. You are to be praised.

Mark 14:12-16 - Preparing for the Passover

Mark 14:12-16
12 On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples *said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 13 And He *sent two of His disciples and *said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; 14 and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 15 And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.”16 The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

Message: Preparing for the Passover

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is preparing for the Passover. Along the way the priests are preparing to seize Him though they thought that because of the Passover and the crowds they couldn't right now. Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the Leper when Mary poured a bottle of expensive perfume on Jesus' head, anointing him. Jesus praised her for this act, but not everyone was impressed as a disciple felt like the perfume could be sold and used to help the poor. But Jesus confirmed what Mary had done was right. Afterwards, Judas leaves the scene to betray Jesus before the priests in exchange for money.

The chief priests had mentioned at the beginning of this chapter that thought they wanted to seize Jesus and kill him, the time of the Passover was probably not the best time. Many were coming into town from out of town, to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. This probably meant homes were opened up for people to stay in them. As it begins, On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, His disciples *said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover? It was Thursday morning as he had spent Wednesday in Bethany. He awakes this morning, but will never sleep again. This is a fitting question by the disciples - where to? The Lamb had already been provided, per order on the 10th day of Nisan, the same day that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt, signifying him, the final sacrifice.

And He *sent two of His disciples and *said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him; Jesus begins to give instructions, but the instructions are not clear. Jesus has a traitor now among his group and he knows that this traitor is ready to give him over but he still has things to do with his disciples. He is working towards the Lord's Supper. Jesus sent two disciples - Luke says these two disciples are Peter and John. It is interesting that Peter given this account to Mark does not mention himself. The directions are specific and yet with all the people in the City how would they be able to see a man carrying a pitcher of water. The reason was that the task of carrying water was a woman's and a man carrying a pitcher of water would stand out.

and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” So they will follow this man carrying water to a house. Perhaps Jesus has set this up prior or perhaps the man is led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls the guest room His so perhaps it was prepared in advance. And he himself will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare for us there.” Again, the room is ready to be used by Jesus and disciples. It has the furnishings, the pillows to be reclined on; it is prepared.

The disciples went out and came to the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover. Jesus has been speaking up until this moment, providing them directions and now in this verse they carry out the directions and it happens as Jesus has said. They prepared the Passover or they obtained the Lamb, the wine mixed with water, the unleavened cakes, the bitter herbs -- everything necessary for the meal. Jesus was obedient to the Law in practicing the Passover.

Summary - It is Thursday now, the day before his crucifixion and death, but all the disciples know at this point is it will be a death, but they may have wondered still what that meant. Jesus directs two of the disciples to go ahead and go to the room that the Passover will be conducted in and get everything ready for the meal. Only these two disciple would know the whereabouts of this meal. Judas would not know. Everything happened just as Jesus had directed them.

Promise: Christ was intent on following the Law of God, keeping the Passover.

Prayer: Lord, you are the God of the details and the Lord of plans. I can trust you to take care of thing in my life just as you have taken care of this in yours. These details are not here by accident but our necessary given the circumstances. Thank you for even this lesson of preparation.

Mark 14:1-2 - Cowardly Priests and Scribes

Mark 14:1-2
1 Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread were two days away; and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him; 2 for they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people.”

Message: Cowardly Priests and Scribes

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 - About 5 days has passed since Jesus entered Jerusalem. During that time he has entered Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling prophecy, checked out things in the Temple, come back into town and cursed a fig tree, questioned the way the temple leaders were running the temple, using it as a way to sell things and earn money and then Jesus hears many questions from temple priests, scribes and other religious leaders. Jesus responds to them and solidifies that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Son of Man, and God. He then prophecies of the destruction of the temple and that He will be a shepherd to all people and the Gospel will be proclaimed beyond Jerusalem.

Now the Passover and Unleavened Bread were two days away. It is Wednesday, the last week of Jesus' earthly life. Passover began the week long Feast of Unleavened Bread. Passover was about the Jews sacrificing lambs and spreading the blood on the doors of Israelite homes so that the Lord would pass over the Israelite homes and instead inflict His wrath on the firstborn sons of the Egyptians. Thus, the Israelite people were redeemed through the blood. Blood symbolically covered the sins of the Israelites. Christ's death would shield everyone from God's judgment. Jesus would be the Passover Lamb: I Corinthians 5:7 - Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.

the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to seize Him by stealth and kill Him. Jesus has been a problem for them. They had been the authority for people of faith and Jesus was coming in and questioning this authority. Jesus had gained a hold on the people, specifically the people of Galilee. Jesus was even saying that they were not fulfilling their mission correctly and allowing the Gentiles to come into the temple area. As they questioned Jesus they knew that he was outwitting them. They would not bow to him, even if what he was saying was right. They had people subscribing to their rules and Jesus was talking about motives and the condition of people's hearts.

Jesus' words were valuable to the crowds. They liked what he said. And the Jewish leaders knew this and knew that their authority was fleeting. Although they wanted him dead they were not sure when the correct timing was to take him by force. for they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise there might be a riot of the people.” Multiple people were coming to Jerusalem because of the week long celebration and they wanted to hold off taking Jesus by force for they feared all of these people, who had probably received benefit from Jesus and His teaching, would come to His defense. However, they wouldn't end up being able to wait after Judas' betrayal. God's plan would supersede.

Summary - It is 2 days prior to the Passover, to the crucifixion. The priests and scribes are wanting to seize Jesus but they don't want to do it right now because of the number of people that would be in Jerusalem because of the Passover and the beginning of the week long celebrated of Unleavened Bread.

Promise: God has a sovereignty over events. Despite people's best intentions things will be carried out according to God's plan.

Prayer: Lord, you are Savior. You are Lord. You carry out your purposes in your perfect timing. Despite the anger people have toward You, You had a purpose. Lord, use this study to continue to minister to me so that I truly understand your message and your purposes and ways. I want to be equipped. Thank you for Your truth and Your upcoming sacrifice - for me.