Various Scriptures - The Coming of the Messiah

Galatians 4:4-5

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters.

Message: The Messiah in History

What the Lord is Saying: One of the attacks we receive as Christians is in questioning the authority of Scripture. Often stating it is no more reliable than works of ancient mythology. As we compare, the Bible sets the events it describes in real space and real time, set in the events of world history. Its veracity depends on the events in which it describes as being true, namely that Christ raised from the dead. God stands over all of history, having decreed all that takes place according to the counsel of His will. 

Prayer: God you are sovereign over all and you weave your history through our lives, in the past, present and future. You orchestrate events and you order this world. I surrender to you. 

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Isaiah 9:1-7

1 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish. In earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He will make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 

2 The people who walk in darkness

Will see a great light;

Those who live in a dark land,

The light will shine on them.

3 You will multiply the nation,

You will increase their joy;

They will rejoice in Your presence

As with the joy of harvest,

As people rejoice when they divide the spoils.

4 For You will break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders,

The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.

5 For every boot of the marching warrior in the roar of battle,

And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.

6 For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace

On the throne of David and over his kingdom,

To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness

From then on and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.

Message: The Messiah in Prophecy

What the Lord is Saying: Prophecy and specially prophecy of the coming Messiah using language to fit one era while predicting events in another. Isaiah 9 predicts the coming child during the reign of King Hezekiah (end of 8th c, beginning of 7th). This prophecy started as David, but looked forward to a day when a king like David would rule over God's people. In Isaiah this king would possess unparalleled wisdom. He would not need advisers or counselors. He would be the Prince of Peace. He would maintain permanent peace between God and the king's loyal subjects. He would be Mighty God, Everlasting Father. 

Prayer: Father, you promised a Messiah and a Messiah came and now rules over us for all of history. Thank you for your perfect plan. 

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Micah 5:2

But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

Too little to be among the clans of Judah,

From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.

His times of coming forth are from long ago,

From the days of eternity.

Message: Bethlehem Ephrathah

What the Lord is Saying: Here is prophecy of the promised ruler of history being born in one of the humbliest of towns. Spoken during the 8th c BC. Here in history the people were favoring the rich and ignoring the poor. David was also born in Bethlehem. 

Prayer: God thank you for redeeming me, people from all walks of life, but you continue to show in scripture, taking imperfect situations and people and making them great and this is an encouragement for us all because we are all imperfect. 

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

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

John 21:18-19

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

Message: Jesus Predicts Peter's Martyrdom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 19:31-37 - Unbroken Bones and a Pierced Side

John 19:31-37

31 The Jews therefore, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high [day]) asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and [that] they might be taken away. 32 The soldiers therefore came, and broke the legs of the first man, and of the other man who was crucified with Him; 33 but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs; 34 but one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately there came out blood and water. 35 And he who has seen has borne witness, and his witness is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. 36 For these things came to pass, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, "NOT A BONE OF HIM SHALL BE BROKEN." 37 And again another Scripture says, "THEY SHALL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED." 

Message: Unbroken Bones and a Pierced Side

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: After Jesus speaks His last words on the cross, having been crucified, the Jews wanted Jesus removed from the cross. The Jews were concerned about the Law rules. The Sabbath was beginning shortly and per the Law a body hanging on a tree overnight ceremonially defiled the land (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).  The Jews had the soldiers break the legs of the other men being crucified but coming to Jesus they saw that He had already died. To confirm this, they pierced his side with a speak and saw blood and water. And this fulfilled scripture:

Exodus 12:46 - ...you are not bring forth any of the flesh outside of the house, not are you to break any bone of it. 

Numbers 9:12 - They shall leave none of it until morning, nor break a bone of it; according to all the statute of the Passover they shall observe it.

Psalm 34:20 - He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. 

Thus, by not breaking Jesus' bones, it can be seen that scripture has been fulfilled.  

Summary: The Jews confirm Jesus death by the soldiers piercing His side, but breaking his legs is not necessary is it is with others, fulfilling Scripture. 

Promise: The death of Jesus fulfilled Messianic prophecy. 

Prayer: God, you are holy and true. Your ways are eternal and you make all things new and give life to creation. I have sinned and not only I, but those you have placed in my charge - my family. Please forgive those sins. Thank you for the act of Jesus and dying on the cross. Bring meaning of this to me more and to those around me. Make this important to those living with us and my children who have now departed. Be glorified always. 

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

John 16:29-32 - Jesus Predicts His Desertion

John 16:29-32

29 His disciples said, "Lo, now You are speaking plainly, and are not using a figure of speech. 30 Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God." 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and [yet] I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." 

Message: Jesus Predicts His Desertion

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: Upon the heels of Jesus communicating to his disciples that he hasn't been speaking plainly, using figurative language (v. 25), but this will change upon His glorification (13:31) and repeating also that He comes from the Father (v. 28), now the disciples understand. They haven't previously, but now they state they understand. They haven't been getting it up to this point, but they seem to be stating they get it now. 

But Jesus doesn't completely think they do. He offers words in verse 31 I think that in a way states that their belief may still be wallowing and then offers in verse 32 that they will scatter soon. Jesus lets them know that the hour is approaching in which He will be not with them, but alone in appearance and yet the Father will be with Him as He is always. 

The scattering that Jesus mentions has a similar idea possibly to Matthew 26:31, "You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, 'I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.' The scattering is what Jesus is saying is a falling away or the sheep, the disciples here, will disperse (as John 21:3 speaks about). 

Even the words of Psalm 69:20, "Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none." Jesus, among men, did not find those who gave him comfort by staying with Him, except for Peter and John who would stay close. 

Summary: The disciples state that they now believe Jesus came from God. Jesus lets them know that they will soon scatter to their own areas and He will have the Father with Him, never alone. 

Promise: We always have room to grow in our understanding of the Lord and His ways.

Prayer: Thank you Father for giving me understand and this study of Your Words. Help me to be an encouragement to others and help them see the light. And help me to be a person of faith always, not denying your ways but continuing to trust You. 

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

TABLETALK - August 2018

I continue in my daily studies to be guided by Tabletalk magazine. 2018 was a study on the Gospel of John and its straightforward presentation of the person and work of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and other doctrines. 

• January 2018 (July 4, 2023 - July 23, 2023) John 1:1-2:22 - The preexistence of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist and the person of Christ. 
• February 2018 (July 24, 2023 - August 10, 2023) John 2:23 - 3:36 - Regeneration and our need to believe in Christ for Salvation
• March 2018 (August 13, 2023 - September 30, 2023) John 4:1 - 5:29 - Christ is the incarnate Son of God
• April 2018 (October 1, 2023 - November 6, 2023) John 5:30 - John 7:36 - Jesus is as necessary to our souls as food is to our body; Jesus teaches in the temple during the Feast of Booths
• May 2018 (November 7, 2023 - December 22, 2023) John 7:37 - John 9:41 - Jesus experiences opposition and there is a sin-motivated resistance people have toward being enslaved to sin.
• June 2018 (December 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024) John 10:1 - 11:57 - Jesus as our shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep, but some won't hear Him. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in order to impact the faith of the disciples. 
• July 2018 (January 22, 2024 - March 14, 2024) John 12:1 - 13:20 - Jesus as Savior and Judge; salvation comes to Jesus' disciples and the judgment comes to all who reject Him. 
• August 2018 (March 15, 2024 - April 12, 2024) John 13:21 - John 14:31 - Warnings Jesus gave on the night of the Last Supper and the blessed promise of the Holy Spirit. 

Chapter 13 (continued)

The Betrayal of Christ (John 13:21-30) - Jesus identifies the one who will betray Him, though the disciples don't understand the significance of this at the time. 

The Glorification of the Son of Man (John 13:31-33) - History to date culminates in Jesus being glorified when the Son of Man fulfills His mission for mankind with God receiving Glory and Jesus returning to the Father in Heaven. 

A New Commandment from Christ (John 13:34-35) - Jesus tells us to love one another as He has loved us so that all will know that we are His disciples. 

Peter's Overconfidence (John 13:36-38) - Simon wants to follow Jesus and go where He goes when He is glorified, but Jesus lets him know that He will come later, but first Peter will deny Jesus 3 times. 

Chapter 14

A Place Prepared for us (John 14:1-3) - Jesus to Peter and disciples promises that though He is leaving, He is preparing a place for them and He will return and they will be where He is going. 

The Only Way to the Father (John 14:4-6) - Like Peter, Thomas does not know where Jesus is going when He says is going away, but Jesus confirms He is the only way to the Father. 

The Father Revealed in the Son (John 14:7-10) - Jesus continues to try to help his disciples understand completely Himself, namely that seeing Jesus is seeing Father and that the Father is in Him. 

The Works We Will Do (John 14:11-14) - Jesus tells his disciples once again the importance of believing in Him and through His words He brings them comfort, letting them know he will work as they ask Him.  

Showing Our Love for Christ (John 14:15) - Christ gives us a simple admonition to show our love for Him by being obedient to His commandments. 

The Promise of Another Helper (John 14:16-17) - Jesus is leaving, but He is sending to those who believe in Him a Helper and this Helper will always be with those that believe in Jesus. 

The Coming of Jesus (John 14:18-20) - Jesus continues to comfort His disciples promising that He will come again. He lives and we will live and like He is in the Father, we will always be in Christ. 

The Indwelling of the Father and the Son (John 14:21-24) - Disciples are to love Jesus and in the process, Jesus will disclose Himself to us, the Father and the Son, growing in closeness to God. 

Our Teacher the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-26) - Jesus reminds His disciples He abides with them and the Holy Spirit will be out teacher, reminding us always of Jesus' promises to us. 

Peace from Jesus (John 14:27-28) - Jesus leaves his disciples with His peace, asking them also to rejoice because Jesus goes to the Father. They are to have no trouble or fear. 

Sovereign over Satan (John 14:29-31) - Jesus comforts His disciples, assuring them of His ongoing commitment to them and His decree to die for man, once for all. The ruler of the world is coming, but God's purposes are still clear.

Various Scriptures - The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is one person of the Trinity, empowering us for ministry, equipping us but also working in us to create works of beauty. We are given courage by the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit changes hearts towards redemption as the Father draws. Upon conversion, we never lack the Holy Spirit, but as New Testament believers we not only are regenerated but we are progressing in holiness, sanctified by the Spirit. 

The Great Shepherd - Characteristics of a shepherd: guardian, protector, gentle, strong, tender and courageous, caring and fierce. They can also be skilled hunters and warriors. Jesus in John 10:14 says, "I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me."  This reading reminds me of ways the shepherd protects His flock. A sling was used by David to stop predators at a distance, but a rod was also used to throw at close predators or even the sheep. The staff could pull them away from a rock or thickets. As such discipline may be necessary. We may need to be corrected. Sheep will wander and the Shepherd brings them back. The shepherd is our protector. 

The Psalm of David the Shepherd - David began as a shepherd, but then became king over Israel, his new flock, despite being the youngest of his brothers. As one of the oldest occupations, shepherd is a metaphor often for leading people. God is called a shepherd and elements of a shepherds life are attributed to God's activity. His life as a shepherd impacted his ongoing life, such as leading people, and depending on God when he fought Goliath. A shepherd is constantly caring for a flock, watching, but also caring for needy sheep, and the environment. As a shepherd he was responsible for providing sheep with water, often not easy to come by, and food, locating grass for them. They kept their flocks together, guiding them without the use of fences. He would protect them from predators as well, also gathering them as they would flee to hills or mountains to avoid prey. Thus, there was a close bond between shepherd and sheep, sheep learning to trust and listen to his voice, and his leading. As Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want - As a boy, seeing the book of David as shepherd, painted as the model child, was not what the author represented. And yet a boy did not write Psalm 23, as the words of this Psalm represent a well-tested believer. Psalm 23:1 echoes words from Genesis 48:15-16 when Jacob blessed Joseph and his two sons, "The God who has been my shepherd all my life." God pursued Jacob, like a shepherd pursuing sheep. And the words of 'not lacking' or 'shall not want' are present elsewhere in Scripture, like Deut. 2:7 Moses said, "These 40 years the Lord your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing."  The Father provides for all of our needs. And Jesus would give everything one day for His sheep so that we have everything we need, lacking nothing ("I shall not want"). 

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters - Shepherd is a metaphor for kingship in the ancient Near East. Getting to green pastures or grass was an often dry (needing water) and difficult terrain to cross. But getting there is a glorious ending after a hard trek. And the Shepherd makes the sheep lie down, providing their refuge. The ultimate place of rest for God's people is with God, is being in Christ. In God, in Christ, we have really everything we need. 

He restores my soul - In Ezekiel 34, the Lord condemns the shepherds of Israel for not bringing back sheep that have strayed (v.4). It is the task of the shepherd to bring them back. We were dead in our trespasses and sins and He brought us back. He turns our mourning into dancing. He restores the individual, but he restores also the entire flock. It takes time. He restores us and we can restore the soul of others. 

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake - We rest in green pastures, but then we keep walking. In Luke 15:5 Jesus speaks of a shepherd rescuing a lone sheep and carrying it home. Jesus is intent on leading us away from evil, out of peril, into safe paths. God never gives up and He is always pursuing. I do not boast (Romans 3:27) as every act of salvation is His doing, but I still walk in the path of righteousness. He leads. I walk. And I remain on the path. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me - The journey to the Promised Land is fraught with dangers and perils, thus we need a Shepherd. The Shepherd-Ruler tradition goes as bar back as written history. Like Hammurabi (1750 BC) called himself the Shepherd. God himself speaks of this in Hosea 4:16. The valleys have been applications - chronic physical and mental anguish and disease, economic hardship, worry and anxiety about loved ones, enemies, betrayal and loss - and we have the comfort that God is with us, with me. 

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me - The rod and staff is what the shepherd use to govern his flock. The rod warded off predators; the staff was a tool to hook onto the sheep to bring them back. Christ watches over us. Jesus has compassion on His people as they were sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34), possibly thinking of Zechariah 11:10 and the termination of a previous covenant. The Word is our light (Ps. 119:105) and the Spirit is with us, we have leaders (pastors) speaking truth and helping guide us - all instruments (rod/staff) that God uses to comfort us. 

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies - Now we have the best for the end. David's enemies are observers at the feast. Often in our world, the Christian thinks God has forgotten him, like suffering and bad times are winning. Sheep receive their reward while enemies are cast out into darkness, but here are watching. Jesus has promised us to welcome us into His kingdom on the last day, to feast, but not alone but with everyone else He has gathered. The enemies can only watch. 

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows - David at times has to treat diseases in his flock. We have been purchased and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. The 2nd time a lamb wanders away the shepherd breaks one of its legs and the lamb would be carried. The lamb was hurt but for the benefit of the lamb, to stay close. Oil smooths troubled water and nourishes. Despite all that Christ suffering on the cross, His cup was overflowing and He had unshaken peace. May oil always bring us peace. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - The goodness and mercy of God are following his children every step of life. 'Surely' means there is no doubt of this. God is perfectly good in His character and flawlessly good in all His actions. His mercy is His unconditional love. Goodness and Mercy are constantly following us. There will not be a single day that He is not close to us. We go astray but He is always near. We can never escape His love. 

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever - Psalm 26:8, "O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells." God's house is the journey's end. But the Shepherd is our host taking care of us. And we will be in a place more glorious than Eden. 

Blessings of Repentance - Repentance is changing our minds about sin and turning our lives back to God, through faith in Jesus Christ. We turn and are confident in Christ because of faith. Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death reconciles us to God. Our Father loves us. The Holy Spirit makes our hearts new. We have faith, we have repentance. The blood wipes our sin as far as east from the west and we are free. After faith when we sin, we confess, not to restore our righteous status for that cannot be changed, but it removes the stain on our spirit. We are refreshed. 

Where Do You Find Your Identity - Author mentions that in Luke 16 Jesus talks of a rich man and Lazarus and how the rich man's name is not identified. Lazarus carried to Abraham's side (in heaven); rich man to Hades. Doesn't mean that rich men go to Hades as Jesus mentions what is impossible with man is possible with God. In Germany, author notices that many in the community where he started a church, people identity themselves based upon their wealth. With wealth they are good; when things go sour there isn't much to the person. Perhaps this is why Jesus doesn't mention the man's name in Luke because wealth is all the person is. But our identity should be first in Christ, anything else and we are utterly forsaken. Trusting in Jesus is eternal, an idol temporary satisfaction. We are complete by God's grace, as children of God. 

The Theater of Glory - The fingerprints of God are everywhere. God gave us brilliant colors and stunning variety in creation, from the Milky Way to the millipede. May it ignite our hearts with worship. 

Scars of Sanctification - Scars are often with us for life. Something that happens at a young age can remain with us for life. They remind us of healing that has occurred. And yet scars often bring pain as some always hurt. They give us lessons. In heaven, our scars will be gone (Eph. 5:27). The only scars in heaven are Christ's. 

Becoming What We Behold - Each Christian longs to be more like Christ, to constantly be different and this is prompted by the Holy Spirit, who gives new birth (John 3:5-8) and fills us to walk not by the flesh but by the Spirit. We become like Jesus as we worship Jesus. Genesis 1:27 shows us that we are designed to be His image bearers, reflecting either our Creator or something else in creation. In the OT, God's people turn to idols -- Israel bows down to the golden calf, elsewhere they go after false idols. Whatever we worship will reap ugly vices in our lives. So we need to be conformed to the image of Christ. Submit to the Spirit and allow Him to speak to you through His word. How to worship: 1. Contemplate/Meditate - ponder His goodness; think on the Lord; read His word thoughtfully. 2. Praise/thanksgiving/singing - Sing and make melody to the Lord, lightening the heart and engaging the body. 3. Obedience/action/service - find tangible expressions in works of merciful neighbor-love. Be empowered by the Spirit and become like Him. 

New Covenant Worship: Lift Up Your Hearts - In corporate worship, believers are united with God in heaven (Heb. 12:22). "Sursum Corda" is a liturgical assertion that God, by His Word and Spirit, lifts the hearts of believers into His heavenly presence. But this presence is not gained by our performance of communion, but rather by God dwelling with us, by the sending of His Spirit. Worship is a union the believer has with the presence in Christ. Jesus offers Himself and we draw near to God. In Hebrews, we learn that Mount Sinai was a temporary place of worship and the tabernacle a shadow of things eternal. Mount Zion is a better covenant with permanent promises (8:6). We don't need to go to a specific place to worship because we are in His presence now. But still in both covenants is our need to offer acceptable worship. So let us set our hearts on things above (Col. 3:2) and prioritize our meeting together (Heb. 10:25). We are redeemed to proclaim God both now and forever (I Peter 2:4-5, 9-10). 

Why We Don't Share the Gospel - No one loves rejection, but maybe it is not bad as we think. Two primary fears for not sharing Christ with others: (1) Fear of rejection - The gospel is offensive to many people. But we can learn during times of rejection and it can help us grow. It is part of the path of following Christ. The reality is when we talk to others about Jesus, we don't know where the conversation will go and we have to trust the Holy Spirit. So we need to replace our fear of rejection of people with a proper fear of God. (2) Fear of failure - We are called to be faithful, not win every task. Even when people do not come to faith, we please our Father. The gospel, not our answers, is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). 

Finding a Pastor - 1. Prepare. 2. Agree. 3. Lead. 4. Search. 5. Propose. 6. Preach, pray, and talk. 7. Recommend. 8. Consider. 9. Vote. 10. Welcome. 11. Encourage. 

John 6:1-14 - Multiplying Loaves and Fishes

John 6:1-14

1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberius). 2 And a great multitude was following Him, because they were seeing the signs which He was performing on those who were sick; 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Jesus therefore lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?" 6 And this He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. 7 Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii (one day's wage) worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little." 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 9 "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?" 10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. 12 And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost." 13 And so they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 When therefore the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, "This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world." 

Message: Multiplying Loaves and Fishes

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: To review Chapter 5, a lame man is healed, but Jesus makes sure to speak to the man about his need to address his sin. The Jews accuse Jesus of being equal with God and Jesus gives witness that the Father gave Him life and every work He does is from the Father and yet He is equal with the Father and has always existed. We have been given eternal life resulting in deeds of righteousness. One day all of our deeds will be judged resulting in eternal life and judgment. John testified of Jesus, and Jesus and His miracles also testify of Him as well as the words of Moses and Scripture. Jesus is from the Father, doing the deeds of the Father and eternal life is only found in Him. If you reject the Son, then you reject the Father. 

And now in Chapter 6, Jesus goes to the other side of Galilee. In verse 2, John describes the fact that people are following Jesus in great numbers. Why? Because of the signs that He is performing. These works are part of His mission (5:36) and they testify of who Jesus is, and yet Jesus knows that a healing or sign alone does not save a person and people must believe in Him, placing their complete faith in Him, in order to have eternal life. 

The people following Him are great in number (verse 5). Matthew lets us know the number to be 5,000 men and yet there are women and children also, so the number is greater than 5,000. Jesus upon seeing this remarks that the people need to eat. Jesus asks Philip and Philip responds that 200 days' wages would not meet the need (verse 7). Andrew also mentions there is a little food but what are people going to do with that small amount (verse 8 and 9). Jesus provides the food, multiplying the loaves of bread and fish into not only enough for the people but leftovers as well. 

Jesus provides, not only for His disciples but beyond this. I don't think we can necessarily think that every person following Him was his true follower and yet Jesus still provides. He provides to people beyond those who are His followers. Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethsaida in chapter 5 and yet we have no real assurance of this man's salvation. Jesus will work in our world today as well, healing people as well, even those that are not His true followers. We would hope that people would come to an understanding of Him through those miracles. 

In verse 14 is a proclamation, "This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world." This is the appointed Messiah. This could be the outcome of the statement from Deuteronomy 18:18, "I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him." A text and promise that had come over 600 years prior. And yet this is a text that many Muslims also claim to be Mohammed and LDS believe also point to Joseph Smith. In John 1:21 Jesus does not say he is Elijah or a Prophet, and yet the people still blur this idea of the two, as is mentioned here. 

Summary: Jesus feeds the multitudes following Him multiplying 5 loaves and 2 fish to provide for more than enough and the people testify that He is the prophet prophesied. 

Promise: The Lord meets all of our needs, now and forever. 

Prayer: Thank you for this passage O Lord and the great reminder that you are our provider. And you heal people and provide for them, all people, your followers and beyond. You are good, all good and that good transcends beyond just your chosen people. You impact many more. And hopefully people through that process come to know You as Savior and Lord. You are to be praised. Bring clarity and understanding to people. 

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

John 3:5 - Baptism and Regeneration

John 3:5 - Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Message: Baptism and Regeneration

Time: Throughout church history, Christians have consistently attributed this gospel to Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee. John was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing he was to confirm the belief that Jesus was both the Christ and the Son of God

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 3 of the Gospel of John is the "born again" chapter as Jesus speaks to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, about the works that He has been performing and Nicodemus has heard about. Nicodemus wants more information and so Jesus provides it mentioning His central message that every person must be born again and on the heels of making this statement, emphasizing the importance of being born of water and the Spirit. This is a must to enter the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the dominion of being among the Called Ones of Christ for all eternity, on earth among the Body of Christ, and in heaven, as sealed ones for eternity with God. 

Thus, we need to emphasize always the importance of baptism. Recently, I had a conversation with a Muslim man and in the conversation as we started to examine scripture he mentioned that Muslims only recognize the Gospel of Matthew and do not recognize Luke, John, or Mark. It makes sense because as I read these words from John and how they clarify further the Gospel of Jesus Christ it seems that people would want to figure out a way to get around this type of thinking so that it would not be applicable to them. It is language that speaks of complete devotion to Jesus and Jesus alone and this is not a doctrine of Muslim teaching. 

This particular mentioning of being affected by water and the Spirit may not at the time have meant the same baptism that we see today. It is hard to say. Jesus had previously been baptized. John could be simply connecting some sort of change in a person in which water, as well as the Spirit of God, is involved. The key point is this water produces a change or regeneration. This concept of regeneration is a significant one in scripture as we see elsewhere how we are encouraged to in many ways be renewed from our birth into Adam and then into a new way of being. I studied this idea of regeneration a little over 3 years ago from Ephesians 2 and talking of being dead and then becoming alive. So it is significant here that water is spoken of by Jesus as connecting these two. 

Titus 3:5 states, "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit." Here also is this connecting of renewal through washing (water) and the Holy Spirit. We are cleansed and made new. 

There is prophecy concerning this from Ezekiel 36:25-27 -- "25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances." -- I realize now that verse 26 is a verse I have prayed for my youngest son Derek very often and I never noticed before that verse that water cleansing precedes it and really speaks of the newness that happens in a person. That newness is shown in water. The context here also refers to the metaphorical death of the Babylonian exile which again speaks of being rescued or renewed or born again. 

This concept of God created something new also occurs in Scripture to speak of a new heaven and new earth as in Isaiah 65:17, "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind" and also Revelation 21:1, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea."

Again, the idea is being made new and that is a consistent idea in scripture. And this idea here hinges on water being involved in this regeneration. 

I am impressed with these words and it makes me wonder if we really do emphasize baptism enough and its importance in speaking of this new life in Christ, before God and by the work of the Holy Spirit in our life. That is the message today, of the importance of baptism and how it needs to be a part of our process of witnessing to people and giving them the Good News of Jesus. That visible act needs to occur for the person to see in themselves and for others to see. 

Summary: Baptism has regenerated all who believe in Christ alone for salvation. 

Promise: Jesus connects the Water and the Spirit for newness of life that God produces by His Spirit. Baptism will regenerate His people and we can look to our baptism to be reminded of God's faithfulness to cleanse us from our sin. 

Prayer: O Father God, thank you for bringing home to me this message of regeneration and renewal. Life is about starting anew and afresh with you. I pray that people would recognize this, like the people we spoke to last night at the mall, Hamet, Brian, and also Carlos. I pray Lord these males would have lives that are born again and new again. May your gospel penetrate their lives. Lord, keep me on this path of regeneration continually where I am always examining me and how I need to be renewed in You. 

Revelation 17:14 - Christ Our King

Revelation 17:14

They will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.

Message: Christ Our King

Time: John mentions himself 4 times as author. It was written around the year 95 on John's exile to the island of Patmos after preaching the gospel to Asia. Revelation comes from the Greek word for apocalypse and refers to an unveiling. The book is about the tribulation period with symbolic language, giving us the end of the story -- Jesus will once and for all heal the wounds of sin, reign for a thousand years on earth, then re-create the world into a place that represent's God's original design. 

What the Lord is Saying: 

This verse speaks of a war that is happening with the Son of God - the Lamb of God - Jesus - and today it definitely feels like Jesus as Lord is being put on the shelf in our present life by the world. Yet, should we be surprised? This world is of Satan and the people resemble that type of thinking and yet the people of God know that Jesus is King of kings. 

To dig a little deeper into this verse in Revelation, I am interested in the title "King of kings" and why it was used. The Expositor's Greek New Testament (1897) references this title as a reference to the well-known Parthian title. "King of kings" which was a title first given to Parthian empires of their kings around 150 BC. This verse begins with "They will wage war against the Lamb." The preceding verses speak of the last of the seven angels, which were entrusted the execution of the last things and the last angel is referred to as the Great Harlot. And in 17:2 is mentioned that the kings of the earth committed fornication with her, this angel, the Great Harlot. The idea being that the kings accepted this angels idolatry and aligned themselves with her. And now in verse 14, they will wage war is the idea that these kings of the earth, kings of nations, will wage war with Jesus and Jesus the Lamb will overcome them because He is lord of lords and King of kings. Thus, Jesus is the King among all kings. Thus, it seems that John is taking a phrase that has been used of kings and empires somewhat recently, 250 years or less and ascribing that phrase - King of kings - to Jesus. 

It is interesting because I remember singing songs with "King of kings" in the verses. And there is the idea present often that all the governments do submit to Jesus as He is king of Kings. In the Bible are 6 references to King of Kings. I don't see this as a title given to the Lord God himself in the Old Testament, but there are 3 references to it in the new, 2 in Revelation and 1 time by Paul in I Timothy 6:15. 

Yet, the idea of God as King is mentioned in the Bible, like Psalm 10:16, "The Lord is King forever and ever; nations have perished from His land." So on one hand is the title "King of kings" which is not given too many times, but is a true concept and then the idea of Jesus as King is also prominent. 

One instance of this is found in John 12:12-16 as Jesus is entering Jerusalem on his way to being crucified. 

On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him.

This reference in John seem to go back to Zechariah 9:9 - Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

The Zechariah verse paints the picture of the ideal king coming. And then Zechariah also inserts, coming with salvation. Zechariah is prediction the fall of Israel here and the fall of the neighboring nations. This is not a conquering king coming with weapons, but a king coming as a prince of peace. The colt or ass references back to Judges passages that speak of riding on donkeys in preparation for judgment. This king was spoken by all the prophets and is one coming that will reign forever. So Jesus is meek and still the ultimate rescue for His people. And he is it. No more will be needed. Yes, He will come again to usher in the final kingdom on earth and in heaven, but His rescue of people's souls and lives will never again be repeated. 

This type of king in our lives in not fathomable. We have rotating kings and presidents. We have this constant stress or adulation of who will be our next leader. And the question of what type of leader He will be. Will God be by His side or will he only lean on human wisdom? So, this lesson is so important for Jesus is King of Kings and He is the last and ideal king. No one is better and no one needs to be better for He had done it all. 

Promise: I am Christ's ambassador to point people to the Jesus the only King and only true King of our lives, but we are to bow our knee to Him today and each day. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing me this text. It takes me time, but you illuminate me and open my eyes to your truth and the right understand of you Jesus as King, as the King of Kings. Thank you for using your word and speaking through others in the past to also give me understanding. I am your ambassador of truth. Help me to keep being a blessing to others. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of May is about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April was about salvation by grace alone; March about the sovereign providence of God; February was about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January was about the doctrine of God.

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

Judges 4:17-22 - Providential Governance Through Means

Judges 4:17-22
17 Now Sisera fled away on foot to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite, for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. 18 Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, “Turn aside, my master, turn aside to me! Do not be afraid.” And he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.19 He said to her, “Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” So she opened a bottle of milk and gave him a drink; then she covered him. 20 He said to her, “Stand in the doorway of the tent, and it shall be if anyone comes and inquires of you, and says, ‘Is there anyone here?’ that you shall say, ‘No.’” 21 But Jael, Heber’s wife, took a tent peg and seized a hammer in her hand, and went secretly to him and drove the peg into his temple, and it went through into the ground; for he was sound asleep and exhausted. So he died. 22 And behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking.” And he entered with her, and behold Sisera was lying dead with the tent peg in his temple.

Message: Providential Governance Through Means

Time: Jewish tradition says that Samuel wrote Judges. Samuel, one of the last judges, that God raised up to rescue His people. This is a sequel to book of Joshua and spans from 14th century and ends about 300 years later.  The pattern of behavior in the book of Judges is clear: the people rebelled through idolatry and disbelief, God brought judgment through foreign oppression, God raised up a deliverer—or judge, and the people repented and turned back to God. When the people fell back into sin, the cycle started over again.

What the Lord is Saying:

The topic recently in this study of God's sovereignty has been God's providence, which, in a way, expresses his ongoing work through history. God is active in controlling all activity in creation. He decreed and created all and is active in preserving creation for his intended purpose. His creation benefits followers and non-followers. Thus he preserves but he also governs things. He governs the big things of life, like the dynasties of nations and their effects on society, but he also governs small things, things we might consider defining as chance (rolling the dice or flipping a coin).

The Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 11 states - "God's works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions." God never takes a break in our lives.

My father spoke last night about all of the little decisions that occurred in leading up to him going to the BSU when he was at Tulane because they were offering a free meal and my mom was getting up to speak and when my dad saw her he had great desire for her. And spending time with her his grades suffered and he had to not spend time with her but have a standing date in order to get his studies back in order. His roommate, T - was his nickname - wanted him to go to the dinner and my dad was saying he had too much to study but the guy would never give up. So finally he relented and went. And he talked about how he ended up at Tulane from a recommendation from someone at college. He had dated a lot at Baylor but never at Tulane. And he emphasized these are the events and how we all are here. For me, I was thinking it was all divine providence. God governs the events of our lives and everything works out in our lives for His good purposes. He has a plan and that was His plan for me even way back then.
God works in established means or He works through people and physical laws, personalities, and decisions to bring about His purposes. He does not suspend natural processes or override plans and choices but He works in their decisions to bring about His purposes. This is what He did with my dad and what He does throughout our lives. There is purpose and order in our lives.

Judges 4:17-22 records the story of Jael and Sisera. Sisera is a commander of the Canaanites. He had lost a battle against the Israelites, led by Deborah and Barak. Sisera fled to Jael, someone he thought an ally, but Jael drove a tent peg through his skull while he was asleep. This fulfilled a prophecy that a woman would get the glory for killing Sisera (Deborah predicted this). Jael, a woman, was someone trained in erecting and dismantling tents. Numerous times she had hammered a tent peg and that skill was used to deliver the Israelites when the need arose. God worked through Jael's skill to bring about the fulfillment of prophecy.

Promise: God works through means so we do not know how the Lord may use us and our talents but we do know that He can use anything for His purposes.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the way you orchestrate events in our lives and how you do in fact work everything out for Your good. You have done this throughout history. Thank you for showing me how you work in our lives and I want to thank you for Your good work.

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Mark 14:43-49 - Arrested Under The Cover of Night

Mark 14:43-49
43 Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, *came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.” 45 After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 They laid hands on Him and seized Him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? 49 Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures.”

Message: Arrested Under The Cover of Night

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 praying in the garden of Gethsemane, preparing for it is ahead, death and dying which he knows will include being beaten and scourged. Whether the will of God or not, he is to go through it and he asks for the cup of wrath to find another way. In the process, he asks the disciples to keep watch, but instead they go to sleep, despite them saying during their meal time they would never deny Him.

Jesus has just pronounced to his disciples as he had been asking them to keep watch and pray that the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners and now it is coming true before their eyes, for a large group of religious leaders were coming for him. Immediately while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, *came up accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 

I have previously talked about Judas' betrayal and how this last act of his would define him for his life. This act made everything he had done before not believable. Jesus had called men to follow Him and he had risen up to do that, but in light of this betrayal is the wonder of what his motives were in following Jesus. Was it really a heart decision? For Judas betrays Jesus in an emphatic way here. As if the leaders didn't know who Jesus was, Judas stated that he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.” After coming, Judas immediately went to Him, saying, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. They laid hands on Him and seized Him. 

Judas' Kiss is now the sign of betrayal. It accented the betrayal of Jesus. Jesus knew it would occur as he had also told the disciples but it was being fulfilled with complete clarity with Judas referring to Jesus as Rabbi or teacher. Rabbi was a title of honor. And Judas gives him a sign of affection. It almost looks like Judas has been put up to a double dare. He shows that no matter what his words or actions may have been his heart was in a different place. Again, Judas' act was necessary as Jesus will say - but this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures but Judas is still responsible for his actions. The decree of God and the responsibility of man are separate, thus God is sovereign over everything in our lives. He will carry out his actions even if that means through the disobedience (or obedience) of His children. God can work independently of man, but he also works through man.

During this process of arrest one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. The gospel writer John records this as Simon Peter who did this. Peter is providing these words to Mark and yet Mark shows it as one of those so perhaps Peter didn't want to state that it was him or Mark didn't want to state this. This is obviously not what Peter wanted to see and he was bothered that this man that he had been with for years now had betrayed Jesus.

And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me, as you would against a robber? Every day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me; Jesus reveals something about those that have come to seize him wondering maybe why this is such a scene but also partially embarrassing them for the way in which they have done it. Jesus has made him self available many times to them. But instead of doing it where he was at, they come after him like they would come after a robber. Luke reports that Jesus healed the man that Peter had struck. They came at night upon Jesus, not during the day, not in front of everyone, not at the Temple where the crowds were. They are seizing Jesus somewhat in a secret manner. They were really only doing this because Judas was helping it all happen, providing further motivation for it to happen.

Summary - Jesus was now being taken away. It was happening. His death had been predicted but the way it was happening he had not necessarily been mentioning. The disciples had been tasked to keep watch, but they failed. Judas had said he would follow Jesus, but he failed. Jesus was being arrested like he was a criminal, under the shroud of darkness, in a hidden way. But Jesus went willingly. The scriptures were being fulfilled.

Promise: Jesus was being treated as a sinner, even at this point, though He would have no sin of His own.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for sacrificing for me. Thank you for experiencing this humiliation on my behalf and going willingly. Many have betrayed you but I am chief among sinners. Thank you for forever making me free and clean before God. On this day I want to do things your way.

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 13:27-31 - Within A Generation

Mark 13:27-31
27 And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.
28 “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

Message: Within A Generation

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 speaking of the future as he delivers what is now been called the Olivet Discourse. The language here can be difficult at times to comprehend, as far as exactly the events that Jesus is predicting and their timing. Up to this point much has been thought to occur by AD 70 which is the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and then the wiping out of the Jewish Nation and how it will be replaced with the Gospel Church following Christ's substitution death on the Cross at Calvary. 

Perhaps the best way to interpret the previous passage - 13:24-26 is to say that it is simply the change from one era to another. Figurative, apocalyptic language is being used and often this language refers to falls of empires in the Bible and beginnings of new empires. So rather than thinking that in verse 26 it states that Jesus is coming in the clouds and this means His Second Coming it refers to him coming as the Messiah and the Jewish nation understanding this, for the first time. Jesus has come. Jesus is here. God to the earth. God to the whole world. Thus the destruction of the Jewish temple in AD 70 meant that the times of the Jews ended. Jesus told them to flee from Jerusalem immediately and thus flee from what they have known all along. And now salvation will come to all, but namely the Gentiles realizing that Salvation has come to the Jews. But Jesus has been stating and sort of judging the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem for not allowing the Gentiles to be welcomed into the temple. His death on the cross forces this to occur and the destruction of the temple is another way that it ushers in a new era.

And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven. This is perhaps that now that Jerusalem is broken up, churches will be formed and planted among the Gentiles, to the uttermost parts of the earth, the globe.

He then brings up the fig tree again. He came upon the fig tree as He entered Jerusalem, and seeing its leaves he expected fruit, but in fact saw none, so he cursed the fig tree for not bearing fruit. But now He brings a different message from the fig tree. The messages here is as soon as the disciples perceived the signs of Christ's coming, they were to learn that he was close at hand, as certainly as the ripening fruit of the fig tree showed that summer was at hand. And then this statement this generation will not pass away until all these things take place speaks to the fact that this Olivet Discourse is fulfilled in this generation, thus by AD 70 and the passage seems to signify events that are taking place now. The temple will be destroyed and then the church will be sent out from Jerusalem, to the earth. All would be fulfilled in the 1st century.

Then Jesus provides the strongest language stating that his words, his mission, his plan is not temporary, but eternal. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. He utters his divine authority here. Cambridge Bible Commentary states - But as we look across the centuries we see how it has been realized. His words have passed into laws, they have passed into doctrines, they have passed into proverbs, they have passed into consolations, but they have never “passed away.” What human teacher ever dared to claim an eternity for his words?

Summary - This has been a difficult text at times, but the Olivet Discourse predicts a time that is coming and Jesus is wanting to ease the minds of his disciples and followers. They are not to be frightened, but confident in the future. His message is not temporal. It will go forth to the ends of the earth. His gospel message will be proclaimed and churches will be planted. Man-made institutions will pass away but His Truth, His Words will never pass away.

Promise: We are to take the gospel to all peoples.

Prayer: Lord, I try to learn and study these truths somewhat quickly, in a morning right now and yet Your Words speak of eternity and Your plan forever. You Lord are on the throne and I can always trust in You and depend on You. Continue to help me encourage others and be a light in people's lives. Thank you for the promise of Your kingdom. Continue to give me understanding of your words as I read them and illuminate me. 

Mark 13:14-20 - An Abomination in the Temple

Mark 13:14-20
14 “But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.15 The one who is on the housetop must not go down, or go in to get anything out of his house; 16 and the one who is in the field must not turn back to get his coat. 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 But pray that it may not happen in the winter. 19 For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will. 20 Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.

Message: An Abomination in the Temple

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has been delivering what is known as the Olivet discourse, predicting the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and talking about the events that will occur leading up to this. He says to be careful (be on your guard) for many will come in His name saying, "I am (he)." Don't be led astray. You will be delivered over to governors and beaten in synagogues but keep proclaiming the name of Jesus. Your family will turn against you but faith is not a momentary change but a lifelong commitment to Jesus so endure to the end to welcome your salvation.

From Tabletalk of October 7, 2016 - In AD 70 the Roman general Titus invaded Jerusalem to crush a Jewish revolt, entered the temple, had the building destroyed, and carried off the lampstand and other temple artifacts to Rome. Thus, this seems to be the prophecy event that Jesus was talking about. Thus, Jesus tells the Jews to flee once this occurs. Josephus, the Jewish historian reports that the Jewish Christians in Judea heeded Jesus' warning. When the city and temple fell, more than one million Jews died. But Jewish Christians, by and large, were not among them, for they had already fled the city when they saw the Romans coming.

Jesus gives these warnings upon this abomination occurring:

- those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains
- The one who is on the housetop must not go down, 
- The one who is on the housetop must not get anything out of his house
- the one who is in the field must not turn back to get his coat. 
- woe to those who are pregnant, pray it may not happen in the winter
- woe to those who are nursing babies in those days, pray that it may not happen in the winter. 

19 For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will. 20 Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days. God has determined that the period of vengeance is shorter than what is deserved.

Summary - This message is for those people at that time. Destruction will come to Jerusalem and they are to listen to God's warnings and heed what He says. History shows that they did in fact do this and the Jewish Christians lives were spared.

Promise: Bad things will happen to even the Lord's houses. People can be corrupted but we can be on the guard nevertheless at all times. We need to listen to what the Lord is telling us.

Prayer: Lord, you speak to Your People and You give us warnings. Lord, I pray that as you speak I would listen. It is true, I'd rather see it written on a page before me but you Holy Spirit do speak to in our lives. Thank you for saving your people and rescuing them and saving me and rescuing me.

Mark 13:1-4 - The Olivet Discourse

Mark 13:1-4
1 As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples *said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.”
3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?”

Message: The Olivet Discourse

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 - I'm not sure what day it is. It still seems like the same day as Chapter 12, which means it is the 3rd or 4th day of his arrival into Jerusalem. Jesus has answered the religious leaders questions and he has also now put forth his own thoughts about being the Messiah, and reflecting on the motives of religious leaders as well as those that give to the temple. Jesus continues to speak a lot about people's motives. Rather than simply thinking that obedience to the Law is a sort of list of things to do to be accepted by God, Jesus is helping people see that God is interested in people's hearts. And Jesus himself is speaking of people's inner motives for doing things.

They are leaving the temple area where Jesus was sitting and providing a lesson from the giving habits of the wealthy and the poor widow. That lesson spoke to the idea that we often judge people or assess people by the size of their gifts: in that we have a tendency to think the gift given by the wealthy person is greater than the gift given by a poor person. Jesus is telling the disciples to not look at the outward so much. And yet, coming out of the temple, this is exactly what the disciples do. As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples *said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” See, immediately the disciples look at the large structures and remark of how wonderful they look. Granted, the disciples could be simply talking but even in our normal conversation we reveal things about our hearts and our true motives. The temple must have been impressive to look at as they are impressive in their size.

Jesus' response to this question is a word of prophecy. And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.” I have already see Jesus curse the fig tree. This was to cast judgment on it for not bearing fruit though it looked like it did. It is as if Jesus is saying that their be consequences to not following through on commitments or doing what we are called to do. After that curse, he went to the temple and saw the leaders using it for their personal gain rather than staying true its purpose and allowing the Gentiles a place at the temple. And once again, it appears here that Jesus is saying that these big structures that we view with amazement due to their size and stature will one day be torn down. This statement probably seemed improbable to the disciples that it would ever come to fruition.

As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, (the Mount of Olives was nearby and I wonder did they make the trek to it, thus leave the City area and temple area; the Mount of Olives was on the trek from Jerusalem to Bethany) Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately, (this is another instance in which Mark mentions in detail all of those that were present as Andrew is mentioned but not elsewhere in the other gospels and the disciples are mentioned specifically by Mark) “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?” - Yet, while providing a little more detail in the names of the disciples the question here is not as complete as what is asked from Matthew's perspective. Matthew adds of what will be the sign of His Coming.

Summary - Jesus has come out of the temple area and some of the disciples remark on the size of the buildings and Jesus responds that the buildings will at one time no longer exist and their foundation will be overturned. Jesus and the disciples then leave Jerusalem and go outside the City to the mount of Olives to discuss what has occurred with the disciples asking Jesus to explain.

Promise: I need to study diligently these texts, pray over them for God's help in interpreting the Bible, to understand what God would have me learn.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for having a mission, a purpose for all things. At times, my understanding of things is limited. But, as Solomon said, you have made everything appropriate in its own time, so I can trust You with all the answers even when they are not apparent from reading the text. Give me wisdom in understanding what You are saying. Thank you for loving Me and knowing What I need.

Mark 11:12-14 - The Fruitless Fig Tree

Mark 11:12-14
12 On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry. 13 Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening.
Message: The Fruitless Fig Tree

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is on his way into Jerusalem to begin the week leading up to the cross. But, we aren't sure these events really only take up a week. First order of business was procuring a donkey that some of the disciples went to get and then riding into Jerusalem on it, thus fulfilling prophecy of a king coming in on a donkey. The people knew the significance of this and draped things on the ground as well, but they may have not completely understood His messianic focus of ushering in the kingdom of God, thinking he was simply ushering in a restored Israel. Jesus went straight to the temple, but only to look around and then returned to Bethany to rest.

On the next day - so it seems that it is now one day later. they had left Bethany where Jesus had been resting or preparing for what was ahead and He became hungry. Maybe he was just hungry or maybe he realized that he needed food for what lie ahead.

Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. Interesting. From Mark's perspective or rather Peter's, he would go to a fig tree, hungry, and there would be nothing on it to take. Didn't he know this? It would seem, but then he made the command - He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” The tree had no fruit so therefore no was to eat fruit from it again. And His disciples were listening.

Well, I don't see what this is about so I will first look at the commentary given from the Tabletalk magazine on the date I am currently reading - October 18, 2016. It remarks this passage as an example of an enacted parable or perhaps a real life event that could teach us something rather than a parable which was often a story that wasn't real. Enacted means that their actions conveyed a truth. In this situation Jesus goes to a tree, a fig tree, in leaf. It being in leaf meant that it appeared to have borne fruit, for a fig tree bears fruit first and then leaves. Mark had responded though that it was not the season for figs. Perhaps Mark thought he saw something that Jesus didn't, but either way Jesus seeing a tree with figs, rather in season or not, it should have probably had some sort of size of figs.

In Hosea 2 is an example of the judgment upon Israel and it mentions in verse 12 - I will destroy her vines and fig trees. So fig trees, barren fig trees are an example or foreshadowing of judgment upon Israel. Thus, what he does here is curse the fig tree by saying  - “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” The curse was a sign that judgment was about to come to Jerusalem. The fig tree represented the people of Israel of which a curse was pronounced suitable to its condition.

This could even have more far reaching curses upon the Church that appears healthy, but alas there is no fruit. At this point it is cursed or a curse falls on it.

Summary - Jesus is leaving Bethany on his way to Jerusalem and sees a fig tree in leaf and expects to find fruit for leaves form after the fruit has occurred. It is not the season for figs so therefore it was not thought that there was any fruit that had already been taken. So what Jesus sees is a tree that appears to have fruit and has nothing. It appears healthy but it isn't, so pronounces a curse on it, a divine judgment that it will never be healthy.

Promise: We are to bear fruit for God's glory, and if we are not bearing fruit in service to God and neighbor, we must repent and rely on His grace. If we do not, that may be a sign that we are not in His Kingdom at all.

Prayer: Lord, your words are strong. We as a people are meant to bear fruit. Lord, I am meant to bear fruit. Sometimes I don't see it. Forgive me for that and let my hope be in you for what I can't see. I should have peace for doing the things you have called me to do and then I can trust that you are working them out.