John 20:24-29 - Doubting Thomas

John 20:24-29

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Message: Doubting Thomas

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: The last passage was Jesus finishing up conversations with the disciples and now Thomas comes forward, though he wasn't with the disciples when Jesus came to them in the room. The other disciples told him that they had seen the Lord. Thomas responded with "I want proof.". A week later Jesus stood among them and told Thomas to do just that Thomas believes. 

The church has throughout the ages referred to Thomas as doubting Thomas. Yet, Ligonier remarks that in verse 26 when Jesus comes back to the disciples they are in the house again still. After seeing Jesus, they are still hiding out in the house. Jesus is back but their feelings of fear remain. 

Jesus greets Thomas with the same greeting he gave the disciples, "Peace be with you." Even 2,000 years ago is the understanding that we need peace. 

What else is Thomas know for? In John 11:16 he is the one that when Jesus says he will be returning to Lazarus, Thomas it seems leads the charge by the disciples to go with Jesus to Lazarus. And yet he says interesting words - "Let us also go, that we may die with him." There still probably isn't understanding here of why Jesus is going to Lazarus. This idea in this verse by Thomas to "die with him" is a phrase with a little controversy as it is unclear what this statement means that Thomas is voicing. Whatever it is, it seems to support the idea that he did not understand why Jesus was going to Lazarus or the outcome that would prevail. 

Thomas later is recorded in the words in John 14:5 prior to Jesus stating He is the way, truth, and the life that  “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Again in these verses is the sentiment by the disciples of not knowing what Jesus is up to.

And so now that Thomas is stating that he wants to see proof of Jesus, perhaps his words are consistent with the idea that he along with the other disciples are still trying to figure out why Jesus is doing the things he is doing. Despite all that Jesus states, people are still not putting it all together.  

Jesus knows that people have these issues and he provides the answers that they need. And yet, I think there is a hope that people did not have these questions and would instead trust in the words of Jesus and see the big picture of what He is about. Jesus then in this passage also makes a point to state that he is able to provide proof but "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." While Jesus appeals to Thomas he also makes a point to appeal to all of those that will believe in Jesus despite not seeing but believe based upon the eyewitness accounts of others. And this is the primary way people will believe throughout history, not only of Jesus but throughout all events of history. No one is more at an advantage. Believing occurs whether seeing the nail scarred hands or not. One belief is not greater than the other. 

Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) mentions about this passage that Thomas was not part of those disciples that were up in the room, hiding out. But instead Thomas seems to be off alone. He remarks -- "The worst thing that a man can do when disbelief, or doubt, or coldness shrouds his sky, and blots out the stars, is to go away alone and shut himself up with his own, perhaps morbid, or, at all events, disturbing thoughts." I like this observation for it is true. We are much worse off when we retreat alone with questions instead we need to bring those questions to others. I need to watch out for this in my life. Maclaren also comments that Thomas put conditions on his belief. It wasn't that he doubted Jesus, but he seems to have rejected Jesus at this point for he laid out what must be necessary for him to believe. He did not accept things as they were. I suppose we all do this to a point, but I do find there are many people like Thomas that reveal all of the conditions they seemingly have to believe and yet rarely does it seem those things do any good. 

Summary: Thomas, not with the disciples in the room, states to believe in Jesus, he wants proof and to see not only Jesus but his scars. Jesus appears and Thomas believes. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "We believe because of the historical testimony of the Apostles to the ministry of Christ. It is no virtue to take a blind leap of faith; rather, we should know the reasons undergirding our trust in Christ."

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this passage and making it more meaningful to me. I appreciate the words of Maclaren and using him to help speak to me, 100+ years later after his words are spoken. Help my unbelief. Thank you for the confidence which we have throughout history for the events that have occurred. Remove the obstacles that are in front of so many for believing. 

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

John 14:7-10 - The Father Revealed in the Son

John 14:7-10

7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.

Message: The Father Revealed in the Son

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

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus continues to answer the questions posed by the disciples, namely Peter at the end of chapter 13 and Thomas at the beginning of Chapter 14. Jesus has mentioned that He is going away - going to prepare a place for His disciples - for us - and He will come again and they will be received. But for now, He is leaving. He confirms in the last passage that He is the way, the truth, and the life. 

And now in verse 7 He remarks that knowing Him (Jesus) is knowing the Father. We know Him because we have seen Jesus. The next disciple, Philip, responds and says to Jesus - "Show Me." Jesus is speaking but the words are not being understood by the disciples. We can read the words today and based upon all that we know, we can understand, but to those disciples at the time they were confused. 

Jesus speaks and provides clarity and confirmation of who He is: (1) that His words are the words of the Father, (2) seeing Jesus is seeing the Father, and (3) the Father is in Jesus. Jesus is not speaking on His Own. He is not independent. He is of the Father and the Father is speaking through Him. The Father and Son are of the same essence while different in their persons. 

Therefore this passage seems to be focused on those words from verse 7, "If you had known Me." The disciples did know Jesus. They knew him as Savior of the World. They knew Him as Messiah. They knew Him, but they did not know Him fully. This is what Jesus is relaying to them and trying to help them understand - a full understanding of who He is and why He came. Though He has been repeating it, they still don't completely understand His power and His office. The equality with God and being sent by God and all that this means is still something they are learning. That God has sent Him and that He must return to the Father and then come back again. He will speak later of leaving and them receiving the power and work of the Holy Spirit (15:26-27). Jesus has been showing them. Even in verse 9 Jesus speaks with a mild rebuke, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip." Peter, Thomas, Philip - there is a growing interest by more disciples - more involved in knowing Jesus. 

Summary: 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. 

Promise: The Father and the Son share the same divine essence; thus, They are identical in Their attributes. If we want to see the goodness, wisdom, power, or any other attribute of God most clearly manifested, we must look to how they are manifested in the life of Jesus. Only by knowing Jesus can we know God.

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy and Your ways are complete. I thank You for the understanding You have given me of all You are and yet I know, even now I am learning about You and learning to describe You more fully, even after 40 years of walking with You and calling You my Lord. It remains a process in my life. Give me patience and compassion to others that are still learning this and learning these truths. Help me to be sensitive to where they are at in their lives. Help it not to be an argument or conflict in trying to understand but rather a process of education and learning. We too quickly opt for division and argument in our world. Return us to understanding. 

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

John 6:16-21 - Walking on the Sea of Galilee

John 6:16-21

16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. And it had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 And the sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When therefore they had rowed about three or four miles, they [beheld] Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. 20 But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." 21 They were willing therefore to receive Him into the boat; and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. 

Message: Walking on the Sea of Galilee

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 in the previous verse Jesus had retired to the mountain after the people were thinking that he was their prophet, their long awaited one who will change the tide of everything politically, but Jesus instead retreats, back to where he and the disciples were at, in the mountains. 

But here now, evening comes and the disciples go down to the sea, get into a boat in order to cross the sea. They were in the boat, but Jesus was not yet with them, though it was dark. A strong wind started blowing and headed 3 or 4 miles and then here comes Jesus, walking on the sea and coming to the boat. They are frightened, but He tells them to not be afraid. He got into the boat and then at that point the boat was at land. 

Hmm. Interesting interlude of Jesus walking on water. This event is referenced also in Matthew 14:22-33 and Mark 6:45-52. Interesting at how relatively high level is this version in John. There is definitely more detail in Matthew and Mark. Matthew mentions Peter and getting out to attempt to walk as well. Mark mentions more of the disciples response, being terrified at what had occurred, but John doesn't have either Peter or any mention of disciples feelings of faith. Rather it is a straight forward - they were traveling and Jesus showed up. Now John does mention disciples being frightened and so the story mirrors fairly closely what is in Mark. John also mentions strong winds blowing, maybe to express that despite the strong winds and that possibly having an impact on the disciples, what instead they were impacted by was Jesus walking on the water. 

One thing to notice, maybe the only thing is Jesus telling the disciples to not be afraid. Why? Because it is Him. Did they think that it wasn't Jesus and maybe it was a ghost as Matthew mentions. Jesus confirms it is Him. He confirms what He can do and that is a miracle different from what He has done previously - healing someone or making something out of little, but walking on the water is different, for no one can do this on their own accord. This is the 5th miracle in the Gospel of John. 

Joseph MacLaren comments that "the emblem of the sea as the symbol of trouble, unrest, rebellious power, is very familiar to the writers of the Old Testament." 71 percent of the world is water. I can't swim so water has always bugged me a little from that perspective, but it is also captivating in another way. And yet in our day, our weather or storms spring often from water. Hurricane season has somewhat ended but every year it seems to cause issues. This year it was strong winds off the coast of Maui that impacted fires on that land. And then also hurricane's around Florida that caused a lot of damages. So water effects us and in life, we are often affected by what we can't really control. 

We want to know that there is someone there in our life, to comfort us. Yesterday, I started speaking to an atheist. Well, I replied to the person after it was reassigned to me. I read the previous conversation and at first, saw that because of the pain of religion and what it said, how people acted, she left it. And now is happier doing life without it. And yet there is still the reality that so many believe in it. 

In this parable or lesson or miracle, we have a tension - the storms of the sea and the absence of Jesus. Storms are happening. Where is he? He shows up finally. When, at the end as we hit land. So we go through all of this time of storms without him. But he says, "It is me. Do not fear." He lets us know that He won't always be right by us physically, but that doesn't matter, we don't need to fear, "It is I." And yet it doesn't matter, we will walk through difficult times. The storms will happen. Difficult times will occur. We may not like it and we may try to protect ourselves from those things happening. And in a way, we have. But they will happen. God is there but sometimes he doesn't show up till the very end. In this story, he shows up. When? Right as they are getting to the land. 

And so this parable seems to be the constant tension - Absent Lord. Toiling Church. But He is not absent. He is interceding for us. "The Bible shows us that Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf. Romans 8:34 says that Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” In 1 John 2:1 we read that Jesus is our “advocate with the Father,” and from Hebrews 7:25 we learn that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us." Though we may think He is absent and feel like it at times, He isn't. He is there. 

And yet as we are fighting against the storm, struggling with the toil, the challenges, at times feeling like we can't take any more broken appliances, unhappy supervisors, bodily aches - we might see Jesus and not immediately have the comfort of Him but instead fear. I mean, this is often what people are thinking about trials that come our way, that God is angry with us. We think of Him only because we think we are being punished or have done something wrong. Not to say that sometimes there are consequences, but He maybe simply wants us to behold Him and be comforted to know that He is near. 

Earlier I said Jesus showed up at the end, and yet maybe he didn't show up at the very end, but maybe He showed up and with Him on board, the trek went by fast. When we have God near, and can rest with Him - time doesn't move so slowly. We can trust that everything will work out. 

Summary: The disciples go out onto the sea, get hit by a storm and Jesus shows up, walking on the water saying, "Fear not."

Promise: Amidst trials, He is not silent. He is there. He is interceding for us. 

Prayer: Lord, you amaze me. I started off with this passage, not really thinking there was much to it, but as I studied further and broke it down, I saw a lot of richness in the passage and you have encouraged me with it. You are there. I am not too fear. Even with trails come and they will, you are near. I do not need to fear. The key is to stay close to You and continue to trust that You are there. Help me to do this Lord. Trials are coming, I know. I pray and ask that You will be my trust throughout those trials and I can rest in You. 

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

John 5:9b-14 - The Lame Man's Greater Need

John 5:9b-14

Now it was the Sabbath on that day. Therefore the Jews were saying to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "He who made me well was the one who said to me, "Take up your pallet and walk." They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, "Take up, your pallet, and walk?" But he who was healed did not know who it was; for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may befall you."

Message: The Lame Man's Greater Need

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: The next set of verses transition to the Jews. After the lame man has been healed, the Jews criticize him for carrying his pallet, despite the fact that Jesus had told him to, "Take up your pallet and walk." The Jews ask who the man is but the lame man that was healed doesn't know. Later, Jesus finds the man in the temple and tells him now that he is well, do not sin anymore so that nothing worse befalls him. 

Sin is worse than being unable to walk properly. Sin is worse than any other human ailment. Jesus did heal the man and in the process took away from the man what the man thought was his biggest problem. 

Is not this our same problem still today? That is, what we think is our biggest problem is not our biggest problem. Following the pandemic and through the COVID pandemic, it because even clearer that our biggest problem people think they have is their health. It is true that health is focused on life and death on this earth and yet our response to sin or rather how Jesus has died for sin is the biggest issue of the day for it determines where our eternal life will be. 

Even prior to the pandemic I saw this continually emphasized in our prayer circles at church, in that what we brought to the Lord in our prayer requests was most often health related matters. I always thought we were like the lame man, thinking this is what is most important. Maybe because as people, this is the only thing in our lives that we feel we don't have control. And so when COVID hit, and life because so fragile, we proceeded to do at whatever level of person inconvenience - preserve our health. 

And yet Jesus says to the lame man and to me -- "do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may befall you." Our greatest need is to turn from sin, believe in Jesus and move to living each day for Him. 

I've struggled with this - that is - taking something that has been valued greatly in my life and then seeing that something is more important and then wondering how I am to view that which was previously more important. Like what is our response to COVID or any sickness once we establish that sin is more important? I mean, Jesus healed the man. He wanted to give the man something that was important to him. But we must never lose sight in the fact that sin and dealing with sin is most important. 

We still don't know if this man, that Jesus healed, ever became a saved man. He blamed Jesus for having to carry his mat/pallet.  

Summary: Jesus tells the lame man, after he has healed him, that still his greatest problem remains - sin and how the man responds to it. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Our sovereign God may choose to intervene and bring about an unexpected physical healing. It is good and right to pray for Him to do so. Yet we must never forget that people need spiritual restoration far more than they need physical healing. As we minister to others inside and outside the church, let us not fail to call people to faith and repentance."

Prayer: Lord, I love this scripture and its application. It is my heart cry that we would value supremely what you value and that would be our focus always. May sinners be founds saved from the wrath to come and sealed with God for eternity. Lord, help me to make this my greatest focus with people. I'm thankful to hear of Bill who took a moment to do this with an employee at Target. I'm reminded of Dion Lear who had a pen with a simple gospel message that he shared often with others. What's holding me back Lord? 

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

My Utmost for His Highest - April 15th - The Relapse of Concentration

But the high places were not removed from Israel; nevertheless Asa’s heart was blameless all his days. - 2 Chronicles 15:17 

    Asa was incomplete in his external obedience, he was right in the main but not entirely right. Beware of the thing of which you say--"Oh, that does not matter much" (The fact that it does not matter much to you may mean that it matters a very great deal to God.) Nothing is a light matter with a child of God. How much longer are some of us going to keep God trying to teach us one thing? He never loses patience. You say--"I know I am right with God"; but still the "high places" remain, there is something over which you have not obeyed. Are you protesting that your heart is right with God, and yet is there something in your life about which He has caused you to doubt? Whenever there is doubt, quit immediately, no matter what it is. Nothing is a mere detail.

    Are there some things in connection with your bodily life, your intellectual life, upon which you are not concentrating at all? You are all right in the main but you are slipshod; there is a relapse on the line of concentration. You no more need a holiday from spiritual concentration than your heart needs a holiday from beating. You cannot have a moral holiday and remain moral, nor can you have a spiritual holiday and remain spiritual. God wants you to be entirely His, and this means that you have to watch to keep yourself fit. It takes a tremendous amount of time. Some of us expect to "clear the numberless ascensions" in about two minutes.

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

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

Mark 11:20-24 - Believing Prayer

Mark 11:20-24
20 As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. 21 Being reminded, Peter *said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus *answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. 24 Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.

Message: Believing Prayer

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 - Upon entering Jerusalem on a colt, procured by the disciples, at the request of Jesus, Jesus goes to the temple to check things out and the following day finds no fruit on a fig tree and curses it and then later the chief priests and scribes for having the appearance of fruit but in fact not fulfilling their true calling. At the temple, the problem was they had turned God's house into a robbers den. This assertion by Jesus angered the scribes and priests and produced a fear in them and astonishment in the people. Jesus and the disciples left the City. perhaps withdrawing God's complete presence from the temple.

As they were passing by in the morning (so it is the 3rd day (1st day was the colt, then 2nd day was going to the fig tree and temple, now it is the 3rd day)) they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. This is the same fig tree that before had been leafy but after leaving that tree, Jesus cursed it and after Jesus cursed it the fig tree withered from the roots. Jesus has that kind of power on tree's. I heard Tom Nelson from Denton Bible say that throughout Jesus' time on earth, the miracles that he performed were on people or other things (calming the sea or pronouncing judgment like he did here), but he never used his divinity to help himself. From the standpoint of himself he was always acted as fully man only and was tempted just like we were and had painful experiences just like we do.

Being reminded of how they had passed this tree previously and Jesus had cursed it upon it not bearing fruit, Peter *said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered.” Is Peter surprised by this? Peter (and the disciples) seem amazed that Jesus' words did come true. And Jesus *answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. Jesus provides a response to the disciples that has been his response to them throughout His ministry to them: Have faith in God. There was a point even in Jesus' ministry when he sent his disciples away and told them that they would do the work he has been doing and could accomplish it but they disciples struggled and the chief problem they had was faith. Thus, here Jesus tells them again that the things that he does might seem impossible or unlikely and produce a result that is amazing, but Jesus doesn't just then tell them, that Yes, this is what I can do, but he says to them. yes, this is what one who is aligned with God can do. And it starts with one simple idea: Have faith in God that he will do what he said he will do.

Now, Jesus will liken that example to moving a mountain and prayer. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. It seems the mountain will be likened to prayer. What seems impossible to man is possible for God and this seems to be what he is speaking as he remarks about something specific, the moving of a mountain and then says - Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. 

Now the "ask and you will receive" idea has always been a little baffling and I would even say controversial for the believer in Christ and for the onlookers of the world. This idea that receiving what you want is simply about having faith would seem to mean that we can ask for things and if it is by faith, it should be granted. The principle of having faith is not having doubt. James 1:6 says, "But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." This seems hard because I find in my prayer, honestly that often, even though I am praying my prayers are not always in faith because of my own experience of praying and not getting what I ask. So simply voicing it does not guarantee or mean that I have faith. Perhaps that is what I want to see in the scripture is those words that say, "have faith and ask but in asking you may not always get what you ask for."

See I know from my experience that not everything I ask for, I receive. But it still makes me wonder the meaning of these words. I know from other areas of scripture that I must pray in accordance to God's will and yet, I still want to see that idea here as well.

Summary - As they are coming into town the 3rd day (from their arrival to Jerusalem) Peter comments that the fig tree Jesus has cursed is withered. Jesus responds sort of like, "Naturally it is. I cursed it. It withered. The secret to getting God to do things is faith. He can move mountains with faith. When you have faith and no doubt, he will answer prayers."

Promise: The basis of our asking things of God is to have complete faith in God.

Prayer: Lord, I want to trust you in all things. Thank you for the clear promise that we need to come to you in faith about all things, with no doubt. I admit that is hard. My faith sometimes is weak. I can trust you for a future event, but day-by-day trusting is hard for me. I must admit I feel like the disciples at times, but help my unbelief. I do want to rely on You and no my life will be better if I do.

Mark 8:11-13 - A Generation that Sought a Sign

Mark 8:11-13
11 The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. 12 Sighing deeply in His spirit, He *said, “Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 Leaving them, He again embarked and went away to the other side.

Message: A Generation that Sought a Sign

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, after spending get-away time in Tyre and Sidon and Decapolis area also heals a demon possessed daughter and a blind man. Prior to this Jesus was emphasizing to his disciples and even the scribes the focus on the heart of man, as the Pharisees continued to emphasize the outward works. Jesus is really concerned about the heart. He spends time with many people, who have come from far away to see Him and then he takes care of their need to eat, using what has been provided, multiplying it for what everyone needs. He then leaves, with the disciples on a boat to the district of Dalmanutha.

I haven't done an entry in 2 weeks, simply allowing the other parts of life to fill up my time. We were on vacation for 6 days attending a wedding in Atlanta for my wife's nephew, but in general I have not been prioritizing time in the Word. Therefore, it is taking me a moment to get my mind wrapped around this text. In general, I think Jesus is trying to continue his message of repent and believe pronounced after his baptism. He is willing to teach many things along the way, often dispelling people's assumptions about Him or the way they have previously been trained to think of God.

After feeding the 4,000 he goes with the disciples to the town of Dalmanuthu or Magadan, in the region of Galilee. Mark mentions that as Jesus came into the City, The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him. The Pharisees arguing with Jesus was not uncommon. Jesus continues to share with the Pharisees the idea of the inside, the inward, motivations rather than the outward. But, this goes against their thinking. And it goes against our thinking today. We still live most of our life and judge life based upon what we see.

Thus, they were seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. For them, having Jesus was not good enough. I often think today if people could just see Jesus then they would believe, but many would still not be changed. Here he was living and working in people's lives and yet, many were still not convinced. Here, they were somewhat demanding proof.

Jesus' response: Sighing deeply in His spirit. I think it is great how we consistently get to experience in the Gospels, the humanity of Jesus. Jesus was fully human and even though he was God he thought and expressed himself often as a human. And this is an example. Undoubtedly He was amazed that people who had already seen or heard directly from those that had seen Jesus remained unbelieving. He must have realized that nothing he says will be good enough. This is the tragedy in life often, that people are sometimes so set in their ways that change or seeing something differently is not possible. We become conditioned to think and believe a certain way. And so this is Jesus' response. There was a stark difference in people for the healing he had previously performed were coming from people that did believe in him. Where these Pharisees clearly did not believe.

Summary: Jesus, even after all he has done, still receives words of unbelief from so many. And this reminds us that some people have a stubborn spirit and will only change as the Lord softens their hearts. Jesus here is in the town of Dalmanuthu, in the area of Galilee and this reading has the Pharisees questioning him, again.

Promise: Nothing we can do or say can convince those that have hardened their hearts to believe in Christ. Only God can overcome it.

Prayer: Lord, soften hearts. My heart breaks for people to not be convinced of you. My heart breaks when people think their physical needs must be met first. Lord, you have healed us eternally and have saved us today, tomorrow, and for all time. Lord, for those that do not follow you, I pray that their hearts would be softened by You God. I continue to pray Ezekiel 36:26 for many - 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.

Mark 4:35-40 - Jesus Ceases a Storm

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

Message: Jesus Ceases a Storm

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

What the Lord is Saying: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus Calling: December 9

Be willing to go out on a limb with Me. If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be. Your desire to live a risk-free life is a form of unbelief. Your longing to live close to Me is at odds with your attempts to minimize risk. You are approaching a crossroads in your journey. In order to follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your tendency to play it safe.
     Let Me lead you step by step through this day. If your primary focus is on Me, you can walk along perilous paths without being afraid. Eventually, you will learn to relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey together. As long as you stay close to Me, My sovereign Presence protects you wherever you go. 

Psalm 23:4
English Standard Version
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
 
Psalm 9:10
English Standard Version
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
    for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
 
John 12:26
English Standard Version
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

My Prayer
Lord, comfort, minimizing risk, and keeping myself safe are hallmarks of my life. I know this is how I live life. And I often will follow you only to extent that it doesn't infringe on these tenets of my being. For instance, I know your word says I will be persecuted but I tend to not follow you and put myself in situations where persecution might occur because I like my lifestyle too much and I don't want to hurt it so I find easier ways to follow You. Yesterday, I was remembering a song that was so popular 25 years ago and the words are "Lift me up" meaning its focus is you rescuing me and lifting me up. I too often take this to mean that I want to be greater or more successful or have more riches. But your focus towards me is eternal. Lord, teach me and break me so that if you are calling me to be uncomfortable or take risks I can do that and still be in peace. 

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Romans 14:23 - Faith and Acting Against Conscience

Romans 14:23 - But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

Message: Faith and doubts and acting against conscience

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

What the Lord is Saying:  

Verse 22 of Chapter 14 ends with a blessing for those that have their freedom in Christ, but this is not the last word. Paul, rather, ends with a word of warning for the Christian, reminding me once again, the meaning of sin in my life. I think it is so important that sin is at the head of the table throughout our life because self-righteous thinking is so easy to fall into. 

This chapter started with a word to the person who may be weak in faith ("accept the person weak in faith"). 

Doubts are often the result of internal thoughts. The opposite of doubt is faith. The Christian needs to walk by faith (and not sight). In verse 14 is the remark that "nothing is unclean in itself" and this could make the immature Christian believe that his choices or actions will not come under scrutiny. If the immature Christian is engaging in something in which he has doubts, then he is not operating by faith. And therefore it is sin. 

This is key. An act can be committed and yet be unclean for one person and sin for another person. The key is whether it is done by faith or with doubting. 

From TableTalk, "Paul is saying that the attitude of the heart can make an action that is not objectively evil into a sin for those who are convinced that it is wrong." My desire should be to please God in all things. So, my choices must mirror this, but more importantly my attitude, my thoughts, are to mirror this desire. The Christian's motivation at all times is to please God. 

RC Sproul states, "The sin not (inherent to the act)...the sin is doing something that we think is evil." 

As a Christian, I must be very careful about what I name sin, for those issues that fall outside of the Bible, because the issue is not the act, but the motivation of the heart. Either way, what is key, is the attitude of the heart. Am I acting by faith or do I have doubts?   

Spurgeon - Do nothing about which you have need to ask a question. Be quite sure about it, or leave it alone. Whatsoever you cannot do with the confidence that you are doing right is sin to you. Though the deed may be right to other people, if you have any doubt about it yourself, it is evil to you.

Promise: Through my choices, I am to trust God and be motivated by faith with a desire to please Him. I may find it to be sin to go to a certain movie while another person may not see it as sin. Let each of us walk in faith.