Luke 24:13-35 - Two Men See Jesus

Luke 24:13-35

And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad. One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.” And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. But they urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them. When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

Message: Two Men See Jesus

Time:  Luke, a non-Jew, written in Theophilus, by a physician, is a careful chronological rendering of the events of Christ's life. Luke takes his writing from primary sources - those people who had witnessed the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Luke wrote this probably from 58-60 AD as he accompanied Paul. His second volume was Acts. He writes of salvation to all men. 

What the Lord is Saying:

In this passages the past several days, I have been reading now about the Jesus that encounters us, His people. He revealed himself to Philip who told Nathanael so that Nathanael could see Jesus. And then a Samaritan woman, unexpectedly, just going to get water, meets Jesus and discovers He is the Living Water and He is all she really needs. As Jesus gets closer to the cross, He wants to do the Father's will at whatever cost. He submits to the authority and yet He is still our King, the King of Kings with all authority given to Him by God and He will be our ransom, fully man. 

Now, in this passage, Jesus has died on the cross and He meets two men, though he is not recognizable immediately by them (this is on purpose by Jesus). Initially, my impressions from this passage is these men are walking in sorrow, stuck in the moment. Even after the women had seen that no one was in the tomb, they continued to not really believe that Jesus was coming back. Yet Jesus had said to his followers previously, several times, that he would suffer, be rejected, be killed, but then rise again (see Jesus Reveals His Purpose in Coming). It is almost like the words of Jesus are echoing, "O ye of little faith." Like the disciples with him in the storm and he calms the sea, Jesus is still present. He is still with us. What He said, He will do. 

This is a message we need even today - as we stare at our world and all of its uncertainties, I wonder if we begin to question or have less faith in our God because the problems seem large. But Jesus is still Lord and He still does the impossible and we are still doing and to do greater things. God can work through any situation.   

Eventually, Jesus reveals Himself to these two men so that they can see that He is in fact alive. But then he vanishes. 

The other message here is that Jesus is true only to people when He reveals Himself to them. Despite the overwhelming evidence and even His words up to this point, some people simply will not believe. I admit that this can be discouraging. It is hard in life to present the truth and yet people remain darkened. Jesus said in John 3:5 -- “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." To see the Kingdom of God, one must be born again. When Jesus is seen, like He was seen by these two men, the light bulb gets turned on and what do they immediately do? And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread. In other words, they told others. 

Promise: We need to pray that the Spirit will move in people's lives and they will know the truth. It is only by God working in a person's life that they come to know Him. Yet, our mission remains. Pray and share and sharing is automatic for great news must be shared. 

Prayer: Lord, I heard that song yesterday, O Lord You're Beautiful, and it reminded me of that Joy that I have of you and the joy of my salvation sometimes is fleeting. Sometimes it is not as alive as it was when I first discovered that You had saved me and called me to be yours. Wake Me Up Lord. I want to stay excited and thrilled and sharing You with others. I am too often dealing with my life and all that it presents and getting sidetracked. Give me rest Lord. I don't want to lose sight of You and want to stay Fired Up. Thank you Jesus for saving me, for choosing me. Be glorified. 

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.

- His Encounters - Jesus called Philip and then he told Nathanael to come and see so he could see that Jesus reveals himself to Nathanael. Then when Jesus meets a Samaritan woman, we see that Jesus knows everything about us and loves us still and wants us to drink of the living water that He offers that will give us eternal life. And Jesus is our King, but also the Man, who like Adam will atone for our sin as Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate. 

Jeremiah 12

I have been starting to read the Bible through - following the M'Cheyne Reading Plan "Secret."

Today I read from Jeremiah 12 and prepared this outline based upon my thoughts from Enduring Word. 

What the Lord is Saying:

JEREMIAH'S QUESTION AND GOD'S ANSWER

Jeremiah's question to God - verses 1-4

• You are righteous God (1)
• Why does the way of the wicked prosper (1)
• The wicked have fruit which you plant (2)
• These wicked know God (speak it) but far from Him (their mind) (2)
• But, you Lord know me (3)
• Prepare the wicked for slaughter (judgment) (3)
• Because meanwhile the land mourns as this seemingly unfairness continues (4)

God's answer to Jeremiah - verses 5-6

• The Lord points him to the real issue - namely he has asked Jeremiah to do something and his response is to look around at the wicked and question their fruit (5)
• The Lord points out that Jeremiah is therefore questioning this present challenge, so how will he fare when the Lord asks him to do something else (5)
• The small challenge was adversity from family (11:21), the larger challenge will be adversity from those outside of family (6)

JUDAH AND HER ENEMIES

God abandons His People to their enemies - verses 7-8

• Jeremiah speaks to the future when God will give his dearly beloved into the hand of their enemies (7)
• Lord - "My people roar against me" - they rebel so God rejects them for a time (7)
• Judah will be as conspicuous as a speckled bird to its enemies and will provoke their opposition (8)

The mournful harvest of the Land - verses 10-13

• As judgment comes the land will be desolate (10-12)
• But the enemies (Babylonians) should take no pleasure because their harvest is because of the fierce anger of the Lord (13)

A promise of retribution and a promise of restoration - verses 14-15

• Even though God used Babylon as an instrument of His judgment, He would nevertheless judge them for their free will evil and brutality against Judah (14)
• Then he will have compassion on Judah (15)

A merciful promise to the nations - verses 16-17

• The Lord extends his grace even to the opposing Babylonians (16)
• Turning to the Lord is great blessing; Turning from the Lord is great judgment (17) 

Summary: I thought this was an interesting reading, namely because it starts with a question many people voice and that is, why do the wicked prosper. But the Lord's response is to not answer the question, but instead wonder why the question was asked and is concerned for Jeremiah and if he is asking this question now, then how will he handle future challenges. Jeremiah then speaks of the Judah being given over to the Babylonians and the judgment which will come from Judah's rejection of God. Eventually, he will have compassion, but Babylon will be the instrument of his judgment, and yet he still holds them accountable for their actions. The Babylonians can return and embrace the Lord. 

Promise: Even though God used Babylon as an instrument of His judgment, He would nevertheless judge them for their free will evil and brutality against Judah.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the way in which Your word speaks. Questions that we think are new are not. Keep my eyes focused on You. Bring healing to the enemies of God. Draw them to you. Thank you for saving me and providing me compassion. Help me to be faithful to that call. 

Mark 15:1-5 - Taken to Pilate

Mark 15:1-5
1 Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. 2 Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He *answered him, “It is as you say.” 3 The chief priests began to accuse Him harshly. 4 Then Pilate questioned Him again, saying, “Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!” 5 But Jesus made no further answer; so Pilate was amazed.
Message: Taken to Pilate

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 was arrested at night time after having spent time praying in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Passover meal and Lord's Supper in which he announced that someone among them would betray him. They all said, "not me." Despite this response when Jesus needed them to watch out while he was praying they fell asleep. And come evening there was the chief priests and elders showing up to arrest him. They took him Thursday night and immediately had a court of sort where they had witnesses to testify against him. But this didn't merit much until Caiaphas asked him if he was the Messiah, the son of God. He admitted he was and that he would sit at the right hand of God. Caiaphas called this blasphemy and others there started to spit on Jesus and fist pump him. At this point, Peter, who had followed Jesus there as well as John, was asked by the high priests servant girl if he was a part of Jesus group and Peter denied his affiliation or that he even knew Jesus. This was just as Jesus had predicted and Peter wept.

It is now Friday morning. Jesus has not slept. All night they have spent accusing him and then starting to spit on him and punch him. Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. I wonder if interrogations like this always move this fast or because this is Jesus it is moving faster than normal. The chief priests and council ruled on religious matters but at some point they would then take an issue to Pilate, the Rome authority who would carry out capital punishment. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea. He is in Jerusalem because of the major Jewish feasts because of the number of people in the city and having to deal with any issues.

Although blasphemy was the offense that the Sanhedrin Council had, blasphemy meant little to Pilate. Evidently, the Sanhedrin Council brought the issue of Jesus being king of the Jews to Pilate. Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” This is the crime Pilate is concerned about because he thinks it has something to do with usurping the authority of Rome.

And He *answered him, “It is as you say.” Jesus' response to this was thou sayest. So he acknowledges that what has been said is valid. But then the accusations start rolling in even harsher towards Jesus and to these he does not respond. The chief priests began to accuse Him harshly. Then Pilate questioned Him again, saying, “Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!” But Jesus made no further answer; so Pilate was amazed. He has said all that he needs to say. The fact that Jesus stands silent speaks more to the fact of his character because he was in fact blameless.

Summary - Now that the Sanhedrin, Jewish, Council has come to a conclusion that Jesus is a blasphemer, they take him before Pilate and pronounce before him that Jesus claims to be king of the Jews. Jesus admits this and the chief priests and scribes continue to assault him with accusations, but for these he remains silent. Jesus has said all that He needs to say.

Promise: Sometimes there is nothing more to be done when being accused than to be silent as Jesus was silent. Only other people can help with an acquittal though Jesus is carrying out a commission by the Father.

Prayer: O God thank you for taking the blame for my sin. The accusation were true that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, the Son of Man, King of the Jews, but people continually don't understand you well. But, it is for your children that you care for and I praise you and thank You for your great love for me. Help me to be a person of love and echo your message as is needed in the world I live in.

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

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

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

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

What the Lord is Saying:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark 14:32-36 - Jesus in Gethsemane

Mark 14:32-36
32 They *came to a place named Gethsemane; and He *said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” 33 And He *took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled.34 And He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” 35 And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. 36 And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.”

Message: Jesus in Gethsemane

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 was anointed with oil by Mary 2 days before the passover and Judas questioned this. Judas would go to betray him and Jesus prepared for our gathering of the disciples for the Passover meal with the Lord's supper where he gave his body to take through bread a cup for His blood, given to many (not all). He mentioned that one would betray him though the disciples didn't think it was anyone of them. He stated that he would die by the plan of God and the disciples and followers would scatter. The disciples didn't think that any one of them would ever deny Him before men, but Jesus knew better. But they would return to Him.

They *came to a place named Gethsemane - Gethsemane was a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives. They are down now from the Mount of Olives which is where Jesus gave his discourse in the previous set of verses. He *said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” Jesus needs to take a moment to pray and talk to God. He is distressed. It seems somewhat normal to be distressed in this moment. I can think of times when I knew something difficult was ahead - it may be a meeting that I am preparing for or it may be a medical procedure or going to the dentist or doing anything difficult - I know in those times I was distressed. When I was younger, I remember preparing to go on the air at the radio station and I would often have diarrhea prior to going live on the air. My stomach was twisted and in knots. Jesus I think here is anticipating his death. He knows it is coming. While he has predicted it and spoke of it and even stated over and over it would happen, the closer it gets the more real it gets. And He *took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. He is a man of no sin that is preparing to take on all sin and bear the full wrath of God for that sin. It is definitely a distressing time.

And He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” To take on the sin of the world is an enormous weight, of all. I'm often reminded of the Passion of the Christ movie that was done several years ago and the detail at which it showed the death of Jesus. It is a very real picture of this death. And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. His prayer was wondering if it was possible for this hour to pass. Even through all the preparation and prediction He reveals His human nature and does not want this to occur. He manifests His true human nature here. Even though the cross was the only way, he still asks for another way. And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” How often do we pray something like this, going to God recognizing that He has all power and can take care of this situation in a word - whether it is a foxhole confession during war, a student asking God for a good grade on a test, securing a job -- the present situation appears to have no clear outcome that we are looking to and so we ask God with the idea that all things are possible for You, do this. Step in. Jesus does the same thing here. He has just prayed and said that the cup of His blood, the sealing of justification, of the wrath of God for all people is given for all, to take, but now He asks God to remove this cup from Me. 

Yet, in the end, the message is yet not that I will, but what You will. Though Jesus pleas to God, he still wants His will to be done.

Summary - Jesus comes down from the Mount of Olives, to Gethsemane, to pray to God. He is distressed and asks God to take this cup from Him and asks for another way to fulfill the wrath of God. While this time has been predicted He still asks for another way.

Promise: Though Jesus asked for another way out of this situation, He still wanted the will of God. May this be the same way that I come before God with my requests.

Prayer: Lord, your will be done in my life. You be praised and glorified. But I admit, like Jesus that sometimes I don't want to experience the pain and weight of sin. Yet, you so often carry me through. Help me in those moments to keep my faith secured on You. No matter what it takes I trust in Your will and ways.

Mark 11:27-33 - The Authority of Jesus

Mark 11:27-33
27 They *came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders *came to Him, 28 and began saying to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?” 29 And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.” 31 They began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet. 33 Answering Jesus, they *said, “We do not know.” And Jesus *said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Message: The Authority of Jesus

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 in Jerusalem. It is his 3rd day there with the disciples. He came in on a colt, cursed a fig tree, removed his presence from the temple, pronounced dissatisfaction on the chief priests and scribes for turning the temple into a market for their own benefit rather than reaching out or making the Gentiles welcome, and then took time to talk about the importance of being a servant and having faith in God. We are to trust God and then to forgive others. Our focus is to be on God and others.

They came again to Jerusalem - It seems that they are going from Jerusalem to Bethany and to the Mount of Olives and back and forth. It is perhaps day 4 and maybe still day 3. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him. The chief priests had just recently been bothered by the words that he had said about turning the temple into a robbers den. Perhaps this was the same group. But, this time they were coming to him.

They began saying to Him. By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?” This is interesting. Jesus had spoken with an heir of authority toward the scribes and chief priests and they obviously don't understand who he is. Yet, this question they asked was meant to trap Jesus. They had seen earlier what he had done in forgiving the paralytic sins and it seemed clear already that he was doing things that were possible only if the Lord had his backing.

Jesus responds to their question with his own question about John's baptism. But, they didn't answer because they were concerned of how their response would sound. The elders question was clearly not asked to contend for truth, but rather victory over Jesus and this was found out when Jesus responded for they refused to answer, lest they look bad. They were concerned about how they looked before the people than contending for truth (they were afraid of the people). 

From the pulpit commentary (edited by Joseph Exell and Henry Donald Maurice Spence who pulled together the notes of 100s of authors during the 19th century):

The argument is incontrovertible. It is this: "You ask from whence I derive my authority - from God or from men? I in my turn ask you from whom did John the Baptist derive his authority to baptize and to teach? from heaven or from men? If he had it from God, as all will confess, then I too have the same from God; for John testified of me, saying that he was but a servant, the friend of the Bridegroom; but that I was the Messiah, the Son of God: and this too when you sent messengers to him for his special purpose, that you might know from him whether he was the Messiah."

Summary - This time for Jesus in Jerusalem culminates with a question by the chief priests and scribes and elders on Jesus' authority, but Jesus uses it as an opportunity to discover people's true motives. And unfortunately it is clear that they were wanting to trap Jesus not get to the truth. 

Promise: Christ is the highest authority. We are to submit to His words, that is Scripture, as our highest authority. 

Prayer: Lord, you are my authority. I think of how I answered someone the other day who asked a question about why you do something and I must lean on your written Word for the answer. This is my source of asking. 

Mark 10:17-18 - The Goodness of God

Mark 10:17-18
¹⁷ As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁸ And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.


Message: The Goodness of God

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 teaching us many lessons. The lessons have not simply been me-focused, but also focused on others. And he is speaking in ways that are contrary to the culture - being dependent on Him and being sensitive to people and understanding to the lesser ones. Here he remarks that to enter the kingdom of God we must be like a child - innocent, dependent, in need of someone greater than us. 

This can be a puzzling passage, at first glance. It is the story of the rich young ruler. This man comes to Jesus and asks probably the most profound question anyone can ask of Jesus in all the world - 
Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus' first response to this question is not what one would immediately suspect though. Jesus hones in on the phrase Good Teacher  and replies to the man - Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.  

This is a passage that I think can be picked a part by many skeptics as to why Jesus seemingly refutes the man's claim that Jesus is good. But, as is the custom in reading the Bible I think I need to look at the language that is using and make sure that the words and usage of words in those times is the same today. Definitions come about not by a dictionary, but by the common meaning of words in society at the time. This phrase "Good teacher" is an interesting one. 

"Good Teacher" was a name that rabbis in those times refuted when someone would call them a good teacher. The thought was that goodness was only associated with God and so calling a man good was sort of blasphemous. Jesus concurs this idea in his response by saying "No one is good except God alone." 

The discourse that Jesus will have with this man is a little different. The man will make assertions and Jesus will continually question those assertions. His response in a moment will be that he has kept all of the commandments and Jesus will show him how this isn't true. 

The thought here is that this man wasn't running to Jesus with the view that he was God, but rather that he was simply a rabbi. Jesus' response therefore is similar to a response given by a rabbi, explaining that only God is good. Jesus' doesn't say "I am not God" or that by calling me good I am not good, but rather he is asking the man to defend his words to Jesus. Why is that you call me good? Do you understand who you are calling good or do you think I am simply a rabbi? 

Therefore, the rich young ruler is someone that is approaching Jesus but does not really know yet who Jesus is. He does not have faith in him. He does not understand his Godhead. He knows he is someone, but what he has heard so far is probably all word of mouth. And the point of this passage is simple: only God is good. Jesus was acknowledging and agreeing with the words that had been spoken and defended by rabbi's throughout the ages: only God is good. 

Summary - As Jesus is setting out on a journey, a man runs up to him and begins to question him on how he can inherit eternal life. He doesn't know. He offers the question, but he also doesn't even know who he is asking for he calls Jesus a good Teacher and Jesus wonders if he knows he is talking to when only God is good. Does this man realize he is talking to God and not a mere rabbi?

Promise: As we hear others who are not believers refer to Jesus as a good teacher, let us encourage them to consider why they see him as good-because He is actually God himself.

Prayer: Lord, I want to help others understand who You are, who You truly are. There are many I come in contact with each day. I want them all to see You as You really are, but in doing this walls need to be torn down and misconceptions often times need to be assaulted. Help me with this. You are God and I want people to see you as that.

Mark 9:25-29 - Dependence on Christ

Mark 9:25-29
²⁵ When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.” ²⁶ After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up. ²⁸ When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?” ²⁹ And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.”

Message: Dependence on Christ

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 - After coming down the mountain, from the transfiguration, Jesus encounters his other disciples with scribes. A man with his son who is possessed with a spirit his entire life that makes him mute is here. No one can do anything for this man and Jesus remarks that he (still) has before him an unbelieving generation, for their is no sign that any healing of this boy has occurred. The man then wonders if Jesus can heal his son. If is the key word. Jesus speaks plainly that it isn't a question of can he do it, but will the man believe that he can do it. All things are possible to him who believes.

When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.” Jesus does what Jesus does. He takes care of the situation. After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out. The unclean spirit isn't done yet and fights back initially, but it does come out. It's as if there is a power struggle. From all appearances, the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!”

But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up. Whether the boy actually died here is not important, but there is a picture here that Jesus has been speaking to the disciples about more recently and that is a death and a resurrection. Jesus cast out the demon, but once the spirit left, the boy lay on the ground like a corpse. The young man was released by Jesus from demonic oppression - a picture of what it would take for Jesus to fully and finally defeat Satan.

When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?” And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” This is a reminder to us that in matters like this there is no dependence on self but rather our dependence is on prayer. Jesus remarks, "Prayer works." In prayer, we depend on the power of God. The fact that Jesus has given them the authority to do his work doesn't mean they can do it without the dependence on the Lord. Still in these matters they need to call on the Lord for his help. Mark 3:15 remarked that Jesus in calling the disciples gave them the authority to cast out demons. 

Summary - After Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, the spirit cries out and throws him into convulsions and then comes out of the boy. While Jesus was on the mountain, being transfigured, the disciples had tried unsuccessfully to rebuke the Spirit. Jesus remarked that this kind cannot come out but by prayer.

Promise: Regular prayer reminds us that God is on the throne and our full dependence is on Him. 

Prayer: O God, I thank you for prayer, that it reminds me that You are in Control of all things in my life. I need that reminder. Lord, your power is what is needed in my life. More of you. I depend on You Jesus for your love and guidance. Help me. Give me strength. 

Mark 8:16-21 - The Disciples' Hardness

Mark 8:16-21
16 They began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, *said to them, “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand? Do you have a hardened heart? 18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember, 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They *said to Him, “Twelve.” 20 “When I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” And they *said to Him, “Seven.” 21 And He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Message: The Disciples' Hardness

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 continues his journey to preach the Gospel: Repent and Believe. Along the way I see 3 main ideas mentioned:
1. Healings that Jesus performs;
2. Lessons primarily to the disciples about the power of God.
3. Questions from the Pharisees about the validity of Jesus.
In the previous 2 verses, there was 1 verse from the disciples that there was no bread and Jesus responded by talking about the leaven of the Pharisees. I was a little bewildered with the leaven response after the exclamation from the disciples that they had no bread, but I suppose we are picking that up here now.

R.C. Sproul states, “We all need to examine ourselves in the light of God’s Word to be sure the deadly leaven of the Pharisees is not working in us, blinding us to the light and making us deaf to the life-giving Word.” Various places in the Bible it mentions that we need to guard our hearts. We need to not think that simply going to church every week or even reading our Bible regularly keeps us safe from temptations we have in our lives to have our light blinded. We always need to be on the alert.

Now I see the link between those words yesterday about the leaven and the disciples being more focused on the current condition of not having bread. The disciples are often staring at seemingly shortages in providence and assuming that their lack of something is a problem. Jesus clearly doesn't want them to worry about things. Instead of worrying God wants us to ask him for what we need. But their shortsightedness is frustrating to the Lord. He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Do you have a hardened heart? - This seems like a strong statement by Jesus. I mean, a hardened heart because they are not trusting God for his providence but instead worried about their next meal? That's it. They are worried about their next meal. They are worried. And Jesus is like, "don't you get it. You can trust me."

But, I struggle with even this. I spend so much of my day worrying. I'm concerned about so many things. But, aren't these things to trust God on? Or are they? I think that is where I struggle. I mean, how far-reaching do I apply this? For instance, my son and his problem of not listening to us. The fact that he comes home late at night sometimes, after midnight, way past our curfew. He isn't out every night late, but sometimes, maybe once a week he will come home at 2am. Do I say anything? Sometimes I do. His behavior will change one evening and then he will be back at it. Do I say anything again? Where on this continuum with him do I simply say, "God I trust you." Or am I supposed to intercede as a parent? Lord, that's where I struggle. I read these words to trust you, but what does it mean? I struggle with being passive or active in my life. It is an either/or sort of thing for me. I don't know how to do both. We've set a priority of school and yet, it feels like the priority is only our priority and not his.

His heart is hard. That's clear. But, is mine hard too? I mean, is it hard because I'm not trusting you but instead relying on what I know? Here, Jesus, explains to them everything. when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They *said to Him, “Twelve.” Here is the evidence guys. I took five loaves and I fed 5,000 and there were leftovers. Jesus is saying, "Guys, I took care of your need for food, for the meal, and for after that." When I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” And they *said to Him, “Seven.” Two times he does it. Two times. He provides.

Summary - The disciples don't get it. Jesus keeps taking care of their needs and yet, the disciples continue to not see it. They continue to be bothered and worried that they don't have what they need. Jesus calls out that they have a hardened heart. God is providing, but they are not trusting Him and at the next moment, they are worried about their next meal. Jesus reviews to them what he had done in feeding 5,000 and 4,000 and having food left over. They see it. But, do they understand?

Promise: Jesus teaches us continually. He continually shows us his ways. I do not have to worry. He will take care of my basic needs, not necessarily all of my needs but He is there. I can trust Him. I don't need to worry.


My Prayer: Lord, in these verses, you seem impatient with your disciples. It is like you are tired of them not believing in you, not trusting in you. You are with them through everything and you continue to provide. And they continue to not trust. Is this me Lord, as well? I feel like it is because I wallow back and forth between reading Your Word and even memorizing it, and then not trusting. I have this problem of wanting to be in control. And when I don't get my way, I get mad or sad. I've never noticed this before God, but my heart is hardened. I always thought a person with a hard heart was someone rejecting you. But, these disciples dropped everything to follow you and then struggled with faith in you at the given moments of their lives.
That's me.
That's me.
Lord, I take this moment, out of my day and for this moment, I see myself. I see that my heart is hardened. Lord, I don't know even know how to pray at this moment, what to pray for, so I will just rest in You. And trust that you will speak to me. 

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

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

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

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

What the Lord is Saying:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 115:1-8 - Glory to the Name of the Lord

Psalm 115:1-8
1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
But to Your name give glory
Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.
2 Why should the nations say,
“Where, now, is their God?”
3 But our God is in the heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.
4 Their idols are silver and gold,
The work of man’s hands.
5 They have mouths, but they cannot speak;
They have eyes, but they cannot see;
6 They have ears, but they cannot hear;
They have noses, but they cannot smell;
7 They have hands, but they cannot feel;
They have feet, but they cannot walk;
They cannot make a sound with their throat.
8 Those who make them will become like them,
Everyone who trusts in them.

Message: Glory to the Name of the Lord

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

What the Lord is Saying:
I believe Chris Tomlin's second album Arriving opens with the song Not to Us. The chorus is:

Not to us, but to Your name be the glory

Wow. That is this verse from Psalm 115.

Overall, this Psalm is about idolatry and exposing it and contrasting it to the worship of the true God.

Appreciation - The Sanctity of God's Name
Our redemption is forever associated with the act of our Great God. Thus, it is His Name that we will forever glorify, not ours. And in this verse, that idea of not to us is repeated, like an exclamation point and further clarification: Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory. 

Appreciation - The Scoffers of God's Fame
There will always be scoffers of God. There will always be those that call into question his existence, authority, sovereignty. Why should the nations say, “Where, now, is their God?” God's name is cursed more than ever as society looks more and more unlike God and things of God. God remains patient. He understands people and He is kind, waiting for people to come to repentance. His timing is perfect. Those that don't believe in God thing they can somehow call on God to act. When he doesn't respond, they think they are proving that he doesn't exist. They are proving that He remains patient.

Appreciation - The Straightness of God's Aim
But God does as he wishes. He is not under my authority nor the authority of man. I must even remember this that He will act in a way that is best for him and for me. He sees all and knows all. But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.

Appraisal - The Form of the Idol
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of man’s hands. They have mouths, but they cannot speak; they have eyes, but they cannot see; they have ears, but they cannot hear; they have noses, but they cannot smell; they have hands, but they cannot feel; they have feet, but they cannot walk; they cannot make a sound with their throat. I suppose from the perspective of God it seems absurd to believe in something that has been crafted by man or is even an animal that is a creation of God. It makes as much sense talking to a garden gate or bench. Why do people elevate these creatures, these objects to the status of God. It doesn't make sense to me, but that is my perspective. And as I know there are other idols in our lives that we erect in place of our worship of God, that I'm sure don't make sense either to God.

Appraisal - The Folly of the Idolator
Those who make them will become like them, everyone who trusts in them. The worship of idols creates this hold on us as we almost habitually allow them to become a part of our lives and then we can't see it anymore as it takes hold of our minds. The only thing that can change this is a change of heart. It's sad to watch this happen. And yet I see it all too often in my boys, more specifically my youngest son and his attachment to a drug in his life.

Promise: This passage begins with a prayer - not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory. I need to continue to give praise to the Lord and continue to pray giving glory to his name.

Prayer: Lord, help me to always remember that you are my God in the heavens and you do as you please. It is not to me, but to your name be the Glory. Help me to always realize that people will question you, but you are the unseen personal God. It is sad to see people worshiping idols that are fashioned in the more of a god. Remove this from people's lives, specifically from my families lives. Help us all to be surrendered to you and your ways.

Psalm 89:38-52 - How Long? O Lord

Psalm 89:38-52

³⁸ But You have cast off and rejected, You have been full of wrath against Your anointed.
³⁹ You have spurned the covenant of Your servant; You have profaned his crown in the dust.
⁴⁰ You have broken down all his walls; You have brought his strongholds to ruin.
⁴¹ All who pass along the way plunder him; He has become a reproach to his neighbors.
⁴² You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries; You have made all his enemies rejoice.
⁴³ You also turn back the edge of his sword And have not made him stand in battle.
⁴⁴ You have made his splendor to cease And cast his throne to the ground.
⁴⁵ You have shortened the days of his youth; You have covered him with shame. Selah.

⁴⁶ How long, O Lord? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath burn like fire?
⁴⁷ Remember what my span of life is; For what vanity You have created all the sons of men!
⁴⁸ What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah.

⁴⁹ Where are Your former lovingkindnesses, O Lord, Which You swore to David in Your faithfulness?
⁵⁰ Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants; How I bear in my bosom the reproach of all the many peoples,
⁵¹ With which Your enemies have reproached, O Lord, With which they have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed.

⁵² Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.

Message:  How Long? O Lord

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

What the Lord is Saying:

[Having focused on God up this point and His provision, the Psalmist takes a shift and begins to humbly express his disagreement and disapproval with God.]

Lord God, it seems you have cast off and rejected your anointed. You have invested in your people, but now You have been full of wrath against them. You have broken down all his walls and all the means of protection and safety. What was a stronghold is now to ruin. Those who pass along the way of him plunder him. He has become a reproach to his neighbors and all who walk along his way. Am I really the anointed? Are these called out ones really your everlasting family and kingdom? His enemies rejoice; they seem to have the power now. The sword which was a shield has been turned back and now I can't nor your people defend oneself. Our splendor ceases and throws his throne to the ground. My days are shortened [The youthful and flourishing estate of David’s kingdom was very short, and reached not beyond his next successors, and it had been languishing, by degrees, till this time, when it seemed to be dead and buried.] How long, O Lord? Will you hide Yourself forever? Will your wrath burn like fire? How long will this present state continue? Remember how short my span of life is or is it all vanity what you have created? All men are mortal and miserable alone. We can not deliver our soul from the power of death? Where are your promises, your former lovingkindness and mercy, O Lord? Where is all that you swore to David in your faithfulness? We have boasted of all that you have done for us in the past. We have been vain and confident; remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants. We wait for Your anointed, the Messiah to come. But whatever at any time may be our distress, either as a community, or as individuals, still I believe, I hope, I will still bless, and praise Jehovah, whose word is true, whose works are faithful, whose chastisements are mercies, and all whose promises are, in Christ Jesus, yea and amen, for evermore. Blessed be the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.

Promise: Our creator has kept His covenant with David, raising Jesus from the dead as proof of His steadfast Love to the Davidic line. Our Father is always truthful to His Word.  -- Tabletalk, August 21, 2015

Psalm 22:1-15 - The Messiah Forsaken

Psalm 22:1-15
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. ² O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest. ³ Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. ⁴ In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. ⁵ To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not disappointed. ⁶ But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people.⁷ All who see me sneer at me; they separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, ⁸ “Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.” ⁹ Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; you made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts. ¹⁰ Upon You I was cast from birth; you have been my God from my mother’s womb.¹¹ Be not far from me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help.¹² Many bulls have surrounded me; strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. ¹³ They open wide their mouth at me, as a ravening and a roaring lion.¹⁴ I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; is melted within me. ¹⁵ My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and You lay me in the dust of death.

Message: The Messiah Forsaken

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Background and Initial Observations
I continue to forge through these readings from Psalm. It has been illuminating and I admit, I tend to approach each one sort of separate from the others. I was reading the first couple of chapters of CS Lewis book on Psalm and reminded that there is a lot of consistent ideas and thoughts and approaches that were a part of these poetic dissertations. So hopefully that can help me look at these differently.

The reading from Tabletalk associated with this entry mentions that the outcry of Christians and even the holy leaders of that day, namely David shared a sentiment that we often have regarding a desire for answers and for being rescued and often we feel the Lord is not heeding our cries. And yet in those dark times we do continue to pray, demonstrating that we believe that our Father has not forsaken us.

The first words of this Psalm were echoed by Jesus on the cross, My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? It was Jesus proclamation on the cross and speaks of his full humanity on the cross and the abandonment he felt from God. But, this is really just a feeling and not a fact. God never leaves us though it does feel like it often. There is comfort for us for Jesus to feel this. Even though the cross was a path he knew he would be on, the experience was still a hard one for him.

And I think it is interesting to read this Psalm, for it sits in our Bible before Psalm 23. Psalm 23 has been memorized and recited over and over, at so may different occasions.

1st Reading
The Psalmist is not only feeling hurt, but sort of abandoned by God. He mentions that God is faithful and he knows this because of those that have come before him assure him of this; he also knows this because he was born into love; but he still hurts and he still feels pain. And being a man of faith often brings him ridicule from others as they mock his faith and trust in God.

There is such an intense realness and authenticity in these words; in this prayer to God. He knows God is real and there, but he does not hear an answer to his cries. God is holy and God has been there for those in his family, in the past. Those individuals in the past cried out and he knows that God came to their rescue. He has heard the stories, the victories, the deliverance. But, he is not experiencing this and instead, he is experiencing the pain from those that just want to see him do poorly. But, God has chosen him and has pulled him into community with Himself, God. And so he continues to call upon the Lord as he hurts, as he has no strength, as he sinks down in despair.

I feel alone
Verse 1 - My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. This verse begins with David (I'm going to assume at this point that this prayer is a prayer of David) expressing not just to the God who is out there, put this God is his God. He says My God here. He is somewhat at the end of the ropes. I think it is normal to want to believe that rough circumstances we experience in life don't come from God, but instead something else. I think we want to believe this. We want to think that our God who loves us and cares for us is not the one that is abandoning us. We don't want to think that the one who knows us better than we know ourselves is now, not just involved, but at the foundation of the misery we are experiencing. And how is it possible that the God who saves, who has saved me from eternal damnation and rescued me from the wages of sin, is now allowing me to suffer. David feels forsaken or left alone. So much has been done for me so why am I feeling forsaken or removed from the presence of God? Far from my deliverance is to me the feeling that my rescuer isn't even nearby. This feeling of the trail ending is not even close by, but rather my deliverance is far away and the words of my groaning exclaim the degree of pain I am experiencing. It is completely normal to ask God why bad things are happening to me. There is the ever present question often asked in life, "Why do bad things happen to people" but I think we too quickly want to debate this question among peers. This is a question only for God. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Where are you God in this pain I am experiencing?

Verse 2 - O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest. My crying is not a momentary thing. The pain I am experiencing is not just for the moment. But, also, my cry to God is not just a one occasion happening. But I cry by day...and night. And God You do not answer and I have no rest. I imagine on the cross, Jesus experiencing a never ceasing pain and his cry was ever apparent. God is there. He has not abandoned us. But His answers are sometimes not quick. They are delayed. And in that delay it is normal to feel that he is not going to ever answer and rescue and my unrest is fine for now.

God is Holy
Verse 3 - Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. But our confidence remains in God. He may not be answering, but He is still the answer. There are contrasting feelings here. One, David feels forsaken or left alone, and yet his confidence in God remains. God must have a reason for the calamity he is experiencing. And in a moment he will talk about what God has done in the past. For some reason, I think at times, we think that since God is love that only good things are to come to His children; that there can only be things to happen that will make us happy and when something bad happens, exceedingly bad, though we have experienced exceedingly good things as well, we just question that God is there at all. Yes, David is hurting. Yes, he feels alone. He expresses those feelings. But, God is still his answer. God is still his God.  

God has delivered in the past
Verse 4 - In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. David remarks first that God is holy and then states that those that came before him, his ancestors, his heritage put their trust in God. He has heard the stories and he knows, despite his current circumstances that those before him trusted God and God delivered them. Obviously, not stated here is a tough circumstance or a forsaken feeling his ancestors experienced and yet God delivered them. David was reminded. We need to be reminded. Celebrations, such as the Passover, the Lord's Supper, the birth and resurrection of our Savior, the feast of tabernacles, etc. We need to be careful that our focus is not simply "what have you done for me lately" because as we experience trials we can stop and remember that God has been there in the past and he will be there in the future. Even a wedding day is a celebration day that we commemorate each year to remind ourselves of a joining together, of God removing the loneliness and replacing it with a union.

Verse 5 -  To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not disappointed. In verse 2 David cries out, but receives no answer. Here, he is reminded that his ancestors cried out and were delivered. In other words, wait for it. The answer may not be quick, but our confidence can remain to be delivered. And also their trust in God did not disappoint. [Lord, I so need to remember what you have done in my life. I'm too quick to be mired in feeling like life is just one new problem. Show me past victories.] 

I am a worm
Verse 6 -  But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people. Basically, woe is me. My ancestors got delivered, but I got nothing. This is the proclamation of a man in pain. Declaring himself to be a worm or the lowest form of an animal. Worms are primarily used as bait for catching other animals. This could also more clearly be referring to Messiah. He is publicly ridiculed and despised. 

Verse 7-8 - All who see me sneer at me; they separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, “Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”
The meaning here is to mock, to deride, to treat with scorn. There is no evidence that this occurred in David's life. He could have felt it or this could be more the focus of a prophecy towards Jesus, our Savior and Lord. He is receiving insults. And people express mocking and taunting words about his trusting in the Lord. Like, if your God is so great, he will deliver you and rescue you.

Yet, I am of value
Verse 9 - Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; you made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts. There is almost this sort of tennis match or back and forth that David is expressing here. He starts with feeling alone and yet God is holy and His deliver. But, he feels like a worm. He is bouncing back between feelings and facts. There isn't guilt in this passage. There is not right now verses crying out mistakes that David has been made. These are simply words where David is knee deep in his feelings of feeling alone and even abandoned. David is proclaiming that God brought him into this world and since an early age, he has had a love for God; he has had a faith; so it doesn't make sense that now he would then be abandoned. Verse 10 - Upon You I was cast from birth; you have been my God from my mother’s womb. Once again his words are pleading verses. He is not a momentary believer of God. He is a lifer. He hopes that this will make a difference. 


Be not far from me
Verse 11 - Be not far from me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help. Verse 12 - Many bulls have surrounded me; strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. Verse 13 - They open wide their mouth at me, as a ravening and a roaring lion. Trouble is near. I need you God to be close to me. I talk to a lot of people and they often exclaim, "How do I get close to God? I don't feel like he is close." I should encourage them to tell God to not be far away. 

Verse 14 - I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; is melted within me. ¹⁵ My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and You lay me in the dust of death. - There is reality here in these verses and what David is feeling. He feels like no one is there to help him. He is being surrounded by attackers. They are ready to pounce on him. He is weak. He has no strength. 

We come to God open and honestly. In this passage, I feel alone. God is Holy. God has delivered people in the past. I feel like a worm. But I know God sees value in me. God, be not far from me. 

Promise: Be honest with God. Share your feelings, but also be reminded that God is there. He is holy. He saves people.

Job 42 - The Wisdom of Job

Job 42:1-2 - Then Job answered the Lord and said:  “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted (no purpose can be defeated)."

Message: The Wisdom of Job

Time: The Book of Job does not specifically name its author. The most likely candidates are Job, Elihu, Moses and Solomon. The date of the authorship of the Book of Job would be determined by the author of the Book of Job. If Moses was the author, the date would be around 1440 B.C. If Solomon was the author, the date would be around 950 B.C. Because we don’t know the author, we can’t know the date of writing.

What the Lord is Saying: 

This is one of the oldest stories in the Bible as Job probably lived around the time of Moses. It is a book that discusses suffering and the sovereignty of God.

According to my reading in TableTalk:

Historical narrative open and closes this book. Job is introduced as a man whose uprightness is known in his day. He is a righteous man of faith. There is a dialogue between God and Satan that engulfs a section concerning Job. Satan thinks he believes because he is blessed. God permits Satan to test Job's faith. Job proves Satan wrong. He perseveres. But along the way he still questions God. He wonders why a righteous man would have to suffer. His friends tell him suffers because of his sin. They say many true things but they also imply that suffering and sin always have a one-to-one correlation. God's will is inscrutable (difficult to fathom or understand).

Promise: May I always accept what I know, and still trust God for what I do not understand.