I Samuel 28:3-25 - Saul's Final Rejection

I Samuel 28:3-25 

Now therefore, please let my lord the king listen to the words of his servant. If the Lord has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering; but if it is men, cursed are they before the Lord, for they have driven me out today that I should have no attachment with the inheritance of the Lord, saying, 'Go, serve other gods.' (verse 19)

Message: Saul's Final Rejection

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: This lesson begins with continued word of Samuel's death and the lamenting which occurs. Also, the announcement here that "Saul had removed from the land those who were mediums and spiritists" (verse 3). Philistines are in Shunem; Saul with Israel in Gilboa. Saul sees the camp of Philistines and is afraid so inquires of the Lord, but receives no answer. Needing answers, he asks for a medium. He had outlawed mediums and spiritists so he disguises himself and shows up before the medium who warns him about Saul's removal of her trade and the danger. Saul proceeds though. 

Saul asks the woman to bring up Samuel. Then she realizes he is Saul. 

Saul confronts this spirit of Samuel. Samuel says that Saul's kingship has been given to David. The issue is Samuel "did not obey the Lord and did not execute His fierce wrath on Amalek" (verse 18). This is the passage from 1 Samuel 14-15 when Saul adapted what the Lord had told him. Saul feared these words and fell down with "no strength in him" (verse 20). But the woman provides food for Saul. 

Saul is desperate. The Philistines are nearby, the people he was supposed to conquer but instead he finds himself running from. At times, it was his son Jonathan that led a charge against the Philistines. Saul has led not a great life. He looks the part, but he doesn't act like it and yet he is bothered when others get the glory, like David began to get after defeating the Philistine Goliath. He seems to be at the end now and once again, starts with God but doesn't end there and seeks out other ways to get answer. Granted, the answer comes. God provides the answer, but it is not in the manner that was intended or should have been done. It is a reminder that God has a plan that we are to follow, we fail, but God continues to make His message known. 

God's ways happen. But that doesn't mean the actions of Saul were justified because he got the answer. He didn't do it God's way and God wants people that will follow His plans. 

Summary: Once again, fearing the Philistines, Saul asks God, but grows impatient and seeks a medium and receives confirmation that David is to be the new king, replacing him. 

Promise: We must stay close to God's commands. His pattern is the intended path for us.

Prayer: Lord, you are great and mighty and your ways are intended to be kept, but your plan will remain and You will be glorified and work things out according to that plan. But along the way we your people will either respond with obedience or disobedience. Nothing will thwart your way Lord, but we your people need to be people that trust You. I need to have my desire to be obedient, even though, yes, I sin and mess up. But what is my heart? I believe it is to glorify You. Unlike Saul who still had selfish ways and stopped at nothing to get answers. Help me to be one that surrenders to You. Give me grace and guidance as I speak to people. I want to be one that trusts You always and surrenders to You.  

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

I Samuel 13 - God Rejects Saul's Kingdom

I Samuel 13

And Samuel said to Saul, "You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, for now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you." (verse 13-14)

Message: God Rejects Saul's Kingdom 

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: I thought I Samuel 12 was a great chapter. We are His people and we are to serve Him with all of our heart. That is, His people whom He has chosen. Now in this chapter, based upon the title, it seems Saul is going to not do this. 

Saul is 40 years old and will reign for 32 years (v.1 - though these #'s have been inferred for the original text does not say this exactly). When Saul went against the Ammonites and Nahash 300,000 mean had been present. In verse 2 it says he chose "3,000 men of Israel...and sent away the rest."

Back in I Samuel 9:16 when Saul was chosen by Samuel from God, it says "he shall deliver My people from the hand of the Philistines." But after taking 3,000 men, it is not he that goes against the Philistines, but his son Jonathan. But what the people heard throughout Israel was that Saul had done this (v.3-4). 

In response, "the Philistines assembled to fight with Israel (v. 5) in Michmash while Saul was in Gilgal." In response, "the people (of Israel) hid themselves. (v. 6)" Saul was to wait 7 days for Samuel (v.8). Saul though, it appears out of fear, did not want and did a burnt offering and peace offering and then Saul came to ask Samuel what he had done and Saul admitted not waiting and asking for the favor of the Lord and instead forced these offerings (v. 9-12). 

Samuel lets him know that he did not keep "the commandment of the Lord your God. (v.13)" Saul will not have a lasting dynasty. The number of men with Saul dwindled to 600 (v. 15). The Philistines came in 3 companies. No blacksmith was present so they went to the Philistines to sharpen their weapons and thus they had limited number of weapons (v.19-23). 

Note: This is quite harsh. Saul is given one opportunity and he fails and Samuel says the Lord will reject His kingdom. It almost seems like Saul gets nervous and takes matters into his own hands and tries to figure out himself what he is to do, making offerings. Saul most likely did not offer the sacrifices himself, but instead had a priest do this. Again, most likely he wanted to show himself ready and able, but he needed to listen to Samuel's direction. 

Summary: Saul is to wait 7 days for Samuel as the Philistines are approaching him in battle, but he does not and offers sacrifices himself, with the result that the Lord rejected Saul's kingdom. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "If we are in Christ, we cannot lose our salvation, but our disobedience can cause us to lose earthly blessings."

Prayer: Lord, I am thankful for the grace that you extend so often. And  yet as we encounter bad things in our lives often I wonder if it is because of our distrust and the consequences we see could be the result. In these texts, I am reminded how you are present in all of life, in every circumstance, in all that we do. You are there and we do need to take your commands seriously. I fear sometimes I do not. Just as I know how I should eat and the last 2 days after poor eating I have been impacted by discomfort, I need to walk near your ways. I thank you that my salvation is secure and when bad things to happen, keep me close to You and help me to continue to trust You.  

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

Joshua 5:1-12 - Israel Obeys the Covenant

Joshua 5:1-12

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

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

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

verse 10, "they observed the Passover."

verse 12, "the manna ceased." 

Message: Israel Obeys the Covenant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 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 15:22-25 - Inexcusable Sin

John 15:22-25

22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25 But [they have done this] to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.'

Message: Inexcusable Sin

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: Interesting, at first glance Jesus seems to sort of washing his hands at the inevitable outcome of the world. He is giving the outcome it would seem of the world. Again, I think of this man I have been speaking with. He says he believes and prays to God, but Jesus was only a good person, not the Son of God. Jesus is saying however that if you reject Him you are also rejecting the Father. I can see that this is quite a claim. I have shared the gospel multiple times with this man, in many different ways, but he has been firm in stating He does believe in God and prays to God, but he does not believe in Jesus and only thinks he is a good person. Overall he thinks his good deeds is enough. But Jesus and John in this gospel is making the strong statement over and over - and speaking to primarily a Jewish audience - stating that when a person rejects Jesus that person is also rejecting the Father. In other words, once God has sent His son on the earth, things change. 

Jesus continues his worlds toward the world that he mentioned in verse 18. Verse 22 begins with another "if" statement. The verse makes me think that since Jesus showed up and was resurrected in AD 33, everyone is now accountable to him. This verse has some funny language - "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin.'  The sin that Jesus was referring to here was hate (v. 18) and persecution (v. 20). I think the idea is if Jesus had not come and they had not seen his miracles and heard His words, they would not be accountable to Him. But Jesus did come and He did testify and they were given an opportunity to hear of Him, "but now they have no excuse for their sin." Jesus did come to this earth and so people are accountable. I think that's a key idea I have been sort of searching for or wondering. Now that Jesus has come and died and been resurrected and shed his blood, all are accountable to Him. There is no other gospel. We can't simply say I believe in God only. 

Therefore, "He who hates Me hates My Father also."  A person has to accept Jesus. A person can't just hang on the Father now and the Father only. He repeats these same ideas and closed in verse 25 with a quote from the Old Testament. In this quote, Jesus is mirroring a situation that happened to David (Psalm 35:19). Albert Barnes (1798-1870) comments, "David was conscious that he had done them no wrong, or that he had given no occasion for their conduct toward him, and hence, his prayer is simply a request that justice might be done." And Jesus says, ‘THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.' They have had the opportunity. Jesus has given people the opportunity. Like David, there is no cause for them to hate him as He has been true to himself. 

Summary: Jesus remarks that no one has a reason to curse Him by hatred or persecution because He has presented Himself as the Son of Man who is equal to the Father. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, " As we meet people who claim to love God without serving Christ, we must be clear that they cannot love God unless they are servants of Jesus the Savior."

Prayer: Jesus you are true. You have been sent by God. Lord, I believe now and understand that when people hear you and hear you preached they are accountable to You. There are no other options. Thank you for these truths and help me be a faithful witness of You always, helping people rightly understand You. 

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

Titus 2:11 - Is Grace Cooperative

Titus 2:11 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

Message: Is Grace Cooperative?

Time: Paul is the author, written in AD 63. Paul went with Titus to the island of Crete and evangelized there before Paul left Titus there in a position of leadership. The book speaks of living right as guided by Truth.

What the Lord is Saying:

The issue: How free is the human will after the fall of Adam.

Humans beings are free to make choices. But our freedom is limited by our desires. Freedom is doing what we most want to do. Apart from God's grace, the only thing that we want to do is sin. In order to do what is truly good and pleasing to God, grace must change our hearts. It is only the regenerate person that understands the things of God.

I go back to an idea that I have been focusing on: the horizontal and the vertical. The horizontal is our life lived with one another and the life I live for myself. In this life there is freedom: each day there are choices to engage in good acts and bad acts as they relate to man's relationship to man. Much good has been done by men and women on this horizontal level. We should not ever diminish these acts. But there is the vertical - man's relationship with God. Without God's grace there is no vertical, only a horizontal. Grace brings the vertical into my life because sin removed the vertical. Without grace, I will only live on the horizontal. With grace, I can carry out the things of God. Thus, today's text states in Titus 2:11 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. Salvation is a God thing and it is needed to make me right vertically, right with God.

The debate that I have been looking at is - can man get to God on his own or must God intervene? And is this intervention completely by God or is man involved?

RC Sproul Message - Is Grace Cooperative - In this message RC Sproul begins his lecture by reciting a quote by Joseph Arminius in which he upholds the lost condition of man following Adam's sin or his sin and mentions that the only way man can be brought to salvation is through the act of grace into that person's life. He mentions that Arminius began as a pure Calvinist and Augustinian but then he got wrapped up in a debate with someone and in that process began to move further and further away from the reformed doctrine.

Early on he speaks of preventing grace and prevenient grace. "Pre" means before and "venient" - coming before so this is 'grace that comes before something." Grace comes before conversion. There are also those who look at internal grace and external grace. External grace is something that happens outside of ourselves, outside of our soul. Internal grace would be something that God does inside of us. For Arminius, grace is not limited to an external operation of the Holy Spirit, but also God's internal operation. However, he then goes to say that all persons have their own will and can refuse the call of the Holy Spirit. So even though it is internal (God doing something inside of us), it is not irresistible. He says the grace of regeneration is sufficient to convert. It is all a person needs to be liberated from spiritual bondage. The grace is enough. But it is not inherently efficient as it does not always affect conversion or regeneration. Thus, prevenient grace or grace that comes before man's choice to then choose whether or not he wants that grace.

Calvin however speaks that the calling of God is effectual. Here the Spirit effects what it intends and thus, it cannot be rejected. Thus, grace is internal and effectual. But for Arminius it is internal but can be rejected. Arminius says that if man does not submit to the grace, the fault lies with man. Pelagius would though deny this for Pelagius believes that God does not have to help a person be saved. But Arminius says that God does have to help, but man can reject. Arminius seeks to not make God accountable to people rejecting Him whereby with Calvin the onus is completely on God as to man being saved or not saved. While Arminius believes that the rejecting by man means that the fault rests on him, he also does not believe that the acceptance of man does not rest on man being virtuous. To believe this would mean that man has something to boast about and this would contradict what Paul says in Ephesians 2:9.

Arminius gave a famous example of a rich man coming to a beggar to offer him a gift. The beggar does nothing to earn the gift, and to receive it simply reaches out his had to accept the gift. But the beggar can also not reach out his hand and therefore be content in his position of being poor. Billy Graham even stated that God does 99% and man does 1% whereby reformers would say that for the drowning man, the person would drown and then God would pull him out of the water and resuscitate him to life.

After Arminius died in 1609, some of his disciples in the Synod of Dort were called upon to consider the five articles of Remonstrance. It was in response to these five articles that we received the five points of Calvinism.

[I was thinking of this question - most of the proof text I think about Calvinist thought, namely whether man is involved at all in salvation, comes from Paul's writings (and also Hebrews). Is it possible that Augustine and Calvin concluded their points on man having no place in saving man from Paul alone or is that line of thinking consistent throughout the Bible? Stated another way, is Jesus a Calvinist? Is God and the Old Testament writers Calvinist? This is a side-note question of mine. Some people have made the assertion that if we only follow the red letters or Jesus' words then we won't come to the conclusion of grace alone.]

RC Sproul Message - Born to Sin - In this message RC Sproul begins speaking about Jonathan Edwards and his book, Freedom of the Will, written in 1754. That book is very theological and philosophical and technical. It was written after Edwards had been removed from his church in Northampton and began a ministry to the Indians at Stockbridge (both in Massachusetts).

Edwards deals with the question - "What is the will anyway?" Philosophers often looked at the mind, the affections, and the will OR the mind, the heart, and the will. Edwards felt it was important to distinguish between the mind or thinking and the will or choosing. He says they are interrelated. In analyzing the will, the making of human decisions or choices, he looked first at the law of causality. Causality is every effect must have a cause. Thus, he analyzed human choices as effects with causes. The choices we make are made for a reason and the mind supplies the reason. Thus, the choices we make are what we deem to be good for us, though, Edwards use of the word good isn't necessarily morality, but rather good is what is pleasing to us. Thus, the good is what is most pleasing to me, at this moment, and to choose what I want. Thus, this is the role of desire in the making of choices. The mind deems a particular action to be good and pleasing to us. For example, when one is hungry, those hunger pains alert the mind and then the mind through choosing decides to eat, in order to meet the need of hunger, in order to please himself.

Edwards states that all choices are caused by something. They don't just happen. And what causes choices are inclinations. Thus, choices are motivated or driven by inclinations. Edwards understood that as humans we are complex. At times, we have very complex desires and motives within our lives. Paul reverberates this idea in Romans 7:19 - For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do. What Paul seems to be saying that in him are competing desires and competing inclinations. In Christ is the desire to always do those things that honor God, but in his flesh is desires contrary to the Spirit and sometimes I follow these desires. Edwards might say to Paul that at the time of your choice to sin, you have a stronger desire to not do what is pleasing to God than you have in yourself to please God. Thus, there is a conflict of inclinations. Thus, Edwards states that we always choose according to the strongest inclination at the moment.

This is not determinism which is being controlled by external forces that coerce us, such as our environment and place in which we live and grow up. Atheists believe in determinism, meaning we are a product of our environment. What Edwards is focused on instead is self-determination in which the choices we make are determined by us. What Edwards is getting at is our choices are determined by us and my desires and what my mind deems to be most good for me at the moment. There is a desire continuum we have. Some desires are strong while others are mild. Thus freedom is the power to choose according to your inclinations.

For example, the doctor may recommend and I may agree that I need to lose 30 pounds as losing pounds has a myriad of positive outcomes. But, my desire to lose those pounds varies from moment to moment. After eating a thanksgiving meal I have no desires to eat more and want to lose pounds, but when I am hungry and a chocolate sundae is presented before me, my desire for that sundae is greater than my desire to lose weight. Thus, the desire continuum. We have different degrees of desires, but without an inclination there wouldn't be a choice is what Edwards argues.

Yet, Edwards is arguing with pagan philosophers and even other theologians which might say that the will is not indifferent, but has a prior bent, disposition or inclination. To be really free it would have an equal means to go to the right or the left. Edwards says an indifferent choice is an irrational concept. If I choose one thing over another for no other reason whatsoever, like choosing which way to go at a fork in the road with no reason to choose either way, how would that have any moral significance. Intent is essential to a moral decision, to a voluntary act. To be a moral decision, there has to be a reason or intent. But he says the idea of an indifferent choice is a nonsensical concept.

What Edwards is most famous for is his distinction between our natural ability and our moral ability. This is similar to Augustinian's distinction between free will and liberty. Edwards says, "We have the natural ability to make choices." We have natural ability that is not coerced by outside forces. What we lack, according to Edwards, is the moral ability to choose the things of God. Because in the fall, we lost our disposition, our desire, our inclination for God. We don't choose God because we don't want him. We cannot choose what we do not want. We have no natural inclination for the things of God until the Holy Spirit creates that in our soul. Thus back to the vertical, Edwards is stating that we lack, on our own, the ability to see that God is what we need the most in our lives, and in turn meets us on the vertical, on our own. The only way our heart is inclined to the things of God is God coming to us and once God comes, we cannot resist Him. Thus, grace is not cooperative.

Summary: On the horizontal, man is capable of making choices, based upon his inclinations and desires. The problem is that apart from grace, we only desires the things of this world, the things that do not save us, that are not of salvation, that therefore are not of God. To do the things of God, God must intervene in our lives and this intervention is not resisting. If God calls us, we will respond.

Promise: Paul says that the grace of God has brought salvation to all people, thus God has saved all sorts of people. The gospel must be preached to all people.

Prayer: Father, your word is alive and true. I seek truth. Even as I spend time talking to people that are coming from a myriad of faiths, I want to make sure that the truth of who you are and how salvation happens or how I am made to be free from sin happens. Guide me into truth always. Thank you for saving me and making me whole and giving me new life. I live now in obedience to You and I do not want that to ever be muddy or unclear. You are my God and I am yours. You love me and in response I love You and others and want You to be in the life of all others I am near. Save. Save people. Keep on saving people. 

Mark 16:9-11 - The Preservation of Scripture

Mark 16:9-11
[9 Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.]

Message: The Preservation of Scripture

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 risen from the dead, according to the young man inside the tomb that the 3 women (Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Silome) heard from. They are to tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus will meet them at Galilee. The 3 women leave, but tell no one in Jerusalem; they have fear. [The words of Mark perhaps have come to a close; and now verses 9-20 are from someone different.]

These verses obviously seem different, perhaps a 4th gospel writer. There are differing opinions of these following verses but generally it is thought that Mark's words were destroyed and these words were then created to close out this writing and parallel the accounts of Matthew and John

Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. As I have talked about, the fact that Jesus first appears to a woman and that is the record is odd given the fact that a woman's testimony is already not highly thought of during these times. Not any more should be read into Mary Magdalene's life than what we know from scripture. Mark has previously not recorded this casting out of demons. It is recorded in a small way by Luke in 8:2 - and some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out. This casting out occurred for Mary at a young age. She must have been affected by it throughout her life for she continued to follow Jesus later in life. There were 7 demons in her, thus she was completely overrun by these demons as 7 is a number of completeness.

She went with the other women and reported to those who had been with Him (the disciples which is what the young man (angel) had asked them to do, while they were mourning and weeping. So they were mourning and weeping. They had lost their deer Master. Despite the fact that they had somewhat fled and not identified themselves with Him, out of fear of being caught and seized as well, but still they knew their master to be great. They knew Him to be one they adored. For three years they had followed Him and been with Him watching Him do things that they could not do. And now it was over. They were at a loss. They had been corrected many times of their little faith. They had been tasked to do things by Him but they often failed. They failed to see the way He saw things but instead they were short-sighted. Obviously, they had big emotion now. It had been 2 days, but the weeping and mourning was still fresh. Yesterday was probably the events of the Sabbath, but today they were free once again to dwell again on what they are missing now not having Him with them. I guess I think of this mourning and weeping because I sense in myself that same sort of way in which I have at various times in my Jesus following life times of turning away and not admitting that I am with Jesus - and following those times there is remorse; there is discouragement.

When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it. Despite Jesus repeatedly telling them that his death and resurrection were imminent they still did not believe it was actually going to happen. Yet, he did die as he said he would and yet they still did not believe that He had actually been made alive. Their faith is surely shallow and yet they would all one day die for Him. They were people that obviously had to go through a lot to actually have faith in Him. Many people today live in the same way - they are a hard sell to the Gospel of Grace. And it also that they did not believe because Mary was the one stating it. See, once again, the words of a woman are not reliable. The disciples don't even believe.

Summary - At this moment, all that this present is the witness of a woman and that is not reliable evidence so therefore the disciples do not believe. A young man (angel) has spoken to the women, but the disciples have not seen Jesus and so they do not believe. Yes, they are still sad and mourning over their loss, but they don't believe.

Promise: Despite the communication of truth, people still do not believe. Even disciples who were with Jesus for 3 years and saw firsthand all that he did, still when they are told by a woman that He has risen, they still do not believe. We are people of little faith. I need to have more compassion toward those who do not believe.

Prayer: Lord, you are teaching me right now that I need to have more compassion toward other people that question You and do not have a belief in You. Help me Lord to believe this. I was saddened last night at a Christmas party to witness so many people deceived as they lived their religious life, were friendly, and nice, and yet did not have the complete message and why would they even believe. It was sad to witness and yet I stood there silent. I kept my faith within me and didn't take the time to share to even those that could hear. Lord, help me to have more compassion toward other people. Forgive me of my repeated sin of judging and making myself out to be better than others. Yes, I am thankful You have saved me but remove that pride from my life. I want to be a servant. Make me a servant.

Mark 15:33-34 - Jesus Forsaken

Mark 15:33-34
33 When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” which is translated, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”
Message: Jesus Forsaken

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is on the cross, being crucified. Passerby's are mocking him still as well as the chief priests and scribes among themselves and even the robbers on either side of Him. He arrived there with no strength to even carry the crossbeam and Simon had to carry it for Him.

In these verses, Jesus expresses a feeling of rejection that He felt toward God. He had predicted his death and resurrection 3 times in the years leading up to this event. Just yesterday, He would be praying in the garden of Gethsemane perhaps for strength for what was ahead. He had already been scourged and beaten and received amazing pain. I just think about the thorns on his brow and them pushing into his head as he moved but then a staff or reed would be flung on him repeatedly and pushing those thorns into him over and over. He would be experiencing amazing physical pain. But then he was assaulted emotionally with words of mocking from everyone - his disciples or followers would act as if they never knew Him when He was seized. Many would come forward to express judging words toward him, belittling Him, accusing Him of being something that He shouldn't be. He was called to a position, King, and yet people would not accept this. I think about the fact that throughout His ministry as He did things often the disciples did not understand and questioned Him. And now He was beaten to a pulp where He had no strength and was now on a cross receiving physical pain and then mockery from anyone passing by, from his fellow leaders of the faith - the chief priests and scribes - and then even the ones that he was alongside suffering on crosses were belittling him and bringing shame upon Him. He remained silent throughout all of this.

At this moment, he was feeling it. I feel it and it was an event that happened almost 2,000 years ago. He was living through all of this as a man. He experienced the same pain as me in his ministry. I remember him being assaulted and belittled by Satan and the temptation of receiving all of the accolades of a man of this world but then saying to Satan, "No thank you." He was a man, living through all of these things. Whether they were ordained or not he still was experiencing them.

When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour.  The sixth hour was 12 o'clock noon and the ninth hour was 3 o'clock. So at the lightest part of the day darkness descended over the whole land. Between 12 and 3 were events and feelings that Jesus experienced that we have no description. Darkness was fell during this period and then was lifted at the ninth hour. Old Testament verses depict judgment with darkness. God's wrath was satisfied and exhausted in this time.

Psalm 22:1 records - My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. And here At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” which is translated, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” In this moment his blame was not on the disciples, chief priests, Pilate, the scribes, or even the robbers, but He was looking at God and wondering why the Father had forsaken Him.

This reminds me of how often people blame God for the events of their lives and I think that is uncalled for and yet Jesus experiencing the same thing here. I'm not sure I ever have put that together, but Jesus was voicing to God His own displeasure for the darkness He was experiencing. For Jesus he was receiving the wrath of God on mankind. He was taken on the sin of the world. And it culminated in his expressions out loud to God on "Why?"

"Why" I think is the most popular question people have toward God. We live in a world where we want answers and trusting in someone like God is really seen as a cop out approach to life because we often do not get our "why" questioned answered or each gets it answered in different ways. The question is normal to be asked, but may we stay focused on Him and keep trusting Him for the answer. May it not bring us to a point of running from Him.

Summary - Jesus on the cross, after receiving mocking and pain, emotional and physical, receives the wrath of mankind as darkness descends upon the earth. Jesus endured it and in the end he felt the rejection of God, feeling completely forsaken.

Promise: The wrath of God had to be satisfied. Jesus would feel rejection, but it was necessary and I am the benefactor of the horrible wrath He experienced.

Prayer: Lord, as I converse with people online I hear many voicing this question of "Why?" You have reminded me today that even Jesus voiced this question. It is a normal question. Help me Father to minister and encourage those who are asking the question. Thank you Jesus for experiencing the wrath intended for me. In my life I will continue to experience hurt. Help me to respond in a way that glorifies You.

Mark 14:26-31 - The Scattering of Sheep

Mark 14:26-31
26 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written, ‘I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP SHALL BE SCATTERED.’28 But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 29 But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” 31 But Peter kept saying insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing also.

Message: The Scattering of Sheep

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 just finished the Passover meal and Lord's Supper gathering with his disciples, announcing that one of them would betray Him, giving them bread and win – telling them His body is broken for them and His blood marks a covenant between Him and many people.

"After singing a hymn" - interesting. this is the first time that I have seen the mention of singing a hymn and this was probably a Psalm. they went out to the Mount of Olives - so they headed back to the spot they have been spending most of their time resting.

At this moment, Jesus quotes from Zechariah 13:7 which says, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones." Why does Jesus quote this passage from Zechariah? This is a passage that His disciples (Jews) would have understood at the time. Jesus is telling the disciples something about the future - his capture by Jewish officials and the Roman court - his interrogation - and eventually his crucifixion. Jesus is telling the disciples that Zechariah 13:7 is a prophecy about Him. For Jesus is saying - "you, my sheep will scatter." This means when Jesus starts getting accused, they will stop following Him. In the future, they will not abandon Jesus and eventually He will show in this passage how Peter will deny Him 3 times. 

Yes - the priests and leaders put Jesus to death. They acted on their own evil purposes. But, God was behind it all -- as recorded in these words, "I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD." Jesus is the Shepherd. He will be struck down on the cross for the sins of mankind. Jesus will bear the wrath of God in order to save people from their sin. God's wrath will be fulfilled in Jesus. This will occur through the actions of Jewish leaders and yet still part of God's sovereign plan. Man is responsible for his actions and God is carrying out his purposes through man, thus He is sovereign. God works, but man is still responsible.

"AND THE SHEEP SHALL BE SCATTERED." ’But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.'  This is also part of God's divine will. The sheep will go through a refining process. This happens in the life of Christians. Recently, I watched the movie "I'm not Ashamed." It was about Rachel Scott, a girl at the Columbine High School shooting in April 1999 in Colorado. It was about her life and specifically her trusting in Christ as Savior and Lord. But then after trusting, she returned to her lifestyle of dancing with danger. She had a mountaintop experience with God, followed by a valley and then a return to life lived in submission to God. But still she was killed. For some of us this happens in our life quite regularly. We are excited to live for God, but then we seek out our own way in matters, but eventually we come back to trust Him again. Yes, there is a scattering, but for those that are truly in Christ, they will return to Him -- to their true faith in Christ. 

The remainder of this passage is the disciples believing at the time that falling away was not possible. They hear Jesus pronounce these words, but they try to show Jesus this won't happen. This is normal. "But Peter said to Him, “though all may fall away, yet I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” But kept saying insistently, “if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing also." Again, this is what we think. It's normal to think that at this high moment we are always going to live our lives in surrender to the Lord and will never compromise that position. But Jesus is clear, even to Peter, it will happen.

Question: Have I denied Christ in my life? Unfortunately yes, many times. People ask me about my weekend and what I did and often in my past I will not speak of church, my most important time of the week, but instead will talk about another activity. My most important time each day is my time with God in His Word but do I mention this to people at work who want to have nothing to with God. I often do not. And yet every Sunday I return to church, with other people, worship together and show my allegiance to God. It is safe at church, but am I always this same way as I live in the world? 

Summary - Jesus has had the Passover meal with his disciples and then given the Lord's Supper and then returns to the Mount of Olives to talk to them about his divine appointment with death and then the scattering of the disciples and sheep. They will deny him. It will happen whether they think it will happen or not.

Promise: Though we think it is not possible to fall away, we can still. I need to remember this and forgive people's mistakes. Mistakes doesn't mean it's over, as redemption can still occur and often does.

Prayer: Lord, I am truly thankful for this study of Your word and really the study of Your life through the eyes of Peter as told to Mark. Thank you for the truth of your message and helping me understand terms like sovereign. God, your will is eternal and ordained, but I am still responsible for my actions. Thank you for redeeming mankind through the death of your son. Thank you for church and the sweetness of that time with You. I pray for people and that they would return to you - like my son and my father - I pray they would come back to the Son. 

Mark 12:10-12 - The Rejected Cornerstone

Mark 12:10-12
10 Have you not even read this Scripture:
‘The stone which the builders rejected,
This became the chief corner stone;
11 This came about from the Lord,
And it is marvelous in our eyes’?”
12 And they were seeking to seize Him, and yet they feared the people, for they understood that He spoke the parable against them. And so they left Him and went away.

Message: The Rejected Cornerstone

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 presented a parable of the tenants to the disciples and all who would listen. It provides a story of a landowner (God) who builds a vineyard and then sets up how it will be ruled, with tenant farmers (priests, scribes, the Church) and provides it with a wall. But the tenant farmers do not manage it in the way He intended and start instead to think of it as belonging to themselves or even as an opportunity to acquire it.

Through all of this, one might wonder if God was still in control, in this process, or did he just wind it up and let it run as the parable seems to present.

Jesus quotes from Psalm 118:22-23, a Psalm of thanksgiving that reminds us that God is there and present through all of life's circumstances:
22 

The stone which the builders rejectedHas become the chief corner stone.This is the Lord’s doing;It is marvelous in our eyes.

I've always been curious about advertisers that label product new and improved. It is curious. What happened that made it 'new and improved.' In a way, this is what Jesus does with his kingdom. He starts it out as a stone and then it becomes a corner stone. It starts out with some limitations, but then it has no limitations. It is new and improved. Having the stone be rejected was necessary. Sometimes we don't see something until it goes through a trial. Yet, we struggle with this because we often see that there is never any good in any pain. 

There will be victory in Jesus. But this means at some times there will be a feeling that in Jesus there is defeat. The quoted Psalm states, "This is the Lord's doing." I can trust the Lord despite however it appears to me. 

And they (the chief priests, scribes, elders) were seeking to seize Him, and yet they feared the people (the multitudes), for they understood that He spoke the parable against them. And so they left Him and went away. It was clear in this moment that this parable was about them. They were the rejected ones. They felt assaulted and wanted to then seize him, but for now they did not because of the people that were surrounding Jesus at this time. 

Summary - By presenting this parable, Jesus reminds the people that He is in fact still in control. People will reject Him, but He will do something greater. We can always trust the Lord for His plans are perfect. 

Promise: Every up and down of history is under God's control. I can be confident for the future because I know that nothing happens outside of the Lord's sovereign plan for the all things. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding me that you are in control. Thank you for reminding me that you are about the best and even what seems good now will be improved upon later. You are the God that makes all things new. Keep my eyes turned to You so that I look full on You and the things of earth grow dim. You are marvelous and I trust in You. 

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

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

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

What the Lord is Saying:

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 78:1-20 - For the Coming Generation

Psalm 78:1-20

Listen, O my people, to my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. ² I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, ³ which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.⁴ We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 

⁵ For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, ⁶ That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, they may arise and tell to their children, ⁷ That they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments, ⁸ And not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God. 

⁹ The sons of Ephraim were archers equipped with bows, they turned back in the day of battle.
¹⁰ They did not keep the covenant of God And refused to walk in His law; ¹¹ They forgot His deeds and His miracles that He had shown them. ¹² He wrought wonders before their fathers In the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. ¹³ He divided the sea and caused them to pass through, and He made the waters stand up like a heap. ¹⁴ Then He led them with the cloud by day and all the night with a light of fire. ¹⁵ He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave abundant drink like the ocean depths. ¹⁶ He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers.¹⁷ Yet they still continued to sin against Him, to rebel against the Most High in the desert. ¹⁸ And in their heart they put God to the test by asking food according to their desire. ¹⁹ Then they spoke against God; They said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? ²⁰ “Behold, He struck the rock so that waters gushed out, And streams were overflowing; Can He give bread also? Will He provide meat for His people?”

Message: For the Coming Generation; Warning to the Stubborn and Rebellious

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:

Overview
This Psalm begins with the words Listen, O my people, to my instruction; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. This is a beginning that seems similar to words found in the book of Proverbs. But, it is clearly a call to the people to pay attention to what is going to be said. He says that he speak with a parable. He will pass on words that our fathers have said to us.

Pass on these words to future generations
Actually, in reading this Psalm, at least these first 20 verses, it is a call out to the people of God to carry forth the Word of God from generation to generation. I will utter dark sayings of old which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. I have a responsibility before my children to continue to pass on the word of God. I do not think I've ever read this verse or taken it very seriously. 

Stubborn and Rebellious People
There was a warning in verse 8 to not be like a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God.  Stubborn and rebellious is a people that are stiff-necked, ungovernable; inclined to revolt. Therefore, a people that do not pass on words to their children and future generations are described as this. Stubborn and rebellious is synonymous with not being faithful to God.

We come across people all the time that say they believe in God and pray, but I wonder if they believe they are faithful to God. Its one thing to believe and pray, but quite another to be faithful. I just think of this as I speak to people. I am not sure I am even faithful to God and his promises. I think I do this on a part-time basis. I'm not sure if this describes me completely. But, I also think, for the most part, it is a goal of mine to be this way.

This stubborn and rebellious way is further understand through the description of a people group. In verse 9, the sons of Ephraim was one of the largest tribes of Israel. They were a large tribe and therefore had the platform and means to be independent of the other tribes. They were archers equipped with bows. They were armed and they were ready to defend only themselves but they turned back in the day of battle or they did not stand by their brethren. They were a proud people and a selfish people. The Christian life is to be about community and serving others and ministering to people.

These people rejected God

• They did not keep the covenant of God
• refused to walk in His law
• They forgot His deeds and His miracles that He had shown them

These people ignored God:

• He wrought wonders before their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.  
• He divided the sea and caused them to pass through, and He made the waters stand up like a heap.  
• Then He led them with the cloud by day and all the night with a light of fire.  
• He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave abundant drink like the ocean depths.  
• He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers

They put God to the test:

• asking food according to their desire.  
• Can God prepare a table in the wilderness
• Can He give bread also
•  Will He provide meat for His people

Conclusion
This chapter describes fathers preparing their children for the future, teaching them God's word. I wonder how I do this as a father or rather I think about this and see that I need to improve in this area. I'm having difficulty right now talking to my youngest. Yet, there are still stories I could communicate from God's word. Perhaps I need to look at my Bible again and think about the stories that are within it and what it can teach. Help me God. Give me strength and courage to pass these truths onto my children. They all need it. Help me with my youngest and even though he does not voice an interest in God right now, show me how I can still use words from our lives.

Promise: God's word is present and living. We can't just ignore it or even question it without it yielding stubborn and rebellious people.

Proverbs 1:8-9 - Heeding Godly Authorities

Proverbs 1:8-9 - ⁸ Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching,
⁹ for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.

Message: Heeding Godly Authorities: There is value in both father and mother

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

What the Lord is Saying: 

Hear, My son
The reader here is addressed with parental kindness and also authority. These words are to be heard, so they need to also be said. The father is to be present in the son's life. He is to speak and be giving instruction. The ambition or goal of the father is not simply to be a buddy or a pal, but to be an instructor and teacher. I was thinking today that my son's highest ideal is often pleasing himself or pleasing his children. My son has difficulty seeing too far in the future. I must watch out for him. I must give him information and guidance that he possibly doesn't see or he see's, but does not place much priority on it. 

Forsake not
Do not forsake or reject or neglect the teaching or the law of the mother. The father here instructs. The mother lays down the rules that are to be followed. The father gives instruction to those rules.  Children need to value their parents words, especially those that take the time to say something.  

Adornment
To the Israelite's mind no signs or badges of joy or glory were higher in worth than the garland round the head, the gold chain round the neck, worn by kings and the favorites of kings. Thus, the words of a father and the teaching of a mother, yield, when followed, the highest worth in the kingdom or time or place. 

In going through the 10 commandments with people, my friend often has noted with people the placement of the commandment, "Honor your father and mother" and where it sits in relation to the other commandments. It is the first commandment for those commandments that speak of relationships a person has with others. It precedes murder, lying, stealing, coveting, adultery. Before any of those commandments is the call to honor your father and mother. It is, as if, those words are heeded then the rest of the commandments are not needed.

Promise: Hear and do not reject your parents.