Week of Last Epiphany C
This is a Three-Year Lectionary based on the Lutheran Book of Worship 3-year Lectionary (for public worship), "Prayers of the Day..." (Propers), p. 13-41, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978. It is based, with only minor variations, on the Revised Common Lectionary, used by many denominations, including the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches:
http://www.commontexts.org/
and:
http://www.commontexts.org/rcl/usage.html
The daily readings are the Propers (Lections) for the following Sunday, so that the daily devotions can prepare us for worship. Additional Lections are from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, "Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers," United Lutheran Church of America, General Rubrics VIII. Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers, p. 299 - 304, Philadelphia, 1918.
The previous 2- year Bible Study based on the Lutheran Book of Worship, Daily Lectionary for personal devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978, is available at:
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Daily Walk 3-Year C Weekly Lectionary
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5 Epiphany - Sunday (variable) C
First Posted February 7, 2010
Podcast: 5 Epiphany Sunday
Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) – Isaiah's Call;
Psalm 85:8-13 – Oracle of Assurance;
I Corinthians 14:12b-20 – Up-building the Church;
Luke 5:1-11-- The Unexpected Catch;
Isaiah:
In the year of King Uzziah's death, 742 B.C., Isaiah had a vision of the Lord enthroned in heaven. His throne was lifted up above the floor, and his train (glory; presence) filled the temple. Above him were the seraphim, (traditionally, the highest order of angel). Each had six wings: two covered his face, two covered his feet, and he flew with two. One declared to another that the Lord of hosts (a large multitude; army) is Holy, Holy, Holy (three times Holy, for emphasis). The thresholds (foundations) were shaken at the voice of the seraph, and the house was filled with smoke.
Isaiah recognized his sinfulness compared to the holiness of God, and was afraid that he was spiritually lost. He confessed that he came from people of unclean lips, and that his lips were unclean. Then one of the seraphim took a glowing coal from the altar and touched Isaiah's mouth, saying that Isaiah's guilt had been removed and his sin forgiven.
Then Isaiah heard the Lord ask who would go (to speak for God) and Isaiah volunteered. Then the Lord told him to go to God's people and say that they hear over and over but do not understand, they see over and over, but do not perceive, otherwise their ears would hear, their eyes would see, their hearts would understand and they would turn (to the Lord) and be healed (compare Matthew 13:10-15).
Isaiah asked how long, and the Lord told him, “Until cities lie waste without inhabitant, and houses without men, and the land is utterly desolate and the Lord removes men far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land. And though a tenth remain in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth (an oak), whose stump remains standing when it is felled.' The seed is its stump” (Isaiah 6:11b-13).
Psalm:
Listen to what the Lord will speak, to his people, his saints (those consecrated to God's service, to believers in Jesus Christ); to those who become obedient to him in their hearts, he will declare peace. Truly his salvation is near for those who fear God (have appropriate awe and respect for God's power and authority), that glory (honor, dignity; the perfect righteousness of God) may fill our land. Then our land will be characterized by steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace. Faithfulness will rise up from the earth and righteousness will look down from heaven. The Lord will provide every good thing and our land will prosper. “Righteousness will go before him and and make his footsteps a way (Psalm 85:13).
1 Corinthians:
To those who eagerly seek manifestations of the Spirit, our efforts should be in building up the Church. So those who speak in tongues (different languages) should pray for the power to interpret them. If one prays in an unknown tongue, one's spirit is gratified, but one's mind is unproductive. One should learn to pray so that both mind and spirit are engaged; so also with songs. Otherwise one may bless (praise; give thanks) by the spirit, but others without the gift of interpretation cannot say “Amen” (join in agreement; verbal assent). The one giving thanks may be edified (built up, spiritually), but not the other person. Paul testified to personal ecstatic experiences, but in corporate worship, he would rather say five words with his reasoning that would instruct others, than ten thousand in an unknown tongue.
Paul urged his fellow believers to grow in spiritual understanding. It is right to be innocent as babies regarding evil, but we should strive to become spiritually mature in our thinking.
Luke:
Jesus was standing on the shore of the lake of Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee), and a large crowd gathered around him. There were two boats beached nearby, and the fishermen were cleaning their nets. Getting into one, which belonged to Simon (whom Jesus later named Peter; one of the Twelve original apostles), Jesus asked to be put out a short distance from shore, where he sat down and began teaching.
When he finished he asked Simon to take the boat into deep water, and put his nets in for a catch. Simon replied that he and his partners (all, professional fishermen) had fished all night and had caught nothing, but would do as Jesus said. When he let out the nets, they enclosed a great shoal (school) of fish. Because their nets were breaking, they called their partners to bring the other boat to help them. Both boats were filled to nearly sinking.
When Simon Peter saw what had happened he knelt at Jesus' feet and acknowledged that because he was a sinner he was unworthy to be in Jesus' presence. Simon and the other fishermen, including James and John, Simon's partners, the sons of Zebedee, were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken. Jesus told Simon to not be afraid; from now on they would be catching men. When they landed on shore, they (Peter, James, and John) left everything and followed Jesus.
Commentary:
Isaiah was a prophet to the Southern Kingdom, Judah, of the divided monarchy, and Jerusalem, the capital city, between 742 and 687 B.C..* This was during the period of the virtual annihilation of the Northern Kingdom, Israel, of the ten tribes, culminating in 721 B.C. with the fall of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom.
Isaiah's prophetic ministry began with a vision of the presence of God. In God's presence he recognized his own sinfulness in comparison to the holiness of God. He confessed his unworthiness and lostness. His unclean lips made him unworthy to speak for God, so the seraph used a glowing coal from the altar to cleanse Isaiah's lips and then declared Isaiah's guilt removed and his sin forgiven.
Isaiah was prophesying to Judah at the time of the fall of the Northern Kingdom, because of Israel's apostasy: their idolatry and disobedience to God's Word. Everyone except the oldest, poorest and least healthy of the people were deported to other lands and other conquered people were brought in to pacify the land. The ten northern tribes intermingled with foreigners and effectively disappeared. Foreigners brought in to the Northern Kingdom intermarried with the remnant of Israelites and became the Samaritans, of mixed race and religion, at the time of Jesus' physical ministry.
The people of the Southern Kingdom knew what had happened to the Northern Kingdom, but didn't return to obedience and trust in the Lord, didn't give heed to the warnings of Isaiah and other prophets, and ultimately suffered a similar fate.
God's Word is eternal and is fulfilled over and over as the conditions for its fulfillment are met. Isaiah's prophecy was fulfilled by the Northern Kingdom's fall to the Assyrians. The Southern Kingdom fulfilled the prophecy by their exile in Babylon for seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11-12). But the Lord preserved a remnant of Judah to be the root of Jesse (the father of David; Isaiah 11:10; Romans 15:12), from whom the branch of righteousness, the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Messiah and Christ each mean “anointed; in Hebrew and Greek), would come (Jeremiah 23:5). Jesus is the Son (descendant) of David (Matthew 1:1, 20; 21:9, 15).
A remnant of Judah returned from Babylon, but the people forgot the lessons they had learned in exile, and were thus unprepared for the coming of Jesus Christ. They again fulfilled the prophecy by refusing to see the signs and refusing to heed the prophets (Matthew 13:13-15).
We need to know, trust, and obey God's Word, given in the Bible, and in Jesus Christ, the “living Word;” God's Word fulfilled, embodied and exemplified in human flesh in this world (John 1:1-5, 14). Those who ignore and disobey God's Word are under God's condemnation to eternal destruction. They are enemies of God, and have no peace with God apart from obedient trust in God's Word in Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
America is, in one sense, the New Israel, the New Promised Land, but America has turned from obedient trust in the Lord to idolatry and disobedience. In many ways America is in the same situation spiritually as Judah was at the first coming of Christ. The priests were using Judaism as their own personal empire, using it to serve themselves instead of being faithful stewards on God's behalf.
In many instances today the Church, at least in America, is operating in the same way. Denominations train clergy to teach the denomination's theology, contrary to the Scriptural Apostolic doctrine recorded in the New Testament. They teach “Cheap Grace;” salvation by grace as a free gift (true) without the requirement of discipleship and obedience (wrong). Instead of making disciples they make “fair-weather members,” (see False Teachings, sidebar, top right).
Jesus is the righteousness of God made visible in human flesh in this world. Jesus came, in part, to show us how to live in obedient trust in God's Word and also to make it possible to follow his example by the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17).The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
It is impossible not to know for certain for oneself, if one has been spiritually “born-again” (John 33:5-8), and yet mainline denominations are teaching that one receives the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit automatically with “water” baptism, without personal awareness. The member must believe it by “faith,” because the Church says so, which is like wishing on a star. It reminds me of the folk tale of The Emperor's New Clothes (see False Teachings, Spiritual Rebirth, sidebar, top right).
Saving faith is not like wishing on a star, not like getting whatever one believes if one believes “hard enough.” Saving faith is obedient trust in Jesus Christ. It is learning to know, trust, and obey Jesus' teachings. As we begin to trust and obey Jesus, he will reveal himself to us (John 14:21), and will demonstrate that his word is reliable and true. Jesus said that faith is like a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32), our tiny “yes” to Jesus, which he will cause to grow to spiritual maturity, to supernatural proportions at the Day of Christ's return.
Paul was making disciples in the Church in Corinth. Discipleship involves spiritual growth. We must learn to hear, recognize and be guided by the Holy Spirit (John 10:2-5). We must begin to apply Jesus' teachings in our daily lives. We should learn to pray in the Spirit (Romans 8:26). The “baptism” of the Holy Spirit is not the culmination of spiritual growth but the beginning: New birth.
Simon trusted and obeyed Jesus' instruction to lower the nets, when Simon's worldly knowledge and experience told him a catch was impossible. When he saw the supernaturally large catch, he realized that he was in the presence of the Lord. He knelt and acknowledged his unworthiness, but Jesus accepted him and called him to be a “fisher” of men.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all who practice it” (Psalm 111:10). Until we recognize God's power and authority, we simply do not understand the concept of “God.” We don't need to fear that God will do something to us that we don't deserve; we rightly fear that he will give us what we rightly deserve. When we confess our sin and unworthiness, he calms our fears, forgives our sins, and removes our guilt.
The Lord forgives our sin and removes our guilt so that we can go and tell others that they are also forgiven and cleansed through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. Like Isaiah we need to warn them that those who don't want to hear and see what God is doing, and who refuse to acknowledge their sinfulness are perishing eternally.
The Lord gives us freedom to choose whether to trust and obey God's Word or not. By choosing to trust and obey Jesus, we will spend eternity in heaven filled with the glory of God, where the land will be filled with steadfast love and faithfulness, righteousness and peace. The Lord will supply all good things and we will prosper there eternally. Jesus is the righteousness of God, whose footsteps, in obedience of God's Word, are the way to know divine, eternal truth, to be reconciled in peace and restored to fellowship with God, and to have true eternal life (John 14:6).
The alternative is to reject the offer of peace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, to refuse or fail to trust and obey Jesus, and to spend eternity in a wasteland of destroyed cities and ruined houses in utter desolation, separated eternally from the presence of the Lord (Isaiah 6:11-13).
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
*The Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, Isaiah Introduction, p. 822, New York, Oxford University Press, 1962.
8 Epiphany - Monday Before Transfiguration C
To be used after the last Variable Sunday of Epiphany until Transfiguration
First Posted February 8, 2010
Podcast: 8 Epiphany C Monday
Psalm 99:1-5 – The Lord Reigns!
“The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned upon the Cherubim; let the earth quake! The Lord is great in Zion (God's people; the Church); he is exalted over all the peoples” (Psalm 99:1-2)! Let everyone praise his great and terrible name, for he is Holy (perfect in goodness and righteousness; worthy of worship). He is the mighty king and lover of justice. He has established equity, justice, and righteousness in Jacob (the patriarch whose name God changed to Israel; from whom God's people were named). “Extol the Lord our God; Worship at his footstool! Holy is he” (Psalm 99:5)!
Commentary:
The Ark of the Covenant was a chest containing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments on which the Old Covenant of Law was based. The design of the Ark was given to Moses by God (Exodus 25:10-22). The ark itself was considered the footstool of God's throne. On the top of the ark were two Cherubim (winged half human, half animal creatures) facing each other, their wings forming the “mercy seat” upon which God was invisibly enthroned.
The ark was kept in the holy-of-holies within the tabernacle (portable temple) and later within Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 8:1-9). The holy-of-holies was where the presence of the Lord dwelt. Only the High Priest could enter, only once a year, offering a blood sacrifice for himself and the people (Hebrews 9:1-10).
Jesus became the eternal high priest of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:11-28), which he initiated during the celebration of Passover, on the night of his betrayal and arrest (Matthew 26:26-28 RSV note “g”). At the moment of Jesus' death on the cross, the veil of the temple, separating the people from the holy-of-holies, was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that Jesus has opened a new and better way into the presence of God.
Jesus' blood sacrifice on the cross cleanses all those who are willing to receive it by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus, so that we can become the temple of the Holy Spirit individually and collectively, by the “baptism” (gift; anointing) of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Only Jesus baptizes with the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). The baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit is an individually discernible ongoing experience (Acts 19:2).
Christians are by definition disciples of Jesus Christ who have been spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the baptism of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is by the indwelling Holy Spirit that we have personal daily fellowship with God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21, 23). By the indwelling Holy Spirit we personally experience the love and goodness of the Lord.
Jesus is Lord whether we accept him as our Lord or not. There is a day coming when everyone who has ever lived will be accountable to him for what we have done in this lifetime (John 5:28-29). In that day everyone will acknowledge him as Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). In that day it will be too late to change our eternal destiny.
That day is not far off; it will happen in our lifetime. At the moment of our death, time will cease and we will immediately be at the throne of judgment. Jesus is the righteous judge, and the standard by which we will all be judged. Those who have accepted Jesus as Lord, who have trusted and obeyed Jesus, will have been spiritually “born-again” in this lifetime and will enter God's eternal kingdom in heaven. Those who have rejected Jesus, who have refused or failed to trust and obey Jesus, will be condemned to eternal destruction in hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
8 Epiphany - Tuesday Before Transfiguration C
To be used after the last Variable Sunday of Epiphany until Transfiguration
First Posted February 9, 2010
Podcast: 8 Epiphany C Tuesday
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 – Death of Moses;
Israel was poised on the plain of Moab opposite Jericho to enter the Promised Land, and Moses went up to the top of Pisgah peak on Mt Nebo, where he could see the the Promised Land north to the area of Dan and Naphtali (the sea of Galilee), Ephraim and Manasseh (central Palestine), Judah to the Mediterranean coast, and south as far as the Negeb (the wilderness south of Judah), and Zoar (the south end of the Dead Sea). The Lord told Moses that this was the land he had promised to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their descendants. The Lord had allowed Moses to see the land, but Moses was not permitted to enter it.
Moses died in the land of Moab, as the Lord had said, and was buried in the valley in Moab opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows where his grave is. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old, but he didn't have the infirmities of old age, such as poor vision or physical weakness. For thirty days the people mourned for Moses in the plain of Moab.
Moses had laid his hands on Joshua, the son of Nun, and Joshua had been filled with the Spirit of wisdom (the Holy Spirit; Numbers 27:18-23). The people of Israel obeyed Joshua and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. No prophet as great as Moses has arisen in Israel since, considering the face-to-face relationship Moses had with the Lord, and all the great signs and wonders Moses did to Pharaoh in Egypt, and in the wilderness in the sight of all Israel.
Commentary:
Moses was allowed to see the Promised Land from the mountaintop, but was not allowed to enter it, because Moses had brought forth water from the rock in the wilderness but failed to give the glory to God. Moses had taken credit for it himself (Numbers 20:6-12).
Joshua was one of the two scouts who scouted the Promised Land forty years earlier and returned a favorable report, urging Israel to enter and take possession of the Land. The other ten scouts had given unfavorable reports. Because Israel had not obeyed God's command to enter and possess the land, they were forced to wander in the wilderness until every adult who had rebelled died in the wilderness.
Moses prefigures the Messiah (Christ; both words mean “anointed” in Hebrew and Greek, respectively). Jesus is the “New Moses,” who leads us out of bondage to sin and evil in the “Egypt” of this present world order, through the wilderness of life, and to the Promised Land.
Joshua prefigures Christ who leads us through the “river” of physical death (without getting our “feet wet;” without being affected; Joshua 3:14-17) and gives us possession of the eternal “Promised Land” of God's kingdom in heaven.
In Old Testament times, God only had personal relationships with a few individual prophets he raised up. By God's command Moses gave the Spirit of wisdom to Joshua to complete the mission to possess the Promised Land.
When Jesus began his physical ministry he was filled with the Holy Spirit at his water baptism by John as a sign that he would “baptize” with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33). Jesus taught by example the mission of the Church, which is to proclaim the Gospel of forgiveness of sin and salvation from eternal condemnation. The Church is to call people to repent and be baptized with water for cleansing in preparation to receive Jesus Christ, by the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus gives the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Jesus demonstrated the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) which he gave to his disciples: to make disciples, teaching them to trust and obey all that Jesus taught. This commission was to be carried out only after they had been “born-again” by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).
Paul (Saul of Tarsus) is the prototype and example of a “modern,” “post-resurrection,” “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple (student) and apostle (messenger; of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ. Paul did not know Jesus during Jesus' physical lifetime. He was confronted by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus (Romans 8:9), on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-5). Paul repented and became obedient to Jesus (Acts 9:6-9), was discipled by a “born-again” disciple, Ananias, until Paul was spiritually “reborn” (Acts 9:10-18). Then, guided and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, he began to proclaim the Gospel (Acts 9:20-22).
When the Gospel began to spread outside of Judea to Samaria, Peter and John, two of the original Apostles went to Samaria and prayed for them to receive the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit. Then they laid hands on them and the new believers received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).
Notice that “born-again” church leaders were involved in making “born-again” disciples. Otherwise they wouldn't know what the new believers were lacking.
Simon, a magician, (not Peter), had been presenting himself as Great, and having the power of God (Acts 8:9-13). When he saw Peter and John confer the gift of the Holy Spirit upon new believers by laying their hands on them Simon wanted to buy that power for himself (Acts 8:18-19).
Too much is made of the laying on of hands. The Holy Spirit is not conferred by some religious ritual. But much of the nominal Church today is like Simon the magician. They are like Moses striking the rock to bring forth water and taking credit for it for themselves. They regard themselves as possessing a religious “franchise.” They choose who to make Apostles, and their own version of the Gospel to proclaim. But they have failed to become “born-again” disciples and therefore cannot make “born-again” disciples. By teaching salvation by grace (a free gift, which is true) without the requirement of obedience and discipleship (wrong), and by claiming to make disciples by ritual, they do spiritual damage to their members by discouraging them from seeking spiritual rebirth by the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit (see False Teachings, “Cheap Grace” and “Spiritual Rebirth,” sidebar, top right).
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
8 Epiphany - Wednesday Before Transfiguration C
To be used after the last Variable Sunday of Epiphany until Transfiguration
First Posted February 10, 2010
Podcast: 8 Epiphany C Wednesday
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 – Unveiled Gospel;
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the likeness of God” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
Commentary:
Some apparently accused Paul of preaching a message that was “veiled;” not understandable. His message did not seem to make sense to them. Paul replied that, in their case, Satan had blinded their minds to keep them seeing the truth of the Gospel.
The people had asked Moses to be the mediator between God and the people, because the voice of God frightened them. Moses' face glowed supernaturally after he had been in God's presence, which was also frightening to the people. Moses proclaimed God's Word with his face uncovered so that the people would know that he had been in God's presence. Then Moses covered his face with a veil (“vail;” sic), after he had given the people God's Word, until the next time he went into God's presence (Exodus 34:32-35).
Paul used the incident of Moses' veil as an analogy for the spiritual condition of Israel: A veil lays over the minds of unbelievers when the Old Testament scriptures are read, to keep them from seeing the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only by faith in Jesus is the veil taken away (2 Corinthians 3:13-16). The risen and ascended Jesus, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, opens the minds of believers to understand the scriptures (Luke 24:45; John 14:26).
Jesus taught in parables, stories of common earthly experiences, to teach spiritual truth, in order to make it understandable to us (John 3:10-13), but also to allow us to accept or reject his message (Matthew 13:13-15). Jesus' word is the Word of God (John 14:10, 24), with the creative force of God's Word (Mark 4:39-41; Genesis 1:3, 9). Jesus also explained his parables to his disciples, but commanded them not to tell the people that he was Christ. Jesus wants each of us to be free to accept or reject him and his message for ourselves, because that is God's will and purpose for this Creation.
Jesus could command, and we would have no choice but to obey. There is a day coming, when he returns on the Day of Judgment, when he will command and we will have no choice but to obey. In that day every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth (the dead) and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). In that day it will be too late to change our eternal destiny.
It isn't true that all “good” people go to heaven. Not everyone who calls themselves “Christian,” and calls Jesus “Lord” will go to heaven; only those who have trusted and obeyed God's Word, fulfilled, embodied and exemplified in Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21-27; John 1:1-5, 14). Not everyone who dies is going to a “better place” (John 5:28-29; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Saving “faith” is not getting whatever you believe, if you believe “hard enough.” Saving faith is trusting and obeying Jesus.
It is not true that one cannot know for sure whether there is existence after death. The only people who don't know where they will spend eternity are those who are spiritually “lost” (unborn), and perishing eternally. Those who accept Jesus as Lord, who willingly choose to trust and obey Jesus, will be spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8), in this lifetime, by the “baptism” (“gift;” "anointing”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17).
The “baptism” of the Holy Spirit is a personally discernible ongoing daily event; anyone who isn't certain, hasn't received the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2). By the indwelling Holy Spirit, “born-again” disciples have personal daily fellowship with the risen and ascended Jesus. We testify that Jesus is eternally alive. We know that because he is eternally alive we will live eternally with him (Romans 8:11). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Jesus' miracles of resurrection, and his own resurrection, demonstrate that there is life after physical death. Jesus raised the dead, like Lazarus, the son of the widow of Nain, and Jairus' daughter. Those miracles were intended to show that Jesus is the Lord of life (John 11:25-26), who can give life to the dead in both the physical and spiritual senses (1 Peter 4:5). Jesus promised to return to judge the living and the dead (John 5:28-29). Lazarus' resurrection is a preview of the Day of Judgment, when Jesus will summon the dead from the grave (John 5:28-29).
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
8 Epiphany - Thursday Before Transfiguration C
To be used after the last Variable Sunday of Epiphany until Transfiguration
First Posted February 11, 2010
Podcast: 8 Epiphany C Thursday
Luke 9:28-36 – Transfiguration;
Background:
Jesus had asked his disciples who they would say that Jesus was, and Peter had replied that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah; both mean “anointed,” in Greek and Hebrew, respectively) of God. Then Jesus told them that he would suffer and be rejected by the Jewish leaders and be killed, and raised again on the third day (Luke 9:18-22).
Luke:
About a week later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a mountaintop to pray. Jesus' appearance was altered as he prayed, and his face was altered and his clothing became radiantly white. His disciples saw two men, Moses and Elijah, “who appeared in glory” (here meaning “brightness”) talking with Jesus, discussing Jesus' departure (physical death) from Jerusalem. Peter and the two other disciples were sleepy, but they didn't just dream this; they were awake to see Jesus' glory, and Moses and Elijah with him.
As the two prophets were leaving, Peter told Jesus that he was glad they had been there (to witness this event) and suggested that the disciples should build tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah (to memorialize the experience), not really understanding what he was saying. As Peter said this a cloud overshadowed and enfolded them, causing them fear. They heard a voice from the cloud saying that Jesus was the Son and Chosen (Beloved) of the Lord God (whose voice they were hearing). The voice told them to listen to Jesus. When the voice finished, they saw Jesus alone. The three disciples kept silent and told no one what they had witnessed until later (after Jesus' resurrection).
Commentary:
Once Jesus determined that his disciples understood who he was, he began to reveal to them his coming crucifixion and resurrection.
Peter, James and John, the three disciples of Jesus' inner circle, were chosen to witness the glory of Jesus, which Jesus had before his incarnation (physical coming) and would have after his resurrection. Intense brilliance is associated with spiritual experiences. Moses' face glowed supernaturally after he had been in God's presence (Exodus 34:29-35), and Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was struck down by the bright light of the risen and ascended Jesus, on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3). Jesus is the light of the world; the light of righteousness (John 1:5; 3:19-21), divine enlightenment (John 1:9), and eternal life (John 1:4; 8:12).
Moses and Elijah were the two greatest prophets of the Old Testament era. Moses was considered the greatest prophet, because of the great signs he performed before Pharaoh to gain the release of the Israelites, and the great signs he performed before the Israelites during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 34:10-12; see entry for 8 Epiphany – Tuesday C). Moses was secretly buried by the Lord (Deuteronomy 34:6*).
Elijah was considered the greatest of Old Testament prophets because he was taken into heaven without physically dying (2 Kings 2:1-11). Elijah was expected to return to herald the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5). Jesus said that John the Baptizer was the fulfillment of that passage (Matthew 17:12-13).
Moses wasn't allowed to enter the earthly Promised Land, but he entered the eternal Promised Land of God's eternal kingdom in heaven, as the testimony of Peter, James, and John on the mountain of transfiguration attests.
Moses and Elijah were great prophets of Israel, but Jesus' disciples were told to listen to Jesus. The Old Testament Covenant produced Moses and Elijah, but Jesus is the mediator of the new and better Covenant of Grace through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. The erection of tabernacles was Old Covenant; Obedient trust in Jesus is New Covenant.
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
*Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 6 n, p. 262, New York, Oxford University Press, 1962
8 Epiphany - Friday Before Transfiguration C
To be used after the last Variable Sunday of Epiphany until Transfiguration
First Posted February 12, 2010
Podcast: 8 Epiphany C Friday
Psalm 51:1-12 – Penitential Psalm;
Background:
This psalm is ascribed to David when he had been confronted by Nathan for adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-12:14).
Psalm:
According to your steadfast love, have mercy upon me O Lord. Blot out my transgressions according to your abundant mercy. Wash me thoroughly and cleanse me of my sin!
I acknowledge my sin and am constantly reminded of my transgression. This sin is really against you; I have done what is evil in your sight, so your judgment is justified and beyond reproach. But remember that I was conceived in sin and born in iniquity.
You desire truth in our innermost selves, so teach me wisdom. Cleanse me with hyssop (either Marjoram or Caper Plants, both produce reeds about 3 or 4 feet long; used in ceremonial cleansing; Exodus 12:22; Leviticus 14:4, 6, 52; Numbers 19:6, 18; Hebrews 9:19) and wash me, so that I can be whiter than snow. Let joy and gladness fill me; restore to rejoicing the bones which you have broken. “Hide your face from my sin and blot out all my iniquities” (Psalm 51:9).
Create a clean heart within me, O Lord, and give me a new and upright spirit. Don't remove me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and uphold me by your willing spirit.
Commentary:
We must be aware of our sin in order to repent and be forgiven. David was denying his sin to himself, until God sent Nathan to confront him. Nathan was a prophet; David was king. It was risky for Nathan to confront the king and call him a sinner.
We are all born in sin, because we all share in the sinful nature of Adam (Romans 5:12, 18). Sin is defined as disobedience of God's Word. God designed this creation to allow the possibility for sin, so that we would be free to choose whether to trust and obey God's Word or not. God knew that given freedom to choose, we would do our own will, rather than God's will. God is not willing to tolerate rebellion and disobedience forever, or at all in his heavenly kingdom, so he has limited this creation and we ourselves by time.
God has always intended to create an eternal kingdom of his people who willingly choose to trust and obey God's Word. This lifetime is our opportunity to learn to know, trust, and obey God's Word, in the Bible, and in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment, embodiment and example of God's Word lived in human flesh in this world (John 1:1-3, 14).
We are all born into this world in sin (John 3:3, 5-8; 1 John 1:8-10), and the penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). Jesus is God's only provision for forgiveness of sin, and salvation from eternal destruction (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). Jesus has been designed into creation from the very beginning (John 1:1-5, 14).
We are all born physically into this world, but we are spiritually “unborn.” This lifetime is our opportunity to be spiritually “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) to eternal life. Spiritual “rebirth” is by the “baptism” (gift; anointing) of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17).
Jesus is the only way to have fellowship with God (which was broken by sin), to know divine, eternal truth (compare 1 Corinthians 1:17-25); the only way to true, eternal life (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
8 Epiphany - Saturday Before Transfiguration C
To be used after the last Variable Sunday of Epiphany until Transfiguration
First Posted February 13, 2010
Podcast: 8 Epiphany C Saturday
Joel 2:12-19 – Call to Repentance;
Now, while there is still time, let us return to the Lord with all our hearts, with fasting, tears, and sorrow. Let us truly mourn in our hearts; not just in outward appearance. The Lord our God is gracious and merciful; he is not easily angered, and his love is steadfast and abundant. He does not enjoy punishing us (John 3:17). Perhaps he will accept our offerings, and turn from his anger, giving us a blessing instead of punishing us.
Sound the trumpet in Zion (Jerusalem; God's People; the Church). Prepare a holy fast unto the Lord; call God's people to a solemn assembly. Purify and gather the congregation; not only the elders, but even newlyweds and children, including nursing infants.
In the inner court of the priests in the temple, may the priests intercede for the people. Let God's people be spared; let them not become a reproach, a byword among the Gentiles. Why should the nations of earth doubt that the Lord is with his people?
(When the people of God repented), the Lord became zealous for his land and had mercy on his people. The Lord promised to satisfy them with the finest grain, wine, and oil, and to remove from them their reproach among the nations.
Commentary:
The Bible is the historical record of God's dealing with his people, which has been written so that we can learn from their mistakes and avoid the consequences those mistakes produce (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11). Over and over, Israel went through a cycle of prosperity, then falling away from obedient trust in the Lord when times were good. So the Lord would withhold his blessings and Israel would experience troubles. Then Israel would repent and would be restored again to the fellowship and blessings of the Lord.
The Northern Kingdom of the divided monarchy fell away from obedience to the Lord and into idolatry. They refused to hear the call of the prophets to return to obedient trust in the Lord until it was too late. The consequence was that the Northern Kingdom was conquered by the Assyrians in 721 B.C.. The northern ten tribes ceased to exist because of the Assyrians' policy of transferring conquered people to other conquered lands as a policy of subduing them.
The Southern Kingdom witnessed the fall of the Northern Kingdom, but ignored the call of the prophets to repentance until it was too late again. Thus the Southern Kingdom was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 B.C., and the people were exiled to Babylon for seventy years (517 B.C.), as prophesied in God's Word (Jeremiah 25:11-12).
Seventy years was a virtual life sentence for adults at the time of the exile. The people who returned from exile were a renewed people, but they forgot the lessons learned in the exile, and were unprepared for the coming of Messiah, Jesus Christ.
God's Word is eternal and is fulfilled over and over as the conditions for its fulfillment are met. The Church is the new “Israel,” the new “people of God,” the new “Jerusalem” on earth. The nominal Church today, particularly in America, is in the same situation as Israel at the time of Jesus' first coming. We have the Word of God in the Bible and in Jesus Christ (John 1:1-5, 14), but we haven't remembered the lessons the history of Israel teaches. We haven't learned to heed the warnings of the prophets.
The first colonists to America recognized their vulnerability and need for the Lord's help. Once settled and prosperous, we fell away from dependence upon the Lord and began to follow our own will and turn to other “gods.” When this nation began to expand to the west, the pioneers again recognized their vulnerability and need for divine providence, but when they were established they again fell away and ignored the call of the prophets to repentance.
America and the nominal Church have never been more in need of repentance and revival than now. The return of Jesus Christ and the Day of Judgment is imminent. Will we continue to ignore Biblical prophecy until it is too late?
Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus' disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
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