Week
of 1 Christmas - Even
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Book of Worship two-year Daily Lectionary for personal
devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978.
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Podcast Download: Week of 1 Christmas - Even
First
Sunday After Christmas - Even
First posted
January 1, 2006;
Note that First
Sunday after Christmas lections takes precedence over
the lections by date.;
Podcast: Sunday 1 Christmas - Even
1 Samuel 1:1-2,
7b-28 - Birth of Samuel;
Colossians 1:9-20 - The supremacy of Christ;
Luke 2:22-40 - Jesus’ presentation in the Temple;
Colossians 1:9-20 - The supremacy of Christ;
Luke 2:22-40 - Jesus’ presentation in the Temple;
1 Samuel Summary:
When the family returned to their home, Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel. At the next annual trip Hannah did not go with them to the Temple. She stayed home and nursed Samuel until he was weaned. Once the boy was weaned she took Samuel up to the Temple along with a sacrifice offering, and left Samuel to be raised in the Temple by Eli, fulfilling her promise to lend Samuel to the Lord all the days of his life.
Colossians Summary:
Paul wrote to the church at Colossae in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) from prison. Paul’s prayer for the Colossians was that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that they could lead a life fully pleasing to God, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; that they might be strengthened, by God’s might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to God for making it possible for us to share in the inheritance of the saints, having transferred believers from the dominion of darkness (sin) into Jesus’ kingdom of light (righteousness), having received redemption and forgiveness of sins through Jesus.
Jesus “is the image of the invisible God, the first-born (therefore having priority and authority over) of all creation” (Colossians 1:15; see John 1:1-5; 14). All things were created by him and for him. He holds creation together. He is the head of the Church, his body of believers. He is the first-born (again: having priority and authority over) from the dead. He is pre-eminent in everything. “In him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9).
Through Jesus, God reconciles (a change from enmity to friendship) all things to himself, making peace by the blood of the cross. We were once estranged from him, hostile in mind, and doing evil. God initiated our reconciliation by sacrificing his body of flesh on the cross to cleanse us so that we might be holy, blameless and irreproachable before him, provided that we continue to trust in Jesus without wavering from the hope of the gospel which Paul proclaimed and the Bible records.
Luke Summary:
Jesus was circumcised, apparently in Bethlehem, eight days after his birth, according to Jewish Law (Leviticus 12:2-8), and then was brought to the Temple for the purification ritual prescribed by law 40 days after his birth. A righteous man by the name of Simeon had been looking for the coming of the promised Messiah, and had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died.
Led by the Spirit, Simeon came into the Temple while Jesus was being presented for purification, and Simeon took the child in his arms and gave praise to God, and then declared that he was seeing the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation, which would enlighten Gentiles and glorify Israel. Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and told Mary that the child would be the fall and rising of many in Israel, and would be a sign which would be opposed. Mary’s soul would be pierced, and Jesus would reveal the innermost thoughts and attitudes of many people.
An aged prophetess named Anna, who stayed in the Temple day and night, also came into the Temple while Jesus was there and she “spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem" (the coming of the Messiah; Luke 2: 38).
Commentary:
Hannah is an example of a person of faith, who prayed fervently to the Lord for deliverance from barrenness and shame. The Lord heard and answered her prayer, and she fulfilled her promise to lend Samuel to the Lord’s service for his whole life.
Paul urged Christians to seek the knowledge of God’s will, and spiritual wisdom, so that they could lead lives fully pleasing to God. Christians have been delivered from sin and spiritual darkness, and have received redemption from slavery of sin and death, forgiveness, and the light of spiritual insight and righteousness, through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. If we realize that God has given us new life and deliverance from barrenness and shame, we should give thanks to God and use our new lives to please and serve him!
Jesus is God made visible in human form (Colossians 2:8-9, John 20:28). He is the first-born of Creation. God’s plan, from the beginning of Creation has always been to create a kingdom of his people who would willingly choose to trust and obey him. Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation from eternal death and destruction (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). Jesus Christ has been “built in” to the very structure of Creation (John 1:1-5; 14).
Jesus is also the illustration and example of what God’s people are to be, and a demonstration of a Holy Spirit-filled life, and the truth of the resurrection of the dead. Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ, “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ within us (Romans 8:9) through obedient trust in Jesus. Only Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:32-34), only his disciples who trust and obey him (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 possible for one to know with certainty for oneself whether or not one has received the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2).
Simeon was a righteous person who was seeking the fulfillment of God’s promise of a Messiah, the Savior and God’s anointed eternal king. Simeon was living in obedience to the Holy Spirit. As he was led by the Holy Spirit he saw God’s promise of a Savior fulfilled in the Christ child in his arms, and he gave praise and thanks to God.
Simeon is an example of what God’s people are called to be. As we trust and obey the Lord and seek his redemption and salvation, he will manifest himself to us, through his Holy Spirit (John 14:21), and we can embrace and receive him. He is gentle as an infant, but also the almighty triumphant risen Lord. Only by his Holy Spirit within us can we lead lives fully pleasing to God. Only through the indwelling Holy Spirit can we have a personal fellowship with the Lord. We need to come to that personal infilling and fellowship with the Lord today, while there is still time to see and receive him before we die. Today is the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2); no one can be certain of tomorrow.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
Monday December 30 - Even
First posted 12/29/03;
Podcast: December 30 - Even
1 Kings 17:17-24 - The widow of Zarapath’s son;
3 John 1-15 - Hospitality to brethren;
John 4:46-54 - Healing the Gentile official’s son;
1 Kings
Summary:
While Elijah
was staying with the widow of Zarapath during a famine, the
widow’s son became ill and died. The widow blamed Elijah, but
Elijah took the child up to Elijah’s own room and prayed that the
Lord would restore the life of the child, and the child revived.
Elijah took him downstairs and returned him to his mother, and the
woman believed that Elijah was a prophet of God.
3 John
Background:
The third
letter of John, the elder (leader; bishop), was probably written
by the Apostle John, to Gaius, a respected member of a
congregation, who had provided hospitality for a traveling
missionary.
3 John
Summary:
The Elder
commended Gaius for his service and advocated the support of
fellow workers in the ministry of the Gospel. Apparently the local
leader in the congregation, Diotrephes, who did not acknowledge
the Elder’s authority (3 John 9), was speaking against the Elder,
refusing to welcome emissaries from him, and putting out of the
church those who did (3 John 10). The Elder said that all should
imitate (copy) good, rather than evil, and that a person’s nature
will be revealed by his actions. (The Demetrius who is referenced
is possibly the bearer of the letter.)
John
Summary:
The second
sign (miracle) of Jesus’ ministry, as recorded by John, was the
healing of the son of a Gentile military officer from Capernaum.
When the officer heard that Jesus was in the neighborhood, he
sought Jesus out, and begged him to come and heal his son. Jesus
replied that people demand signs before they are willing to
believe (John 4:48), but the officer's reply indicated that his
concern was only that his child be healed (John 4:49). Jesus said,
“Go; your son will live” (John 4:50) and the officer believed
Jesus’ word and went his way (and didn’t even return directly home
to check).
The next day
his servants found the officer and gave him the news that his son
was well. The officer asked them the time that the son had begun
to get better, and when they told him, he knew that it was at the
time that Jesus had told him his son would live (John 4:53). That
realization caused the officer to believe in Jesus more deeply
than merely that Jesus would heal his son; and his household also
believed.
Commentary:
The widow of
Zarapath had extended hospitality to Elijah, a stranger to her,
during a famine, on his word that the Lord would provide their
food (1 Kings 17:13-14). In fulfillment of the promise, the food
did not run out; but when her son died, she blamed Elijah. Elijah
prayed and asked God to restore the child and the child was
revived. When the woman saw her son restored to life she believed
deeply that Elijah was a man of God and that he spoke the words of
God (1Kings 17:24). She trusted in Elijah’s words and took him in
as a guest; she saw his works and became fully convinced and
committed.
Gaius was commended for showing hospitality to messengers of the Gospel (in contrast to the admonition to not show hospitality to those who teach false doctrine. See 2 John 10). Diotrephes was rebuked for behavior which was not consistent with the Gospel or his position as a leader of the congregation. The Elder said that we can tell the difference between the two by observing what they do (and from knowledge of the Gospel; “truth itself;” 3 John 12b).
The Gentile officer had heard about Jesus. He lived not far from Cana where Jesus had turned water into wine. When his son got ill, he sought Jesus out, believing that Jesus could heal his son. He was not demanding proof in order to believe; he was seeking healing for his son. He trusted in Jesus' word, without having seen proof. As a result, his son was healed, and his faith was strengthened and increased.
Those who trust in Jesus, who trust his words and invite him into their lives, will come to know that he is who he claims to be (John 6:68-69). Their lives will be blessed through him. Their “mustard seed” of faith (Matthew 13:31-32 and 17:20), their childlike trust in his word (Luke 18:17), will grow to spiritual maturity; to totally committed and convinced knowledge based on personal experience. For those who demand proof in order to believe there is none (see 1 Corinthians 1:22-23). For those who trust in God’s Word there is abundant proof.
Gaius was commended for showing hospitality to messengers of the Gospel (in contrast to the admonition to not show hospitality to those who teach false doctrine. See 2 John 10). Diotrephes was rebuked for behavior which was not consistent with the Gospel or his position as a leader of the congregation. The Elder said that we can tell the difference between the two by observing what they do (and from knowledge of the Gospel; “truth itself;” 3 John 12b).
The Gentile officer had heard about Jesus. He lived not far from Cana where Jesus had turned water into wine. When his son got ill, he sought Jesus out, believing that Jesus could heal his son. He was not demanding proof in order to believe; he was seeking healing for his son. He trusted in Jesus' word, without having seen proof. As a result, his son was healed, and his faith was strengthened and increased.
Those who trust in Jesus, who trust his words and invite him into their lives, will come to know that he is who he claims to be (John 6:68-69). Their lives will be blessed through him. Their “mustard seed” of faith (Matthew 13:31-32 and 17:20), their childlike trust in his word (Luke 18:17), will grow to spiritual maturity; to totally committed and convinced knowledge based on personal experience. For those who demand proof in order to believe there is none (see 1 Corinthians 1:22-23). For those who trust in God’s Word there is abundant proof.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
Tuesday December 31 - Even
First posted 12/30/03;
Podcast: December 31 - Even
1 Kings 3:5-14 - Solomon’s prayer for understanding;
James 4:13-17; 5:7-11 - The future is in God’s hands;
John 5:1-15 - Healing a lame man on the Sabbath;
1 Kings
Summary:
After the
death of David, his son Solomon became king. In a dream, the Lord
asked Solomon what he wanted from the Lord, and Solomon asked for
wisdom and understanding. The Lord commended him for asking
unselfishly for gifts which would help him to fulfill his calling
well and faithfully, rather than for selfish desires for wealth
and fame. As a result God granted Solomon what he had asked for,
and what he had not asked for, wealth and honor, as well.
Solomon’s wealth and wisdom became legendary and he is one of the
most famous people of all time.
James
Summary:
The letter’s
author rebukes those who plan their future without regard to God’s
will. They fail to recognize that they live by God’s mercy and
forbearance. They don’t acknowledge that their abilities are gifts
from God. The pursuit of material things is futile. We should be
seeking and waiting for the coming of the Lord with patience,
cheerfulness and steadfastness. Like the farmer we must wait
patiently until the harvest is ripe. We should remember that he
who will judge all the earth is at the very door, so we should be
careful to be doing what is right. We should remember the examples
from scripture which show that the Lord rewards those who are
steadfast in faith.
John
Summary:
At a pool in
Jerusalem where the sick came to seek healing, Jesus saw a man who
had been waiting for healing there for thirty eight years. Jesus
asked him if he wanted to be healed. He answered with an
explanation of why he had not yet been healed. Jesus told him to
rise, take up his pallet and walk, and the man did so and was
healed.
Since it was
the Sabbath, the Jews (religious authorities) rebuked the man for
breaking the Sabbath Laws by carrying his pallet. He answered them
by explaining that the man who had healed him had told him to do
so. They asked him who this was who had healed him, but he did not
know, for Jesus had withdrawn.
Afterward
Jesus found him in the Temple, and told him to sin no more, that
nothing worse befall him. “The man went away and told the Jews
that it was Jesus who had healed him” (John 5:15).
Commentary:
Solomon
sought righteousness, rather than worldly goals. He sought what
would be pleasing to God and in accordance with God’s will. He
sought what would build up God’s kingdom rather than his own. God
rewarded not only with what he asked for and needed in order to
fulfill his calling, but abundant material blessings as well.
Jesus said,
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all
these things shall be yours as well” (Matthew 6:33). If we seek
material security first, we’ll never get around to seeking God’s
kingdom.
The author
of James rebukes those who seek their own selfish worldly goals
with no thought for God’s will, many even refusing to acknowledge
his existence. Jesus is going to return to judge everyone on
earth, living and dead. Those who have trusted in Jesus will
receive eternal life. Those who have rejected Jesus will receive
eternal death and destruction with all material things. All the
worldly things that people have pursued will be destroyed. The
wise thing to do is to prepare for Jesus return.
The sick man
had been sitting by the pool for a long time, trying to get
healing for himself, following worldly wisdom about how to get
healing. Jesus said to him “Do you want to be healed?” Healing
wasn’t going to happen as long as the man kept on lying there by
that pool. He had been confronted by Jesus, and the way to be
healed was to believe Jesus’ words and obey them. As he began to
obey Jesus’ words he was healed. Later, Jesus revealed himself to
the man in the Temple, and the man came to a fuller knowledge of
Jesus.
Jesus is the
only one who can heal us. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23; 1 John
1:8-10). The penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). God
loves us and doesn’t want us to perish (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12, John
14:6). Salvation is a free gift; it can’t be earned or bought, or
taken by cunning, deception or force (Ephesians 2:8-9). We must
receive it (John 1:12), by opening our heart and asking Jesus in
(Revelation 3:20).
If we have
truly received Jesus as our Lord and Savior we will do what he
commands, and he will manifest (reveal) himself to us (John
14:21). Those who have received Jesus have eternal life; those who
have not received Jesus have not life (1 John 5:11-13). This New
Year, are we seeking God’s will and God’s Kingdom, or are we
pursuing our own wealth and position? Will we continue to try to
heal ourselves according to the worldly remedies, or will we rise
and follow Jesus?
Is Jesus
your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple
(John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
Wednesday January 1 - Even
First posted 12/31/03;
Podcast: January 1 - Even
Isaiah 62:1-5, 10-12 - Behold, your salvation comes;
Revelation 19:11-16 - King of kings and Lord of lords;
Matthew 1:18-25 - The Birth of Jesus;
Isaiah Summary:
The vindication of God’s people approaches. The
entire world will see our vindication. We will be given a
new name (indicating a change in status). In the hands of the Lord
we will become a crown of beauty. The Lord delights in us. In that
day we shall be as the Lord’s bride and he will rejoice over us as
a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.
Prepare the way for the people; build a
highway; erect a big signal flag. “Behold, the Lord has proclaimed
to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion (children of
God), ‘Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with
him, and his recompense before him’” (Isaiah 62:11). We shall be
called “The holy people, the redeemed of the Lord”, “…sought out”
and “…not forsaken” (Isaiah 62:12).
Revelation Summary:
This is John’s vision of the rider of the white horse, who is called Faithful and True, The Word of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He has a name which no one knows but himself (his greatness surpasses human understanding) (Revelation 19:12). He judges in righteousness (Revelation 19:11). He is clad in robes dipped in blood (symbolizing purification by his sacrificial death on the Cross) and he leads an army which is clothed in pure white linen. He is the commander of the heavenly armies. “From his mouth issues a sharp sword (God’s Word: Hebrews 4:12) with which to smite the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron (Psalm 2:9); He will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty” (Revelation 19:15).
Matthew Summary:
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was betrothed to Joseph, but before they had “come together” in marriage she became pregnant (see also Luke 1:26-2:40). Joseph was going to divorce her quietly, not wanting to put her to shame. But an angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and that Joseph should go ahead and marry Mary. She would bear a son and they should call him Jesus, because he would save his people from their sins*. His birth would fulfill the prophecy that a virgin would conceive and bear a son, and his name would be Emmanuel ("God with us;" see Isaiah 7:14). “And at the end of eight days (from his birth) when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 1:31).
Commentary:
The prophet foresaw the coming of the Messiah, the Christ, to redeem us so that we could become God’s people. In Jesus we receive a new name, “Christian,” and Jesus’ own name. In Jesus’ name we’re forgiven and restored to God's people, and to eternal life in “Zion”, the heavenly “New Jerusalem”. The prophet also foresaw the Second Coming, when Jesus returns as the righteous judge of all the earth, bringing vindication to those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus (it’s not enough just to call ourselves by his name; Matthew 7:21-23), and condemnation (recompense; Isaiah 62:11c) to those who have rejected Jesus and his word.
The revelator’s vision is of the victorious
Christ’s return to judge the earth in righteousness. Jesus will
come in glory and power. Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus
as their Lord will be purified by his blood as he is pure and as
the heavenly armies he leads are pure. He will execute the wrath
of God the Almighty on those who have rejected him. Jesus is
Faithful and True, The Word of God, The King of kings and Lord of
lords. His name is above all names (Philippians 2:9-11). The
greatness of his name is beyond our human understanding. Do you
bear the name of Jesus? Is your name in his book of life?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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 Hebrew and Aramaic forms of ‘Jesus’ and
‘he will save’ are similar. The point could be suggested by
translating, “You shall call his name ‘Savior’ because he will
save’”. The Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed.
by Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, Matthew 1:21n, p. 1172,
New York, Oxford University Press, 1962.
Thursday January 2 - Even
First posted 01/01/04;
Podcast: January 2 - Even
1 Kings 19:1-8 - Elijah flees to Mt. Horeb;
Ephesians 4:1-16 - Christian
maturity;
John 6:1-14 - Feeding the five thousand;
John 6:1-14 - Feeding the five thousand;
1 Kings Summary:
After Elijah had defeated and slain the
prophets of Baal at Mt Carmel (1 Kings 18:17-40), Ahab, king of
northern Israel, told his pagan Queen, Jezebel, a worshiper and
instigator of the worship of Baal in Israel, what Elijah had done
to her priests. She swore to kill Elijah, and Elijah fled into the
wilderness of Judah.
Discouraged and afraid, Elijah asked the Lord
to take away his life. An angel of the Lord twice came to him
bringing him a cake of bread and a jar of water to sustain him.
Elijah ate and drank what the Angel had brought, and then traveled
forty days and forty nights to Mt. Horeb (Mt. Sinai, in the Sinai
Peninsula; the “mountain of God”, where Moses had received the Ten
Commandments) on the strength of that food.
Ephesians Summary:
While Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he wrote to
the churches in Asia Minor, urging them to live out their calling
humbly and patiently, with forbearance and love; to hold on to the
essential doctrines and to maintain unity of faith, in the midst
of a diversity of spiritual gifts. Regardless of our specific
individual calling and spiritual gifts, we are all called to work
for the upbuilding of the kingdom of heaven, and we all are to
grow in faith and knowledge unto the fullness of spiritual
maturity, as we have an example in Jesus, so that we are able to
stand unwaveringly in the face of challenges to our faith.
Instead of meeting opposition with worldly
tactics such as human cunning and trickery, we are to speak the
truth in love. We are to grow up into the likeness of Christ, as a
member of his body (the church), with Jesus as its head, in the
same way that parts of a physical body are joined together and
function in harmony under direction of the head, growing and
making progress together harmoniously.
John Summary:
Jesus took his disciples off to a place where
they could be alone, to the northeast side of the Sea of Galilee.
A multitude followed Jesus because of his reputation for
performing healing miracles. Seeing the multitude coming, Jesus
asked Philip, one of the disciples, “How are we to buy bread so
that theses people may eat?” Jesus had asked Philip in order
to test his faith; Jesus himself knew what he was going to do.
Philip replied that it would cost a lot of
money to provide even a small amount of food for each one. (The
amount was equivalent to a laborer’s wages for two hundred days
work.) Another disciple, Andrew, volunteered that there was a boy
among them with five barley loaves and two fish; but that they
would not go very far among so many. Jesus told the disciples to
have the people sit down. There were about five thousand.
Jesus took the boy’s bread and fish, and when
he had blessed the food he distributed it to people, “as much as
they wanted” ( John 6:11b). When they had eaten their fill, he had
the disciples gather up what was left over, and they filled twelve
baskets. When the people realized what Jesus had done, they said,
“This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!” ( John
6:14b).
Commentary:
Elijah was obedient to the Lord, and faithfully
spoke God’s Word. The Lord was faithful to Elijah, providing
supernatural food for him in the wilderness, and bringing him
safely through danger and wilderness to the “mountain of God”.
Paul was a prisoner for the Gospel, in a spiritual wilderness of his own, but he taught and practiced patient endurance and love in the midst of adversity. He trusted in the Lord’s ability to provide for his needs and to bring him through. God supplies the resources we need to accomplish what he calls us to do.
Paul was a prisoner for the Gospel, in a spiritual wilderness of his own, but he taught and practiced patient endurance and love in the midst of adversity. He trusted in the Lord’s ability to provide for his needs and to bring him through. God supplies the resources we need to accomplish what he calls us to do.
All believers are called to serve the Lord for
the upbuilding of the kingdom of God. As we follow the Lord’s call
and direction, we will grow in faith and obedience unto Christian
maturity; into the likeness of Christ. Christian maturity is not
something that is instantly or automatically attained when we’re
baptized or when we join a church. It happens as we spend time
with the Lord in a personal relationship and as we practice being
led by his Spirit. The Lord supplies the resources to enable and
sustain us.
During his earthly ministry, Jesus’ disciples were with the Lord full time, night and day, for about three years. They had many opportunities to see what he was able to do, and to be taught by him. That process was taking place in the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus asked Philip what Philip thought they should do. Andrew had an idea, but he wasn’t sure it would help.
During his earthly ministry, Jesus’ disciples were with the Lord full time, night and day, for about three years. They had many opportunities to see what he was able to do, and to be taught by him. That process was taking place in the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus asked Philip what Philip thought they should do. Andrew had an idea, but he wasn’t sure it would help.
Jesus knew what he was going to do, and he
taught his disciples to trust in the power and providence of God.
As a result, many, including “The Twelve” disciples of his inner
circle, grew in faith and spiritual maturity [Even after the
resurrection, they weren’t fully ready to carry on Jesus’ ministry
until they had been filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts
Chapter 2), and disciples continue to grow spiritually as long as
we continue to live in this world].
I can personally testify (and this journal is
one example) that as we walk in faith and obedience, the Lord
supplies the physical and spiritual resources that we need to
fulfill his calling. Are you growing daily in fellowship with
Jesus? Have you discovered how willing, able and faithful our Lord
is to meet our needs and sustain us when we trust and obey him?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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 John5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Friday January 3 - Even
First posted 01/02/04;
Podcast: January 3 - Even
1 Kings 19:9-18 - Elijah at Mt. Horeb;
Ephesians 4:17-32 -
Renounce pagan ways;
John 6:15-27 - Jesus walks on the Sea;
John 6:15-27 - Jesus walks on the Sea;
1 Kings Summary:
Fleeing from Queen Jezebel, Elijah the prophet came to a cave at Mt. Horeb. The Lord asked Elijah what he was doing there in the cave and Elijah explained how he had vigorously pursued the Lord’s will in calling Israel to repentance, but that the people of Israel had resisted and slain the prophets so that Elijah alone was left, and that they sought to kill him. The Lord told him to go out and stand at the mouth of the cave, and the Lord revealed himself to Elijah, not in a great wind, or an earthquake or fire, but in a still small voice.
Fleeing from Queen Jezebel, Elijah the prophet came to a cave at Mt. Horeb. The Lord asked Elijah what he was doing there in the cave and Elijah explained how he had vigorously pursued the Lord’s will in calling Israel to repentance, but that the people of Israel had resisted and slain the prophets so that Elijah alone was left, and that they sought to kill him. The Lord told him to go out and stand at the mouth of the cave, and the Lord revealed himself to Elijah, not in a great wind, or an earthquake or fire, but in a still small voice.
The Lord again asked Elijah what he was doing
there and Elijah repeated the same explanation. The Lord told
Elijah to return the wilderness of Damascus (Syria) where he was
to anoint Hazael to be King over Syria, Jehu to be king over
Israel, and Elisha to be prophet in place of Elijah. The Lord
prophesied that Hazael, Jehu and Elisha would execute the Lord’s
judgment upon Israel, but that there would be a considerable
righteous remnant (seven thousand).
Ephesians Summary:
The Apostle Paul exhorts believers not to
resume the worldly ways of the pagans around them. Those who are
worldly are ignorant of God, and have become hardened of heart,
indulging in all sorts of uncleanness. Believers are to remove,
like filthy garments, the worldly ways in which we once walked,
and by being renewed in the spirit of our minds, to re-clothe
ourselves in true righteousness and holiness patterned according
to the likeness of God.
We are to cease speaking falsehood; from now
on, we are to speak the truth with love. We are not to hold
grudges. We are to avoid situations which tempt us to sin. No
longer are we to take what we have not earned by honest labor, but
to share what we have with others liberally. We are to speak no
evil; let our speech reflect what is righteous and edifying
(upbuilding) to our hearers. Let us not do anything which would
grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Let us put away all bitterness,
wrath, anger, clamor, slander and malice; be kind and
tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God has forgiven us.
John Summary:
After feeding the five thousand, Jesus,
realizing that they were about to come to force him to be their
king, withdrew into the hills by himself. His Disciples set out
across the Sea of Galilee in the boat without him. It was dark,
and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea arose because a strong
wind had come up. They had rowed about three or four miles when
they saw Jesus walking on the sea. They were frightened, but Jesus
spoke to reassure them. He got into the boat with them and
immediately they arrived at their destination.
The multitude which had been fed had remained
on the other side overnight. They had seen the disciples leave
without Jesus, but since boats from Tiberias came near the place
and Jesus was not there, they got into boats and went to Capernaum
seeking Jesus.
When they found him on the other side, they
asked him when he had come there. Jesus replied that their
interest in him was because he could provide food. They had
focused on the material element, and had missed the spiritual
significance of what Jesus had done. Jesus admonished them to seek
spiritual food which nourishes unto eternal life, which only Jesus
can provide, rather than simply satisfying their physical hunger,
since both physical food and physical bodies will pass away.
Commentary:
The Lord showed Elijah that he was able to
sustain Elijah in the wilderness and bring him into the Lord’s
presence. The Lord did not need dramatic displays to demonstrate
his power. Two small cakes and two small pitchers of water
were sufficient to bring Elijah through forty days and nights to
Mt. Horeb (1 Kings 19:5-8).
The Lord didn’t invoke earthquake, wind or fire
to convince Elijah that he could protect and provide for Elijah
and that God could deal with his enemies. God declared that those
who were disobedient to God’s commandments were going to be
destroyed, but there was a remnant which had been faithful and
obedient whom God would save. All that was necessary was for
Elijah to trust and obey the Lord’s still small voice.
Paul reminds believers that we are not to follow the ways of the world. Our goal is not the gratification of our physical appetites, but rather the upbuilding of our spirits into the likeness of our Lord, in righteousness and holiness. We are preparing for eternal life with our Lord in Heaven.
Jesus didn’t multiply the loaves and fishes to acquire political power, although this episode demonstrates the political potential, had he chosen to pursue it. The people who were fed were living in their flesh, pursuing worldly desires and appetites, without regard for their spiritual needs.
Paul reminds believers that we are not to follow the ways of the world. Our goal is not the gratification of our physical appetites, but rather the upbuilding of our spirits into the likeness of our Lord, in righteousness and holiness. We are preparing for eternal life with our Lord in Heaven.
Jesus didn’t multiply the loaves and fishes to acquire political power, although this episode demonstrates the political potential, had he chosen to pursue it. The people who were fed were living in their flesh, pursuing worldly desires and appetites, without regard for their spiritual needs.
Jesus was trying to reveal to them another
dimension of life around them, which is spiritual and eternal.
Jesus is the provider and sustainer of that life. We cannot take
Jesus by force and make him fill our expectations, or gratify our
worldly appetites. We must accept him as our Lord and trust and
obey him.
God revealed himself to Elijah, not in a spectacular display of power designed to frighten him into submission, but in a still small voice intended to calm and reassure him. God listened to Elijah’s fears and reassured him. Jesus revealed himself to the multitude, not in an attempt to gain power over them, but to show them a better way of living, where they needn’t constantly worry about where their next meal was coming from, or who might be dominating them politically.
God revealed himself to Elijah, not in a spectacular display of power designed to frighten him into submission, but in a still small voice intended to calm and reassure him. God listened to Elijah’s fears and reassured him. Jesus revealed himself to the multitude, not in an attempt to gain power over them, but to show them a better way of living, where they needn’t constantly worry about where their next meal was coming from, or who might be dominating them politically.
Jesus revealed himself to his disciples in the
darkness and the storm and their fear, to reassure them and calm
the storm and get them quickly and safely to their destination.
God reveals himself to us in Jesus, who came as a tiny baby, then
humbly went to the cross, in obedience to God’s will, to die for
our sins so that we could be forgiven. As we trust and obey Jesus,
he will reveal himself to us more fully (John 14:21) and sustain
us through the wilderness finally into the presence of God and
eternal life in heaven with him.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
Saturday January 4 - Even
First Posted 01/04/06:
Podcast: January 4 - Even
Joshua 3:14-4:7 -
Crossing the Jordan;
Ephesians 5:1-20 - Christian living;
John 9:1-12, 35-38 - The man born blind;
Ephesians 5:1-20 - Christian living;
John 9:1-12, 35-38 - The man born blind;
Joshua Summary:
The people of Israel set out from their
encampment to cross the Jordan River, with the priests carrying
the Ark of the Covenant leading them. When the priests’ feet
touched the water, the water stopped flowing and stood up in a
heap far upstream, at Adam (south of the river Jabbok) beside
Zarethan, (which is east of Samaria, on the east side of the
Jordan, about 10 miles north of Adam). The water of the Jordan was
completely cut off, so the people crossed over opposite Jericho on
dry ground, and the priests carrying the Ark stood on dry ground
in the middle of the Jordan until all the people had crossed over.
When the people had passed over, the Lord
instructed Joshua to have twelve men, one from each tribe, each
pick up a stone from the riverbed where the priests had stood, and
carry them to the place Israel was to camp for the night, leaving
them in a pile as a memorial to the Lord’s act of bringing them
across the Jordan on dry ground. They were to remember what God
had done for them and teach it to their children.
Ephesians Summary:
Paul exhorted Christians to copy the love and
forgiveness of God, as his beloved children. We must live
motivated by love, as Jesus loved us and gave himself (on the
Cross) as a sacrifice and offering to God for us.
Let us not even mention immorality, impurity or
covetousness. Let there be no filthiness nor licentiousness among
us. Let us instead give thanksgiving to God. We must not be
deceived; no immoral, impure or covetous person will have any
inheritance in God’s eternal kingdom. These things will bring
God’s wrath upon those who disobey God’s Word. We must not even
associate with those who do such things.
We were once in spiritual darkness, but now we are light in the Lord, and must live as children of light. The light of righteousness produces what is good, right and true. We must seek to know and do what is pleasing to the Lord. Works of darkness do not produce the fruit of righteousness.
We must not participate in darkness, but expose
it to the light of the Lord’s righteousness. Evil is shameful even
to mention. Instead we are called to rise from spiritual death
(through spiritual re-birth by the gift of the indwelling Holy
Spirit; John 3:3, 5-8), and the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9)
within us will give us light.
We must be careful how we live, not as those
who are spiritually foolish, but rather as spiritually
enlightened, not wasting our time on earth, but understanding
God’s will. Instead of getting drunk (in the worldly way of
celebration), let us be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and
with psalms and hymns to the Lord, always giving thanks to God our
Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
John Summary:
Jesus encountered a man who had been born
blind, and Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus whether the man’s
blindness was caused by his own sin or the sin of his parents.
Instead of placing blame, Jesus taught his disciples to see this
as an opportunity for the works of God to be revealed in the man.
Jesus told his disciples that we must do the works of God while we
have the light of God. Jesus declared, “As long as I am in the
world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5).
Jesus made mud of dirt and spittle, in the
manner of healers of that time, anointed the blind man’s eyes, and
told him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam (Siloam means
“sent”). The man did as Jesus had told him, and he came back with
his vision restored.
Some of his neighbors and those who had known
him as a beggar recognized him (and realized that he was no longer
blind) but others thought the man just resembled the blind beggar.
The man testified that it was indeed he, who had formerly been
blind.
The people asked him how his vision had been
healed, and he told them that Jesus had anointed his eyes with mud
and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam, and his vision had
been restored as he did as Jesus had told him. They asked where
Jesus was, but the man did not know.
The Jewish religious leaders excommunicated him
from the synagogue for proclaiming that Jesus had healed him. When
Jesus found out, he went to the former blind man, and asked if he
believed in the Son of man (Jesus). The man asked Jesus to
identify who Jesus was referring to so that the man could believe
in him. Jesus told the man he was seeing and hearing the Son of
man, and the man said “Lord, I believe,” and worshiped Jesus.
Jesus declared that he had come into the world
for judgment, to heal those who recognize that they are
spiritually blind, and to reveal the spiritual blindness of those
who deny it. Some Pharisees (a faction of strict, legalistic Jews)
heard Jesus say this, and asked Jesus whether he considered them
“blind.” Jesus declared that if they had acknowledged their
spiritual blindness they could have received forgiveness and
healing, but because they denied their blindness, they remained
guilty.
God’s people are to remember what God has done
for us. In a sense we are all God’s people because he is our
creator. God has given us life and everything that we enjoy in his
good creation (Genesis 1:31a). The history of God’s dealings with
Israel is intended for our instruction (1 Corinthians 10:11).
The crossing of the Jordan River is also an
intentional metaphor for the river of physical death. Through
Jesus Christ, we are able to pass through physical death in to the
eternal Promised Land of God’s Kingdom in heaven, without being
affected by physical death; without getting our feet “wet.”
If we realize God’s love for us in Jesus
Christ, who sacrificed himself, for our forgiveness of sin
(disobedience of God’s word) and salvation from eternal death, we
should want to seek and know God’s will so that we can do what is
pleasing to him. Christians are to be disciples of Jesus Christ,
learning to be godly in our thoughts, words and deeds, emulating
God our Father, revealed in and through Jesus Christ. We are
specifically warned not to tolerate immorality and wickedness
within the Church fellowship.
God has given us life in this world for a
purpose. We are to seek God and come to a personal relationship
with him (Acts 17:26-27) by the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit
through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. Only Jesus
baptizes with the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, only his
disciples who trust and obey him (John 1:32-34; 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 infilling with the Holy Spirit is the
“second birth” (John 3:3, 5-8) which we must have to have eternal
life. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit of the risen Jesus who
opens our minds to understand the Scriptures (the Bible; Luke
24:45), and guides and empowers us to know and do God’s will for
us personally and individually.
Jesus told his disciples to stay in Jerusalem
until they had received the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Christians today are also to stay within Church, which is the “New
Jerusalem,” the “Holy City of God” on earth, learning to be
disciples of Jesus Christ, until they have received the Holy
Spirit, and then they are to go into the world and complete
Christ’s mission of forgiveness, salvation and discipleship
(Matthew 28:18-20).
That mission cannot be accomplished in our own
human ability. It takes “born-again” disciples to make
“born-again” disciples. Are we accomplishing the work God called
us to do or are we wasting our time on earth pursuing our own
self-interest? Are we teaching our children what God has done for
us?
Jesus came to heal spiritual blindness and give
eternal life to those who are spiritually dead, which describes
each and every one of us, before we come to faith in Jesus Christ.
The blind beggar was healed as he trusted and obeyed Jesus’
command to go and wash in the pool of Siloam.
The healed man demonstrates spiritual growth.
As he trusted and obeyed Jesus, he found that Jesus’ words are
true and reliable. The healed man began to tell others what Jesus
had done for him. When Jesus found him after he had been expelled
from the synagogue, the healed man was ready to do anything Jesus
asked of him. He just needed the information necessary to comply,
and Jesus revealed himself to the man. The healed man confessed
his faith and worshiped Jesus, his Lord. He was expressing his
thankfulness for what the Lord had done for him, and had begun
cooperating with Jesus’ mission by telling others.
Jesus has promised that he will come and
manifest (reveal) himself to his disciples who trust and obey him
(John 14:21).
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke
6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and
obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? 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)?
