Week of 2 Easter - EvenThis Bible Study was originally published at:http://shepherdboy.journalspace.com/, (now defunct). It is based on the Lutheran Book of Worship two-year Daily Lectionary for personal devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978. The daily readings are according to a Calendar based on the Church Year, which begins on the first Sunday of Advent, usually sometime at the end of November in the year preceding the secular calendar year. Available at: http://shepherdboy.byethost12.com/ (Please bookmark this link). This 'blog is mirrored at: http://shepherdboy-mydailywalk.blogspot.com/ Shepherdboysmydailywalk’s Blog .mp3 Podcasts via Linux Festival text-to-speech and Panopreter Basic text-to-speech are available at: http://shepherdboy.byethost12.com/dw_bible/evenyear/wklx_even.html http://shepherdboy.byethost12.com/dw_bible/oddyear/Wklx_odd.html Please Note: This ‘blog is now available in mobile-optimized format: http://winksite.mobi/shepherdboy/MyDailyWalk Free to distribute; for personal use, Bible Study Groups, and Adult Christian Education. Disk Image and/or .zip file to burn the complete Bible Study to CD are available at: http://shepherdboy.byethost12.com/#Burn_Site_to_CD To get the most from these studies, it is suggested that you first read the scripture texts for the entry, and then the paraphrase and commentary. It is also recommended that you look up the scripture references, unless you recognize and recall them from memory. I will post weekly by Saturday, noon, (God willing), Pacific time (UTC-8:00) for the week of the Church Season which begins on Sunday. Please scroll down for the desired day, or save the week to your desktop/hard drive. Podcast: Week_of_2_Easter_Even 2 Easter - Sunday - Even |
Exodus 14:5-22 - Parting
the Sea;
1 John 1:1-7 - Right attitude toward sin; John 14:1-7 - The Way, the Truth, and the Life;
Exodus Paraphrase:
Pharaoh had finally allowed the Israelites to leave, after God had culminated a series of plagues on Egypt with the deaths of all the first-born of Egypt. But when Pharaoh heard that the Israelites had fled, he had another change of heart and decided to pursue them with his army and bring them back to slavery. All Pharaoh’s army and his chariots and horsemen pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they encamped by the Red Sea. When the Israelites saw Pharaoh’s army approaching, they cried out to the Lord and to Moses. They complained that the Lord had brought them into the wilderness to allow them to die, and wished that they had remained in Egypt. They thought it would have been better to remain alive as slaves in Egypt than to perish in the wilderness. But Moses told them to stand firm and see the deliverance which the Lord would work on their behalf. Moses said that the Lord would destroy all the Egyptians that they were looking at, and that all they had to do was wait in faith, and the Lord would fight for them. The Lord told Moses to lift up his rod (with which he invoked the Plagues in Egypt; Exodus 4:1-5), and the Sea would be parted so that the Israelites could pass through on dry ground. The Lord told Moses that Pharaoh’s heart would be hardened and he and his army would pursue the Israelites into the Sea, and the Lord would destroy them.
Then the Angel (Spirit) of the Lord
who went before the people in the pillar of fire and
smoke moved between Pharaoh’s army and the people and
kept them separated through the night. Moses stretched
out his hand over the Sea, and the Lord parted the
waters by a strong east wind all night. Then next day
the people went through the Sea on dry ground, with a
wall of water on either side.
1 John Paraphrase:
The Word of eternal life which
existed from the beginning (see John 1:1) has been
manifested (in Jesus Christ). John (and the rest of
Jesus’ disciples) bore witness that what had been
prophesied in scriptures had been fulfilled and that
they had seen, and heard and touched it. Eternal life
has existed in God the Father from the beginning of
creation, and has been revealed to us through Jesus
Christ. John proclaimed the Word of eternal life so that
others might share in fellowship with God the Father and
with his Son Jesus Christ, and that we might rejoice
together in eternal life.
John Paraphrase
Jesus told his disciples beforehand
at the Last Supper the night he was arrested, not to be
worried. He told them to believe in God and also in
Jesus. Jesus told his disciples that he was going to his
Father’s house, to prepare a place for them, and that he
would return for them and bring them, so that they could
be with him. Jesus said, “And you know the way where I
am going” (John 14:4). Thomas said they didn’t know
where Jesus was going, so how could they know the way.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no
one comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). Jesus
also said that anyone who knows Jesus knows the Father
also; those who have seen Jesus have seen the Father
also.
Commentary:
The Lord delivers his people from sin and death, the enemies of their souls, as he delivered the Israelites from Pharaoh’s army. Through faith in Jesus, Christians pass through the waters of Baptism into the Promised Land of eternal life, provided that they stand firm in that faith and obey the leading of the Lord. Through faith in Jesus, Christians will pass through the waters of death into the eternal Promised Land of the kingdom of God in Heaven. The way to eternal life and fellowship with the Lord is through the waters of adversity, in faith and obedience; you can’t get there by living in Egypt. You can’t get there by following along behind and acting like a Christian. Jesus is the Word of eternal life. All of us have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). God loves us and doesn’t want us to perish, but to have eternal life with him (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12). Jesus will return to judge everyone who has ever lived on earth. Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will receive eternal life in Heaven in fellowship with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ; those who have rejected Jesus and have refused to obey him will receive eternal death and destruction in Hell, eternally separated from God (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6). The way to eternal life is through discipleship to Jesus; through faith and obedience. Jesus said, “He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (John 14:21). The Holy Spirit is the manifestation of the risen Christ, and the guarantee of our salvation, which is given to those who trust in Jesus and obey him. The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s "pillar of fire and cloud" (Exodus 13:21), who leads us to eternal life and who protects us from our enemies. We are all eternal (John 5:28-29). The question is where we will spend eternity. 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)? |
2 Easter - Monday -
Even
|
| Exodus 14:21-31 -
Crossing the Sea; 1 Peter 1:1-12 - Hope through the Resurrection; John 14: (1-7) 8-17 - The Spirit of Truth; Exodus Paraphrase: Pharaoh’s army pursued the Israelites after they left Egypt, and were closing in on them. The Israelites were seemingly blocked in by the Red Sea. Moses stretched out his hand (with the rod; Exodus 14:16; 4:1-4) over the water, and the Lord drove the Sea back so that the waters were divided and the people were able to cross over on dry land, with the water being like a wall on either side. Pharaoh’s horsemen and chariots pursued them into the sea. The Lord, whose Spirit was present in the pillar of fire and smoke which led the Israelites (Exodus 14:24), caused the wheels of the Egyptian chariots to be clogged with mud and bogged down. The Egyptians realized that the Lord was opposing them, and attempted to retreat, but the Lord told Moses to stretch his hand out over the water again and the Sea closed in again over the Egyptian army. All the Egyptians were drowned in the Sea, but the Israelites passed through the Sea on dry ground. The Lord saved Israel from the Egyptians, and the Israelites saw the bodies of their enemies washed up and littering the shoreline. As a result of witnessing the mighty saving act of the Lord the Israelites reverenced the Lord with awe, and trusted the Lord and his servant Moses. 1 Peter Paraphrase: Peter’s letter was addressed to (predominantly Gentile) Christians in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), “chosen and destined by God the Father, and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood” (1 Peter 1:2). By the mercy of God the Father, believers are born again to a “living hope” through the resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead. We have an inheritance which is imperishable, pure and unfading. By faith we are protected by God’s power for salvation which will be revealed at the end of time. We can rejoice in this hope, even though we may be suffering various trials through which our faith is being refined, like gold, through fire, as we await the return of Jesus Christ. Although he does not yet appear, we love him, believe, and rejoice in him. The outcome of our faith will be eternal life. The prophets who by the Holy Spirit foretold God’s salvation longed to see what has been revealed to us through the proclamation of the Gospel by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. John Paraphrase: Jesus had told his disciples that he was going to the Father, to prepare a place for them, and would return to bring them to him (See journal entry for yesterday, Sunday). Jesus declared that he was the way, the truth and the life; that no one could come to the Father but through Jesus. He told his disciples that those who know Jesus know the Father. Philip asked Jesus to show him the Father. Jesus asked Philip if he did not yet know Jesus after all the time he had spent with him. How could Philip ask to see the Father, since he had seen Jesus, and Jesus was God in human form (Matthew 1:23b; Colossians 2:8-9; John 20:28). Jesus’ words and works were by the Spirit of God dwelling within him. Jesus urged Philip to believe Jesus’ word, or to believe based on the evidence of Jesus’ works which Philip had witnessed. Jesus promised that those who truly believe and obey Jesus will do similar works through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. (Note the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Jesus promised that he would do for his disciples whatever they asked, if they asked in Jesus' name (his whole character and person). "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you and shall be in you" (John 14:15-17). Commentary: By faith (trust and obedience), and by the power of the Spirit of the Lord, present in the pillar of fire and cloud, the people of God were led through the waters of the Sea to salvation from their enemies, who were destroyed because of their disobedience and opposition to God’s will. The Egyptians attempted to flee from God’s punishment, but their realization came too late (and without repentance, but merely the desire to avoid punishment). The people of God who witnessed God’s mighty saving act on their behalf reverenced God in awe. (God is righteous and reliable; we needn’t fear him like we should rightly fear someone who is wicked and unpredictable, provided that we appreciate that he is the Sovereign, Almighty God, and we trust and obey him.) If we think we can oppose him and get away with it we ought to be afraid, and we don’t know what we should. “The fear (awe and respect for the power and authority) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10a, Proverbs 9:10.)] God doesn’t want us to perish, but to have eternal life with him in his kingdom of Heaven (John 3:16). We have witnessed God’s great work of Salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus lives, and we will be raised to eternal life just as Jesus was. Those who trust and obey Jesus are cleansed from all sin by the blood of Jesus and are born-again through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will lead and protect us as the pillar of fire and smoke led and protected the Israelites. Through the Holy Spirit we have personal fellowship with Jesus, and are guided and empowered to continue Jesus’ work of salvation through the proclamation of the Gospel. Jesus has promised that he will prepare a place with him in eternity for those who truly trust and obey him, and that he will return to bring us there. Those who trust and obey Jesus will receive the gift and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of God; the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9). God gives the Spirit to those who walk in it (i.e. to those who will obey the Holy Spirit; Isaiah 42:5e). It is possible to know whether one has received the Holy Spirit (see Acts 19:2) “Any one who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him” (Romans 8:9b). The Holy Spirit is the deposit and guarantee of our salvation (Romans 8:11-25). Jesus didn’t do his ministry in his own human strength or his own human will; he was obedient to God’s Spirit and God’s will. 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)? |
2 Easter - Tuesday -
Even
|
|
First posted
04/19/04;
|
Exodus 15:1-21 - The Song
of Moses;
1 Peter 1:13-25 - An appeal for holiness; John 14:18-31 - Fellowship with Christ; Exodus Background:
The song of Moses is a poem of
praise for the Lord’s deliverance of his people from
Pharaoh’s army at the Red Sea. Although composed later
than the actual event, it quotes the song of Miriam
(Exodus 15:21) which may have been an eye-witness
account.
Exodus Paraphrase
The author sings praises to the Lord for his great triumph. The Lord has destroyed Pharaoh’s horses and riders in the sea. The psalmist has trusted and loved the Lord, and the Lord has become his salvation; therefore the psalmist acknowledges that he has accepted his father’s God as his own. The Lord is mighty to protect and avenge. The victory over Pharaoh’s army is entirely by the hand of God. The enemy was drawn into his demise by his own greed and rapacity. The Lord far surpasses comparison with other gods in holiness and in mighty works. The Lord has led the people whom he has redeemed, and guided them by his strength to his holy dwelling. The native peoples of the Promised Land are in fear and dread of the greatness of the Lord’s power, as the people whom God has purchased (by his saving act) pass by. The Lord will bring them in and establish them in his Temple (on Mount Zion, in Jerusalem). The people of Israel walked through the sea on dry land, but the Lord brought back the waters upon the Egyptian army and they were drowned. Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, led the women of Israel in a dance of celebration for their salvation. 1 Peter Paraphrase:
Peter tells believers to focus their
thoughts on their hope of salvation at the revealing of
Jesus Christ. We are not to be conformed to our worldly
passions, but conformed to the holiness of God. If we
name, as Father, God, the impartial judge who judges all
people according to their deeds, we should be careful
that our deeds conform to his standards during our life
on earth. We have been ransomed from futile worldly
ways, not by perishable things like silver and gold, but
with the truly eternally precious blood of Christ, who
was like the perfect sacrificial lamb.
Christ was God’s plan for our salvation from before the creation of the world, but has been revealed at the end of the age for our benefit. Because God has raised Jesus from the dead, we can have faith and hope in God through Jesus. We are to love one another, since our souls are purified by obedience to God’s Word in order to make that possible. We have been born again, “not of perishable seed (biological; flesh) but through the living and abiding Word of God (the Holy Spirit). All flesh is as transient as grass, but the Word of the Lord is eternal. That Word is the Good News ("Gospel" means "Good News") of Jesus Christ. John Paraphrase: Jesus promised not to leave his disciples desolate of Jesus’ presence. Jesus promised to be with his disciples in this present world and that they would be able to see Jesus even though the world would not be able to see him. Because Jesus lives, his disciples too will live eternally. When the risen Jesus comes to his disciples, they will know that Jesus is God and that he is present within his disciples, and that his disciples are in Jesus. Jesus promised that “he who has my commands and keeps them, he it is that loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (John 14:21) Judas (son of James; not Judas Iscariot, the betrayer) asked how Jesus could manifest (reveal) himself to his disciples and not to the world. Jesus reiterated his promise, explaining that if a person loves Jesus he will keep Jesus’ commands. That will please the Father, and that [they: "we"] (God the Father and the Son, in the Holy Spirit) will come and make their home within him. Jesus said that obedience to Jesus’ word reveals a person’s love for Jesus. Jesus was telling his disciples this while he was still with them in his earthly ministry (before he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven). He told them that after Jesus had ascended into heaven, God would send the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name. The Holy Spirit would be their Counselor, teaching Jesus’ disciples, recalling to their remembrance Jesus’ words, and imparting the Lord’s Peace; a peace which the world cannot provide. Jesus wanted to comfort their coming fear and grief. He reminded them of his promise to come to them. He offered them the consolation that Jesus was going to return to his Father, whose glory surpasses his own. He wanted his disciples to know all this in advance, so that when it happened they would believe. This was Jesus’ last opportunity to prepare his disciples before his crucifixion. Jesus told them that what was about to happen was by Jesus’ choice, in obedience to God’s will; not because Jesus lacked power to prevent it. Commentary:
The Song of Moses commemorates the
central saving work of God in the Old Testament. The
miracle of God’s saving of his people by bringing them
through the Sea is a parable and a prophecy, as well as
history. Jesus’ death and resurrection is the central
saving work of all creation, to which the Exodus and the
parting of the Sea points.
Judaism effectively ended at the Crucifixion; the Christian Church is the “New Israel.” As God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and delivered them from death at the hands of Pharaoh through the waters of the Sea, so, through Jesus, God saves from slavery to sin and death those who trust and obey Jesus. The Lord will lead the “New People of God,” the Church, to the “New Temple” on the eternal “Mount Zion” in Heaven. Peter tells the Church that we are to be obedient to the teachings of Jesus. We are to be careful that our deeds match what we profess in Christ. We are to commemorate and rejoice in God’s work of Salvation in the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which God has revealed to us and which we have witnessed. We are to be born-again by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus promised his disciples that he would manifest himself to those who were truly his disciples and who obeyed his teachings. His disciples will know, by the Lord’s Spirit within them, that they belong to him and have eternal life in him. The Holy Spirit will teach, guide, empower and comfort his disciples. Much of the ‘visible” Church today (those who profess to be "Christian," in contrast with those who are truly born-again disciples) is in a dangerously similar situation to that of Judaism at the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They may know a lot about God, but they don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, because they don’t understand that they must be disciples; that they must be obedient to Jesus in order to be born-again by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Psalmist acknowledged that as God’s people trusted and obeyed God, God provided their salvation (Exodus 15:2a). As the people of God trusted and obeyed the Lord, the Lord became their personal savior, not just the God of their fathers (Exodus 15:2b). Peter told the Church that believers must be conformed to God’s standards, not those of the world. Sadly in many instances the Church (the professing, ‘visible’ Church) is adopting the world’s standards. The Holy Spirit isn’t just the experience of being “moved” by an emotional feeling. Even pagans can experience an emotional response in the worship of idols (1 Corinthians 12:2). The Holy Spirit is a personal relationship with the risen, living Lord Jesus Christ. 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)? |
2 Easter - Wednesday
- Even
|
Exodus 15:22-16:10 - The
Lord's providence;
1 Peter 2:1-10 - The call to holiness; John 15:1-11 - The true vine; Exodus Paraphrase:
After passing through the sea, Moses
led the Israelites into the wilderness for three days
before they found water. When they did find water, it
was bitter, so they called the place Marah (meaning
bitter). The people murmured against Moses, worrying
about water to drink.
The Lord showed Moses a tree and told him to cut it down and put it in the water, and the water became sweet. Then the Lord told them that if they would obey the Lord and do what was right in the eyes of the Lord he would keep them from the plagues which had befallen the Egyptians, and promised that the Lord would be their healer. Then they camped at Elim where there were numerous springs of water. Traveling on from Elim they entered the wilderness of Sin, between Elim and Sinai, 2 months after they had left Egypt. They were hungry and they complained to Moses that they should have stayed in Egypt where they at least had enough food. Then the Lord told them he would provide bread from heaven. Each morning they were to gather only what they needed for the day, because it wouldn't keep, but the day before the Sabbath, what they gathered would be twice their usual amount and would last for two days, so that they would be able to rest on the Sabbath. The Lord would also provide quail for meat in the evenings. Moses told the people that the Lord had heard their grumbling, and would reveal his glory to them, so that they would know that the Lord delivered them from Egypt and that he has heard their grumbling. Moses warned the people against grumbling; he told them that when they grumbled against Moses they were complaining against the Lord. Moses assembled the people; they looked into the wilderness and the Lord revealed his glory in the pillar of cloud.
1 Peter Paraphrase:
Believers are to stop indulging in malice, guile, insincerity, envy and slander. Instead we are to seek spiritual growth, starting with basic spiritual nurture appropriate to our spiritual development (such as Bible reading; instead of trying too soon to understand more complicated issues). When we turn to the Lord we begin to experience his goodness. Let us come to Jesus, the "living cornerstone, rejected by men, but who is chosen and precious in God's sight" (Isaiah 28:16), and allow ourselves, like living stones, to be built into a spiritual house. Jesus is the living cornerstone of the Church, and we are to allow ourselves to become living stones which are built into the spiritual house of God. We are to become a spiritual priesthood, offering sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Believers realize the preciousness of Jesus, but unbelievers will find him to be a stumbling block. Unbelievers will inevitably stumble because they disobey God's Word. Christians are the "New Israel" who are commissioned to declare God's work of salvation in bringing us "out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9b) Once we were outside of God's family and God's mercy, but in Christ we have become his people and have received his mercy.
John Paraphrase:
Jesus declares that he is the true vine (the only way to serve, please, and have fellowship with God; Acts 4:12; John 14:6) and that God is the vinedresser. God removes unfruitful branches, and he prunes fruitful branches so that they can be more productive. Individual branches cannot bear fruit apart from the vine; we must stay connected to Jesus in order to bear fruit. Those who do not continue in faith and obedience to Jesus are cut off and wither; their end will be destruction. But those who continue to trust and obey Jesus will receive whatever they ask for in prayer. God is pleased to help us bear fruit abundantly, so that we may prove to be Jesus' disciples and that God may be glorified. Jesus loves us as God loved him. Jesus was obedient to God because he loved God and wanted to remain in God's love. We are to follow Jesus' example. If we appreciate how much Jesus loves us, and if we want to remain in that love, then we will be happy to do whatever Jesus asks us. Jesus wants us to experience the same joy that he had in fellowship with God. The Israelites had seen God's great power to deliver them from bondage to sin and death in Egypt, and God's great faithfulness; over and over God told the people he would do something, and as they trusted in him he fulfilled his promise. The Israelites witnessed the plagues on the Egyptians, while they were spared, and the defeat of Pharaoh's army as the Israelites passed through the sea. In the wilderness, when they were thirsty, God provided water; when it was bitter, the Lord provided a way to make it sweet; when they were hungry, God provided meat and bread. Still they didn't appreciate God's goodness toward them and they complained about God and they complained about God's servant. The Church is the New Israel, the New People of God; a chosen race; a royal priesthood; a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9; see Hosea 2:23b, Exodus 19:6a). We are to walk in obedience to the Lord, taking the spiritual nourishment that he provides, and growing spiritually as we travel through the wilderness with him as our guide, healer and provider, just like the Israelites were to do in their wilderness experience. We're warned to quit complaining against God and his servants, and all the unloving behavior against others which was our old way of life. We are not to long for the worldly ways of the old life in Egypt. Turning back to Egypt is an eternal death-sentence. The Church is to be a disciple-making organization (Mathew 28:18-20 RSV). Believers are to allow Jesus to shape them and fit them into the spiritual Temple of God. All believers, not just ordained preachers, are called to be ministers of God, to proclaim God's Word, and to intercede for others, but they need to be disciples first, and they are to grow spiritually within the Church until they receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; the Church is the new Jerusalem). Unbelievers don't appreciate what God has done for us in Jesus, and they will stumble, because they do not believe and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus declared that he is the true vine. His Church is the "New Judaism;" the "New Israel." We cannot worship and serve God through any other person or institution. Every believer must have a personal relationship with Jesus, which is only possible through the indwelling Holy Spirit. In order to bear spiritual fruit we must abide in fellowship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Church membership is not salvation. Listening to entertaining stories from the pulpit and singing along to great music on Sunday mornings is not going to save us. Jesus calls us to discipleship and fruit-bearing for his eternal kingdom. If we have a personal relationship with Jesus and have come to experience God's goodness and the joy of fellowship with him in Jesus, then we will be concerned about people who do not know him. We need to share with others what we have received. One cannot bear witness to what one has not personally experienced. We cannot make disciples if we are unwilling to be disciples ourselves. We cannot invite others to seek a personal relationship with Jesus if we have not personally experienced Jesus. So, how are we doing? Do we think we can live in Egypt all week and then get to the Promised Land of eternal life in heaven by spending an hour on Sunday in Church being entertained? Do we think we can be Christians without being Jesus' disciples; without doing or even knowing what Jesus' taught? Do we think we can do ministry without the gifts and empowerment of the Holy Spirit? Do we think Christian Evangelism is a Church membership drive; that inviting the neighbors to our friendly, comfortable, entertaining church is bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God? 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)? |
2 Easter - Thursday
- Even
|
Exodus 16:10-22 - God
provides for his people;
1 Peter 2:11-3:12 - Christian obligation; John 15:12-27 - Warnings of persecutions; Exodus Paraphrase:
God had saved his people from
slavery and death in Egypt, and had provided meat and
bread for them to eat in the wilderness. He had provided
water for their thirst, and had even sweetened it to
suit their taste (Exodus 15:23-25). He manifested
himself to them by his Holy Spirit in the pilar of smoke
and fire, so that they would know that he was leading
and providing for them. He provided them with a day of
rest and spiritual renewal. They all received as much as
they needed regardless of their gathering ability, as
they followed the Lord's direction.
1 Peter Paraphrase: Christians are to consider themselves wanderers through the wilderness of this world. We are to abstain from the desires of the flesh that are enemies of our souls. We are to maintain good conduct among unbelievers so that any criticism of us will be unfounded and our good behavior will glorify God when his truth is revealed. Believers are to be subject to all human authority, since God allows them to exist to punish evil and praise righteousness. It is God's will for us to demonstrate the truth and righteousness of God's way. We are not to use our freedom for evil, but rather to serve God. We are to be submissive to our employers, regardless of their treatment of us. We have God's approval if we endure suffering unjustly, but there is no reward in suffering punishment deservedly for wrongdoing. Christ is our example; he was completely blameless, but he suffered for our behalf. He didn't revile or threaten his persecuters, but trusted in God who judges justly. He bore our sins on the Cross so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. He was wounded so that we might be healed. He is the shepherd and guardian of our souls who has gathered us to him like straying sheep. Christians are to also apply his example in our domestic relationships. Wives by their reverent and chaste behavior may win to Christ their unbelieving spouses. They are to seek inward spiritual beauty, rather that outward sensual seductive beauty. Likewise husbands are to be considerate and respectful of their wives. We must be obedient to the Lord's teachings if we expect God to respond to our prayers. Finally, we are to have unity, sympathy, and love, a tender heart and a humble mind among our fellow believers. We are not to repay evil with evil or reviling with reviling, but rather bless our enemies, because that is our obligation as a response to the blessings we have received in Jesus. "He that would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile; let him turn away from evil and do right; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil" (1 Peter 3:10-12). John Paraphrase:
Jesus warned his disciples that the
world would hate them and mistreat them as the world
hated Jesus, because they do not know God, who has sent
Jesus. Since Jesus has come in the flesh and revealed
who he is by his words and deeds, the world has no
excuse for sin. Whoever hates Jesus hates God. They have
fulfilled the prophecy of scripture by hating Jesus
without cause (John 15:25; see Psalm 35:19; 69:4).
Jesus promised to send the Comforter, the Spirit of truth [the Holy Spirit, "he"(v.26): i.e. a person, not a force or a feeling; notice the implicit doctrine of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] to his disciples. The Holy Spirit will reveal Jesus to those who are truly his disciples and bear witness to Jesus to the world through them. Israel's wilderness experience is a picture of what God has done for us in Jesus. Through Jesus he leads us out of bondage to sin and death. He provides for our needs. He leads us and reveals himself to us by his Holy Spirit and through us he manifests himself to the world. Gathering manna is like our mission as believers. We are to work daily to gather souls to Jesus. Our reward will be the same regardless of our abilities, but we must follow God's instructions on how to do it. Christians are called out of "Egypt" to live apart from the ways of the world, following the leading of the Holy Spirit, and obeying what Jesus teaches. Apart from possibly praying before meals and going to church on Sundays, would the world realize that we're Christians? Christians can expect opposition from the world. If we're expecting luxury, comfort and acclaim we're doing it wrong. Christian discipleship isn't living in "Egypt" all week, and spending an hour following Jesus on Sunday morning. Jesus is God's only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). Everyone will be judged by how they have responded to Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46). Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will receive eternal life in Heaven with him. Those who reject and disobey Jesus will receive eternal death and destruction in Hell (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Jesus has promised to send the Holy Spirit to those who are truly his disciples, to lead and empower them. Jesus said that those who love him will obey his teachings, and that he will reveal himself to them through the Holy Spirit (John 14:21), as God revealed his glory to the Israelites in the pilar of fire and cloud as they faced the wilderness. How are we doing. Have we seen Jesus? Are we trusting and obeying him? Have we sought and received the promised Holy Spirit? Are we following his instructions about gathering souls for the kingdom of God on a daily basis, and resting and worshiping God regularly on Sunday? Are we gathering souls for the kingdom in the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, or are we working in our own flesh? 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)? |
2 Easter - Friday -
Even
|
Exodus 16:23-36 - Manna
and the Sabbath;
1 Peter 3:13-4:6 - Suffering for righteousness' sake; John 16:1-15 - The coming of the Holy Spirit;
Exodus Paraphrase:
The Lord commanded the people through Moses that the Sabbath was to be a day of solemn rest. Five days they were to gather the manna for consumption the same day; it wouldn't keep overnight. On the sixth day when they gathered manna it would be twice what they normally gathered. They were to use what they needed on the sixth day, and the rest would keep overnight (unlike manna gathered on the other days), to be used on the Sabbath. On the Sabbath there would be no manna to gather. Some of the people went out on the Sabbath to gather anyway, and found none, but Moses warned them about failing to keep God's commands. The Manna was like coriander seed, white, tasting like wafers made with honey. The Lord commanded Moses that an omer (a half gallon) be kept in a jar before the ark of the covenant as a reminder of how the Lord fed them in the wilderness. 1 Peter Paraphrase:
Believers have no reason to fear
harm if we are trying earnestly to do right. If we do
suffer for righteousness we will be blessed. We needn't
fear or worry about those who would persecute us, but
instead reverence Christ as Lord. We should always be
prepared to give witness to our hope (faith), but gently
and with reverence. Let us keep our consciences clear,
so that when we are abused for good behavior, our
persecutors may be shamed. It is better to suffer for
doing right, if God wills, than to suffer for
wrongdoing.
Jesus is our example; the righteous one died for our unrighteousness, so that we might be restored to fellowship with God. He died in the flesh, but was made alive in the spirit. God destroyed with water the disobedient in the days of Noah, and saved Noah and his family through their faith and obedience. The water of Baptism is the new Flood, through which Christians pass to salvation like Noah and his family, not by a physical cleansing but by an appeal to God for forgiveness through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has now received his heavenly authority. Remember that as Christ suffered in the flesh, our suffering in the flesh shows that we have quit sin and are serving God's will rather than our own desires. The time for worldly passions and indulgences is over. The world can't understand why we no longer join them in their revelry and debauchery, but they will be held accountable to the Lord on the day of Judgment.
John Paraphrase:
Jesus warned his disciples that they would be persecuted. There will be those who will kill Christians in God's name, because they have not known God or Jesus. [One cannot know God except through Jesus (John 14:6).] Jesus was telling his disciples these things to prepare them for his ascension into heaven. The disciples were sad to think that Jesus was going to physically leave them, but Jesus wanted them to know that this would actually be for their benefit. It was necessary for their salvation that Jesus die on the Cross, and his death in the flesh made possible his life in the Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit he is able to be present always with each of his disciples individually in a way he could never be present with them in his flesh. The Holy Spirit will convince the world of sin, which is unbelief in Jesus; of righteousness, seen in the goodness of God in Jesus' loving sacrifice on the Cross; and of judgement, because Jesus arose from the dead in triumph of good over evil. Commentary: The Lord went to great lengths to provide for the people of God in the wilderness. He supernaturally adjusted the quantity and keeping quality of manna gathered on the day before the Sabbath so that the people could rest and be spiritually renewed on the sabbath. He did it for the benefit of his people and he expected them to follow his instructions. God is able to abundantly provide and care for us, provided that we will do what he commands. His commands are not self-indulgent but rather for our benefit. When we don't follow his guidance we place ourselves in danger. We are saved through faith and obedience to God's will in Jesus Christ. Being "comfortable" in this world reveals that we haven't forsaken sin. If we're seeking our own pleasure we're doing it wrong. Jesus warned his disciples that the world would persecute them, just as the world has persecuted Jesus. There will be those who kill Christians believing that they are doing God's will. One of those was Saul of Tarsus, who became the Apostle Paul, after his conversion through an encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 7:59-8:3; 9:1-18). No one can know God except through Jesus Christ, because only Jesus knows God and can reveal him to us (John 14:7; Matthew 11:27). Those who truly know God know because they have realized that Jesus is God in human flesh (Matthew 1:23; Colossians 2:8-9; John 20:27-28) It was necessary for Jesus to suffer and die on the Cross so that we might live. It is necessary for us to suffer for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order that others might live through faith in Jesus. Many "Christians" today don't want anything to do with discipleship, obedience, and suffering for the Gospel. Are we willing to go out daily and gather "manna" (soul-winning, and the obedience to God's command through which he provides for our spiritual daily bread)? Do we appreciate and reverence the Lord's Day as a day of rest and spiritual renewal in worship in holy assembly with God's people? Are we so preoccupied with our own comfort that we won't tolerate inadequate air conditioning and unpadded pews; that we demand entertaining sermons and professional musical entertainment in our churches? 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)? |
2 Easter - Saturday
- Even
|
Exodus 17:1-16 - Water
from the rock;
1 Peter 4:7-19 - The Day of Judgment; John 16:16-33 - Jesus comforts his disciples;
Exodus Summary:
The congregation of Israel moved on to Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink and they were critical of Moses, and complained. Moses prayed, and the Lord directed him to take the rod (with which he had invoked the plagues on Egypt and parted the sea) and strike a rock at Horeb on which the Lord would stand before them, and water would come forth from the rock. Moses did so, and he called the place Massah ("proof") and Meribah ("contention") because of the faultfinding of the Israelites, and because they demanded proof that God was among them. The Amalekites (a fierce desert tribe) attacked the Israelites and Moses told Joshua to gather an army and go out to meet them. Moses, Aaron and Hur (an assistant leader) went up a mountain to observe, taking the rod. Whenever Moses held up his hand (in praise to God) Joshua and the Israelites prevailed, but when his hands grew tired and he lowered them, the Amalekites prevailed. So they placed a rock for Moses to sit on, and Aaron and Hur held up Moses hands until sunset, and Joshua defeated the Amalekites. The Lord vowed to Moses to utterly blot out the remembrance of the Amalekites from under heaven. Moses built an altar and called it "the Lord is my banner" saying "A hand upon the banner of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation" (Exodus 17:15-16). 1 Peter Summary: "The end of all things is at hand; therefore keep sane and sober for your prayers" (1 Peter 4:7). Believers are, most importantly, to love one another, because love makes up for a lot of other shortcomings. We are to practice hospitality and as stewards of God's gifts to use them for each others' benefit. Use the gift of preaching to speak oracles of God; Those who serve, as rendering it by strength supplied by God, so that God may be glorified in everything through Jesus Christ. We should not be surprised by persecutions which come upon us to test us. Rather, let us rejoice that as we share Christ's suffering we will also rejoice when his glory is revealed. When we are reproached for Jesus' sake we are blessed because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, rests upon us. Let us not suffer deservedly for wrongdoing, but if we suffer as Christians let us glorify God. "For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, 'if the righteous man is scarcely saved, where will the impious and sinner appear?' Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will do right and entrust their souls to a faithful Creator" (1 Peter 4:17-19).
John Summary:
Jesus told his disciples that he would be separated from them for a short time, but that their fellowship would be restored. They didn't understand what he was saying, so Jesus explained that for a time they would mourn their separation from Jesus while the world would be rejoicing. But soon the disciples' sorrow would turn to joy. Jesus compared the coming tribulation with childbirth, in which the pain of labor gives way to the joy of the birth, and the labor pains are forgotten. Jesus told his disciples that they were to pray in Jesus' name for whatever they needed, because God loves those who believe in Jesus. Jesus had spoken figuratively and as a parable to be understood more fully in light of the experience of coming days. Jesus told them that he had come into the world from God, and he was leaving the world to return to God. The disciples recognized that he was now speaking plainly, but they understood it as a confirmation of their faith, unable to comprehend the events that it predicted. Jesus warned them that although they felt that their faith had now been confirmed, that the coming events would challenge that faith. Jesus had told them these things so that they would not be overwhelmed by coming tribulation, and that they could rejoice in Jesus' triumph over the worldly condition.
Commentary:
God goes before his people; he can provide water in the desert even from a rock; he fights for us. As we follow him in praise and obedience he gives us victory over our enemies. We just need to keep praising and trusting and following him, regardless of how the situation looks. We can't get to the Promised Land without going through the wilderness, and without facing the "Amalekites" of this world. Only in Jesus Christ, does God supply the water we need for life in the midst of the desert. Only in Jesus does God give us the victory over the "Amalekites." We, the Church, as the body of believers, are the inheritors of the promises and the lessons of the experience of God's people in the scriptures. We are to know and apply that wisdom in our daily lives. If we are living what we profess, we can expect persecution. God has given us everything we need to survive and triumph in Jesus Christ. All we need to do is to follow him, trusting and obeying him, and giving him praise. Jesus was trying to tell his disciples about his coming death. He knew that they would be have great sorrow, and that their faith would be shaken. Jesus was trying to tell them that their anguish would soon turn to joy and that they would see Jesus again after his resurrection. Jesus died on the Cross as a sacrificial offering to God for our salvation, and his Resurrection is the assurance that through faith in Jesus we are saved and have victory over sin and death. Jesus was also referring to his ascension into heaven, and the outpouring of his Holy Spirit on his disciples (Acts 1:6-12; Acts Chapter 2). Jesus would be separated from them in the flesh, but would be present with them in a more personal way through the indwelling of his Holy Spirit. Jesus is the rock which is the only source of the water of eternal life (1 Corinthians 10:4; John 4:14) in the wilderness of this present world. Jesus is God's only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). Have we believed in Jesus and become his disciples? Are we trusting and obeying his teachings? Are we seeking the anointing with the Holy Spirit? (See John 1:32-34; Acts 19:2.) Are we facing the "Amalekites" in Jesus name by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit? |
