Week
of 3 Easter - Even
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Podcast Download: Week of 3 Easter - Even
Sunday 3 Easter - Even
First Posted
04/24/04;
Podcast: Sunday 3 Easter - Even
Exodus 18:1-12 - Jethro visits Moses;
1 John 2:7-17 - Our relationship to God and the world;
Mark 16:9-20 - The Resurrection;
Mark 16:9-20 - The Resurrection;
Exodus Summary:
Moses had apparently sent his wife and
two sons to stay with his father-in-law, Jethro, the
priest of Midian, with whom Moses had taken refuge after
killing the Egyptian (Exodus 2:15). When Jethro heard what
the Lord had done for Moses and Israel in bringing them
out of Egypt, he came with Moses' wife and sons to Moses
in the wilderness. Moses was notified of his arrival, and
went out to meet him.
Moses told them all that the Lord had
done and all that had happened on the way, the hardships,
and the Lord's deliverance from them. Jethro rejoiced and
blessed the Lord for his deliverance, saying that now he
realized that the Lord is greater than all gods, because
of his deliverance of Israel from the Egyptians. Jethro
offered burnt offerings and sacrifices to God, and Aaron
and the elders of Israel celebrated a sacred meal before
the Lord.
1 John Summary:
The command to love one another is from
the beginning of the Law given by God to Moses, but is
always fresh and current. The former era of the darkness
of evil is passing away, superseded by the new era of the
light of righteousness; Love is the law of the new era of
light. Anyone who hates his brother is still in darkness,
and cannot see where he is going; but anyone who loves his
brother abides in the light, and has no cause for
stumbling. The author addresses the entire congregation as
little children, including the "fathers" who are
spiritually mature and the "young men" who are earnest new
Christians.
All believers have God's forgiveness
for Jesus' sake. The mature Christians have come to a
personal relationship with Jesus. The new believers have
overcome Satan by accepting Jesus. The congregation knows
the father (because they have accepted Jesus, his son).
The mature know Jesus personally (through the indwelling
Holy Spirit). The new believers are strong because the
Word of God abides in them, and they have overcome Satan
(by accepting Jesus as their Lord). We cannot love the
world and love God the Father also, because worldly ways,
the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and pride of
life are contrary to God's ways. The world and worldly
lusts pass away, but those who do God's will abide
forever.
Mark Summary:
On the day of his Resurrection Jesus
appeared to Mary Magdalene. She went and told his
followers as they were gathered in mourning, but they
would not believe that Jesus was alive and that she had
seen him. Then he appeared to the two disciples on the
road to Emmaus, who returned and told the followers, but
they did not believe. Later he appeared to the eleven
remaining disciples (minus Judas, his betrayer), and
scolded them for their unbelief and hardness of heart
because they had not believed the testimony of those who
had seen him after he had risen. Jesus commanded them to
go into all the world to preach the Gospel (see Matthew
28:18-20). Jesus declared that those who believe the
Gospel and are baptized will be saved, but those who do
not believe will be condemned. Those who believe will
manifest signs of the gift of the Holy Spirit, such as
gifts of healing and exorcism, the gift of new tongues;
they will survive poison and snakebite.
Commentary:
When Jethro heard all that the Lord had
done to deliver Israel from bondage in Egypt, he realized
that the Lord was the only true God. His response was to
worship the Lord, and to participate in a sacramental meal
with the elders of Israel before the altar of the Lord. He
had seen the light of the Gospel, had left the darkness of
trying to serve more than one god, and had joined the
fellowship of God's people.
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). Jesus also said, "A new commandment I give, you , that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you love one another. By this all men will know that your are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). Believers are called to love one another and to walk in the light of the Gospel; in accordance with Jesus' teaching.
Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). Jesus also said, "A new commandment I give, you , that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you love one another. By this all men will know that your are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). Believers are called to love one another and to walk in the light of the Gospel; in accordance with Jesus' teaching.
The Church (the true disciples of Jesus
Christ) has been commissioned to "go and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (note the Trinity; God
in three persons, or expressions), teaching them to
observe (i.e., obey) all that [Jesus] commanded..."
(Matthew 28:18-20). The congregation depicted in 1 John
(little children) was a discipling congregation of mature
Christian disciples (fathers) and new believers (young
men) being discipled. The congregation was warned that
they cannot love the Lord and the "gods" of this world.
Like Jethro, above, if we have truly seen the light of the
Gospel, we must renounce the "other gods" in order to
participate in the sacrament of the altar and the
fellowship of the congregation of God's people.
The followers of Jesus suffered needless grief instead of participation in the joy of Easter because they refused to believe the testimony of disciples who had seen the risen Jesus. But they did come to believe and to experience the risen Jesus themselves. They followed Jesus' commands to stay in Jerusalem until they had received the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). They received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts Chapter 2) and they began to carry out their commission from Jesus to make disciples.
How are we doing these days? Are we trying to participate in the Sacrament of the Altar and the fellowship of the people of God, while still serving the idols of this world? Do we understand that we must be disciples in order to be called "Christians" (Acts 11:26b)? Are our churches making disciples, or making "church members"; "fair-weather 'Christians.'" Are our churches teaching that discipleship is a spiritual growth process?
The followers of Jesus suffered needless grief instead of participation in the joy of Easter because they refused to believe the testimony of disciples who had seen the risen Jesus. But they did come to believe and to experience the risen Jesus themselves. They followed Jesus' commands to stay in Jerusalem until they had received the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). They received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts Chapter 2) and they began to carry out their commission from Jesus to make disciples.
How are we doing these days? Are we trying to participate in the Sacrament of the Altar and the fellowship of the people of God, while still serving the idols of this world? Do we understand that we must be disciples in order to be called "Christians" (Acts 11:26b)? Are our churches making disciples, or making "church members"; "fair-weather 'Christians.'" Are our churches teaching that discipleship is a spiritual growth process?
Are we
being taught to seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit? Are
we being taught to stay in Jerusalem (i.e., the church)
until we have received power from on high? Have we
believed the testimony of disciples who have experienced
the risen Jesus? Have we come to a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ?
Monday 3 Easter - Even
First Posted 04/25/04;
Podcast: Monday 3 Easter - Even
Exodus 18:13-27 - Moses appoints Judges;
1 Peter 5:1-14 - Instructions to elders;
Matthew (1:1-17) 3:1-6 - The ministry of John the Baptizer;
Matthew (1:1-17) 3:1-6 - The ministry of John the Baptizer;
Exodus Summary:
While Moses' father-in-law, Jethro was
visiting Moses in the wilderness on their way to the
Promised Land, he saw that Moses was spending every day
from morning until night as a Judge arbitrating disputes
between the people. His role was to seek God's will and to
explain God's laws to the people who were involved in
disputes; he was a mediator between God and the people.
Jethro told Moses that what he was
doing was not good. Jethro suggested that Moses set up
lower and intermediary jurisdictions to hear the simpler
cases, and be the final judge of appeal in the most
difficult cases. Jethro said that, if God gave his
approval, that the people would have civil peace and that
Moses would be able to endure the demands of his office.
Moses took Jethro's advice and appointed able people to
judge the people. Then Jethro departed for his home.
1 Peter Summary:
The first-century Church had a
structure comparable to that of the Judges. The elders
were church officials. The local pastor and other leaders
in the local congregation were overseen by apostles (or
bishops) like Paul, who were subject to the council of the
disciples in Jerusalem. Peter, as one of The Twelve
original disciples and one of the leaders of the council
in Jerusalem, was an elder who also had a traveling
ministry overseeing a number of churches.
He was writing the churches in Asia
Minor (present-day Turkey). Here he is exhorting the
elders in these churches, as fellow elder, a witness to
the suffering of Jesus [an eyewitness to Jesus' arrest and
trial before Caiaphas (John18:1-27)], and a partaker [as
an eyewitness to the Resurrection and in the participation
in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts Chapter 2)] in
the glory that is to be revealed.
Peter exhorted the elders to tend the
congregations under them not as a job, for the money only,
but willingly (in love), not for status and authority, but
humbly, by example rather than by being domineering,
remembering that Jesus is the chief shepherd who will
ultimately judge and reward our performance. The new
Christians should subject themselves humbly to the elders,
but all should treat others with humility, because God
opposes human pride, but gives grace to those who are
humble. Therefore we should humble ourselves before God
and acknowledge his authority, trusting that in due time
he will exalt us.
We are to be serious and watchful,
because Satan is watching for the unwary to destroy.
Resist Satan, holding firmly to faith, realizing that
suffering is required of all believers everywhere." And
after you have endured suffering for a little while, the
God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory
in Jesus Christ, will himself restore, establish and
strengthen you" (1 Peter 5:10). Peter had apparently
appended a note at the end of a letter dictated to
Silvanus by him, exhorting them to stand firm in the true
grace of God, and conveying greetings.
Matthew Summary:
Matthew traces the genealogy of Jesus
from Abraham through David [validating his line of
succession to the throne of David) and through Joseph as
his earthly father (adoptive father), since Jesus was born
by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, before Joseph
married her; see Matthew 1:18-25]. John the Baptizer, (the
cousin of Jesus, born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, the
kinswoman of Jesus' Mother, Mary) began his public
ministry preaching in the wilderness east and southeast of
Jerusalem in the days when Jesus began his public ministry
(Jesus came to John to be baptized at the beginning of
Jesus' ministry; Matthew 3:13-17).
Commentary:
John the Baptizer's message was a call
for Israel to repent (i.e., to return to obedience to
their covenant with God) and prepare for the coming of the
Lord. His ministry was the fulfillment of the prophecy of
Isaiah 40:3 of a prophet to appear before the coming of
the Messiah (Christ) to prepare the people to receive the
Messiah. (Jesus declared John the Baptizer to be the
fulfillment of the prophecy of the return of Elijah before
the coming of the Messiah; see Matthew 11:14; 17:10-13.)
John the Baptizer baptized the people
with water in the Jordan River for the forgiveness of
their sins in preparation to receive Jesus Christ, who
would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and with fire
(Matthew 3:11; Jesus' disciples were baptized with the
Holy Spirit, manifested as tongues of fire, beginning on
the day of Pentecost; see Acts Chapter 2).
Moses was attempting to be the sole mediator between God and the entire large congregation of Israel. His father-in-law Jethro saw that that would never work. Moses would "burn out." Jethro proposed a better system of delegating the work of the ministry to able elders.
Jesus instituted a training program to create leadership in his Church, called discipleship. He gathered twelve men and discipled them intensively for three years. In three years, by the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, they were ready to carry on his ministry of making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).
Moses was attempting to be the sole mediator between God and the entire large congregation of Israel. His father-in-law Jethro saw that that would never work. Moses would "burn out." Jethro proposed a better system of delegating the work of the ministry to able elders.
Jesus instituted a training program to create leadership in his Church, called discipleship. He gathered twelve men and discipled them intensively for three years. In three years, by the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, they were ready to carry on his ministry of making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).
As the disciples followed Jesus
instructions [staying in Jerusalem until they had received
the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49)] they were baptized with the
Holy Spirit and with fire as scriptures prophesied and as
Jesus had promised. Then they went into all the world and
began to make disciples, as Jesus had directed. The
first-century church is a model of how to do it. The
disciples made disciples who made other disciples (2
Timothy 2:2).
Our church leaders need to be authentic
born-again Spirit-filled disciples, not mere "peddlers of
the word." (2 Corinthians 2:17). In many churches today,
the emphasis is not on making disciples; it's on making
"church members." Too many congregations expect the pastor
to do all the evangelism. Too many members come to church
to be entertained. Their concept of evangelism is to
invite their neighbors to come to church to be entertained
too. No wonder pastors are burning out! No wonder churches
are losing membership!
Jesus has promised to return to bring his disciples to their eternal home in heaven with Jesus, and to judge the earth. Our job as disciples is to prepare the congregation of God and all the people of the world for Jesus' return. Our job as believers is to trust and obey Jesus' instructions. Our job as believers is to call people to repent [confess their sins and return to a personal relationship with God, which is only possible through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; John 14:6)]; to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord; to trust and obey Jesus. Our job as believers is to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and then to make disciples of Jesus Christ (not disciples of ourselves, or of some popular preacher) who will make other disciples of Jesus Christ. We need to do that in the empowerment and guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. (The Holy Spirit is not a feeling or a force; he is a person, the Spirit of the Risen Lord).
Jesus has promised to return to bring his disciples to their eternal home in heaven with Jesus, and to judge the earth. Our job as disciples is to prepare the congregation of God and all the people of the world for Jesus' return. Our job as believers is to trust and obey Jesus' instructions. Our job as believers is to call people to repent [confess their sins and return to a personal relationship with God, which is only possible through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; John 14:6)]; to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord; to trust and obey Jesus. Our job as believers is to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and then to make disciples of Jesus Christ (not disciples of ourselves, or of some popular preacher) who will make other disciples of Jesus Christ. We need to do that in the empowerment and guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. (The Holy Spirit is not a feeling or a force; he is a person, the Spirit of the Risen Lord).
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 3 Easter - Even
First Posted 04/26/04;
Podcast: Tuesday 3 Easter - Even
Exodus 19:1-16 - Preparing for the Lord's appearing;
Colossians 1:1-14 - Delivered from darkness;
Matthew 3:7-12 - Prepare for the coming of the Lord;
Matthew 3:7-12 - Prepare for the coming of the Lord;
Exodus Summary:
Three months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites came into the wilderness of Sinai, and encamped before Mt. Sinai. Moses went up Mt. Sinai to meet God, and the Lord spoke to Moses. The Lord reminded Moses how the Lord had delivered Israel from the Egyptians and had brought them to himself. The Lord promised that if the people of Israel would be obedient to God's Word and to their covenant with God, they would be God's people, distinct from all the peoples of the earth, although everything on earth belongs to God. They would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Three months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites came into the wilderness of Sinai, and encamped before Mt. Sinai. Moses went up Mt. Sinai to meet God, and the Lord spoke to Moses. The Lord reminded Moses how the Lord had delivered Israel from the Egyptians and had brought them to himself. The Lord promised that if the people of Israel would be obedient to God's Word and to their covenant with God, they would be God's people, distinct from all the peoples of the earth, although everything on earth belongs to God. They would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Moses told the people what God had
promised, and the people all agreed to do what the Lord
had said. Moses told the Lord the people's response, and
the Lord told Moses to prepare the people for the
appearing of the Lord; that the Lord would manifest
himself in a cloud, and all the people would hear his
voice speaking to Moses, so that they would believe.
The Lord gave the people two days to
prepare; they were to wash their garments and to abstain
from sexual contact. The third day, the people were to
come to the foot of Mt. Sinai at the sound of a long
trumpet blast.
Boundaries were to be marked; no one of
man or beast was to touch even the border of the base of
the mountain, under penalty of death. Anyone who violated
the boundary was to be stoned or shot (with an arrow)
because no one was allowed to touch the offender. On the
morning of the third day there was a heavy cloud on the
mountain, with thunder and lightning, and a very loud
trumpet blast, so that all the people trembled with fear.
Colossians Summary:
Paul wrote to the believers at
Colossae, sending greetings from himself and his colleague
Timothy. Paul commended the Colossians for their faith and
their love for the brethren because of the hope they have
in the Gospel. Paul subtly reminded them that faith
through spiritual growth is expected to produce spiritual
"fruit." Paul commended the faithful teaching of Epaphras
who had been sent by Paul to preach the gospel, and
Epaphras' favorable report to Paul concerning the love for
the brethren within the congregation.
Paul told the Colossians that he had
been praying continually that the Colossians might grow to
the fullness of "the knowledge of God's will in all
spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:9), that
all their conduct might be worthy and pleasing in God's
sight, that they might bear fruit in every good work and
grow in the knowledge of God, and that they might be
strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that they
might have all patience and endurance, with joy. We should
give thanks to God for including us among his people to
inherit the kingdom of eternal life and righteousness,
having delivered us from the dominion of sin and death
through Jesus Christ "in whom we have redemption, the
forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14).
Matthew Summary:
When John the Baptizer saw the
Pharisees and Sadducees come for baptism, he said to them,
"You brood of vipers (i.e., snakes)! Who warned you to
flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit that befits
repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We
have Abraham as our father'; for I tell you, God is able
from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even
now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree
therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and
thrown into the fire" (Matthew 3:7-10).
John the Baptizer declared that he was
baptizing with water for repentance (turning from sin and
returning to obedience to God's covenant). John's mission
was to prepare the people for the coming of Messiah
["Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word
meaning God's "anointed" (eternal king)], who would
baptize those thus prepared, with the Holy Spirit and with
fire (fulfilled on Pentecost; see Acts Chapter 2).
Using the imagery of harvest threshing,
John declared that Jesus would judge the world and would
separate the righteous from the unrighteous. The righteous
(those who had repented, receive Jesus as their Lord, who
obey him, and have been "baptized" with the Holy Spirit -
i.e., truly "born-again" Christian disciples) will receive
eternal life in the kingdom of God in Heaven with Jesus;
the unrighteous (those who reject Jesus as their Lord and
refuse to obey him, he will burn, like chaff, with
unquenchable (and eternal) fire (in Hell) (John 5:28-29;
Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).
Commentary:
God had delivered the Israelites from
bondage to sin and death in Egypt. The people had
experienced their deliverance by the hand of God. God
promised them that if they would enter into a covenant
with God to trust and obey God, God would make them his
own people (members of his family), a kingdom of priests,
and a holy nation. The people agreed. God promised to
reveal himself to them and allow them to hear his voice,
so that their faith would be increased and strengthened.
God made it clear that sin and disobedience was not to be
tolerated within his people. He set boundaries that were
not to be trespassed.
This experience of Israel before the
mountain of God is, in addition to a historical account,
also a parable and a prophecy. It is a picture of what God
has done, through Jesus Christ, to deliver us from the
dominion of sin and death. We also enter into a covenant
with God, in our Baptism, to trust and obey God in Jesus
Christ.
The Risen Jesus was manifested to his
disciples on the third day after his crucifixion. With his
resurrection comes the validation of his claim to be the
Messiah, God in human flesh (see Matthew 1:23; Colossians
2:8-9; John 20:27-28); his resurrection is his
manifestation to believers corresponding to God's
self-revelation to Israel at Mt. Sinai.
The pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus
13:21) which led the Israelites in the wilderness, and the
Cloud which descended on Mt. Sinai correspond to the gift
of the Holy Spirit, which is given to Jesus' disciples,
those who are truly "born-again" Christians, which
manifests God's presence (John 14:21), leads us, through
whom God speaks to us, and increases and strengthens our
faith.
Paul's message to the Colossian Christians was that faith is a process of discipleship and spiritual growth. Christians need to hold on to sound scriptural teaching of spirit-filled disciples. Christians need to read the entire Bible for themselves, so that they will be able to discern what is sound teaching and what is false doctrine. Christians are to seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which is given to disciples who obey God's Word (John 14:21; Isaiah 42:5e). They are to be "fruitful" for the kingdom of God, which is only possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
John the Baptizer's message to the Pharisees and Sadducees (representing major "denominations" of Judaism at the time of Jesus) was to demonstrate the sincerity of their repentance by their behavior; to put into practice what they professed. Membership in the nation of Israel did not automatically make them God's children. They were saved from condemnation and adopted as God's children as they turned from sin to trust and obedience to God, received Jesus Christ as Lord, and came into a personal saving relationship with Jesus through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
How are we doing? Would we tolerate and heed the preaching of John the Baptizer today? Do we think we are Christians because we're members of the Church? Do we think that if we go to Church for an hour on Sunday that we can live the rest of the week any way we please? Do we think we can be Christians without being disciples; without knowing God's Word through the entire and regular reading of the Bible for ourselves? Do we think we have received the fulness of the Holy Spirit simply because we've been sprinkled or immersed in water, without discipleship or obedience to God's Word? Have we truly experienced the Risen Jesus? Do we know for certain where we will spend eternity(1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Paul's message to the Colossian Christians was that faith is a process of discipleship and spiritual growth. Christians need to hold on to sound scriptural teaching of spirit-filled disciples. Christians need to read the entire Bible for themselves, so that they will be able to discern what is sound teaching and what is false doctrine. Christians are to seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which is given to disciples who obey God's Word (John 14:21; Isaiah 42:5e). They are to be "fruitful" for the kingdom of God, which is only possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
John the Baptizer's message to the Pharisees and Sadducees (representing major "denominations" of Judaism at the time of Jesus) was to demonstrate the sincerity of their repentance by their behavior; to put into practice what they professed. Membership in the nation of Israel did not automatically make them God's children. They were saved from condemnation and adopted as God's children as they turned from sin to trust and obedience to God, received Jesus Christ as Lord, and came into a personal saving relationship with Jesus through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
How are we doing? Would we tolerate and heed the preaching of John the Baptizer today? Do we think we are Christians because we're members of the Church? Do we think that if we go to Church for an hour on Sunday that we can live the rest of the week any way we please? Do we think we can be Christians without being disciples; without knowing God's Word through the entire and regular reading of the Bible for ourselves? Do we think we have received the fulness of the Holy Spirit simply because we've been sprinkled or immersed in water, without discipleship or obedience to God's Word? Have we truly experienced the Risen Jesus? Do we know for certain where we will spend eternity(1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Wednesday 3 Easter - Even
First Posted 04/27/04;
Podcast: Wednesday 3 Easter - Even
Exodus 19:16-25 - The Lord descends upon Mt Sinai;
Colossians 1:15-23 - Christ, the image of God;
Matthew 3:13-17 - The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus;
Matthew 3:13-17 - The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus;
Exodus Summary:
God had promised to make Israel his children, provided that they obeyed his Word. The people had accepted the covenant God had offered. God had told them he would manifest himself to them after two days, and that they were to prepare for his appearing by ritually cleansing themselves. On the third day Mount Sinai was covered with a thick cloud, with thunder and lightning, and there was a long, loud trumpet blast, causing the Israelites to tremble with fear.
God had promised to make Israel his children, provided that they obeyed his Word. The people had accepted the covenant God had offered. God had told them he would manifest himself to them after two days, and that they were to prepare for his appearing by ritually cleansing themselves. On the third day Mount Sinai was covered with a thick cloud, with thunder and lightning, and there was a long, loud trumpet blast, causing the Israelites to tremble with fear.
Moses had the people assemble before
the mountain. Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the
Lord descended upon it in fire; the mountain quaked. The
trumpet sounded louder and louder, and God spoke to Moses
in thunder. The Lord called Moses to the top of the
mountain and Moses went. The Lord warned Moses not to
allow the people to touch the border of the foot of the
mountain, on penalty of destruction. The priests were to
purify themselves before approaching, but only Moses and
Aaron were allowed on the mountain itself. Moses went down
to tell the people and to bring Aaron up.
Colossians Summary:
Christ is the image of God, who is
invisible. Christ is the first-born of creation. All the
universe was created through Christ and for Christ. Christ
is above all things, and not only created but sustains the
universe. He is the source of all things; the first of
human flesh to be raised to eternal life from the dead. He
is preeminent in everything. The fulness of God dwelt
bodily in Jesus; God reconciled all things to himself and
made peace through the Blood of Jesus, shed on the Cross
as a sacrificial offering for sin.
All of us were separated from God by
our sins, but have now been reconciled to God through
Jesus' physical death, so that we might be accepted as
holy, irreproachable and blameless, provided that we hold
fast to faith, not wavering from the hope of the Gospel
which has been proclaimed to everyone on Earth (see God's
plan of Salvation; sidebar, top, right, home).
Matthew Summary:
Jesus acknowledged John the Baptizer's
commission from God and personally responded to John's
call to obedience to God's will. The Spirit of God
descended on Jesus as he came up from the waters of
baptism, confirming Jesus' mission (both to Jesus and to
John; see John 1:32-34). A voice from heaven said, "This
is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew
3:17).
Commentary:
God delivered his people from bondage
to sin and death in Egypt. He showed them his salvation,
and promised to make them members of his household (to
adopt them as his children), and to give them eternal
fellowship with God in the Promised Land, if the people
would covenant to obey God's Word. They agreed, and God
manifested himself to them to increase and strengthen
their faith in Him. This is a picture of what God has done
for us in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the manifestation of the invisible God. Jesus is God in human flesh (Matthew 1:23; Colossians 2:8-9; John 20:28). Jesus is God's only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). God has shown us our salvation in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the manifestation of the invisible God. Jesus is God in human flesh (Matthew 1:23; Colossians 2:8-9; John 20:28). Jesus is God's only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). God has shown us our salvation in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
God promises to adopt us a his children
and give us eternal fellowship with him in the Promised
Land of Heaven, provided that we trust and obey Jesus.
Only through the blood of Jesus Christ, shed for us on the
Cross as a sacrifice for our sins, are we cleansed and
made holy, irreproachable and blameless before God. Only
by the blood of Jesus are we able to stand in the presence
of our holy God.
Jesus alone was perfect and blameless, but even he was willing to humble himself and respond to John the Baptizer's call to commit ourselves in obedience to God's Word. As Jesus committed himself to obey God, God descended upon him and manifested himself to Jesus, to John the Baptizer, and to all who were willing to see.
As believers commit to trust and obey Jesus, the Holy Spirit of God will descend upon us and increase and strengthen our faith. Jesus has promised that he will manifest himself to those who keep his commandments (John 14:21) and that he will send the promised Holy Spirit to his disciples who wait for the promise (Luke 24:49).
Jesus alone was perfect and blameless, but even he was willing to humble himself and respond to John the Baptizer's call to commit ourselves in obedience to God's Word. As Jesus committed himself to obey God, God descended upon him and manifested himself to Jesus, to John the Baptizer, and to all who were willing to see.
As believers commit to trust and obey Jesus, the Holy Spirit of God will descend upon us and increase and strengthen our faith. Jesus has promised that he will manifest himself to those who keep his commandments (John 14:21) and that he will send the promised Holy Spirit to his disciples who wait for the promise (Luke 24:49).
Have we experienced the Risen Jesus?
Have we seen God in Jesus Christ? Have we acknowledged
Jesus as our Lord and our God? Have we committed our lives
to obedience to God's Word in Jesus Christ? Have we
experienced God's Holy Spirit descending upon us, and
confirming our call in Jesus Christ? Have we heard God's
voice through his indwelling Holy Spirit?
Thursday 3 Easter - Even
First Posted 04/28/04;
Podcast: Thursday 3 Easter - Even
Exodus 20:1-21 - The Ten Commandments
Colossians 1:24-2:7 - Live in Christ;
Matthew 4:1-11 - Tempted in the wilderness;
Matthew 4:1-11 - Tempted in the wilderness;
Exodus Summary:
The Lord had promised to adopt the Israelites as his children if they would obey his commandments. The people accepted the covenant with God and God descended on Mount Sinai to manifest himself to the people and to give Moses the commandments on which the covenant was based. The Lord is the God who brought Israel out of bondage in Egypt. He commands that there shall be no other gods before him. We are not to make images of anything on earth or in heaven and worship them; God will tolerate no rivals for devotion which rightly belongs only to him. The Lord punishes iniquity to the third and fourth generation, but shows steadfast love to those who love him and keep his commandments.
The Lord had promised to adopt the Israelites as his children if they would obey his commandments. The people accepted the covenant with God and God descended on Mount Sinai to manifest himself to the people and to give Moses the commandments on which the covenant was based. The Lord is the God who brought Israel out of bondage in Egypt. He commands that there shall be no other gods before him. We are not to make images of anything on earth or in heaven and worship them; God will tolerate no rivals for devotion which rightly belongs only to him. The Lord punishes iniquity to the third and fourth generation, but shows steadfast love to those who love him and keep his commandments.
We are not to use God’s name in vain;
God will hold us accountable for the careless, irreverent
use of his name. We are to keep the Sabbath holy, set
apart for worship and rest. No one within our households
is to work on the Sabbath. The Lord made all creation in
six days, and rested on the seventh; therefore God blessed
and hallowed the Sabbath. We are to honor our fathers and
mothers, so that we may live long in the land which the
Lord gives us. We shall not kill, commit adultery, steal,
bear false witness, or covet anything which is our
neighbor’s.
When the people saw the smoke, thunder
and lightning, and heard the loud trumpet they were afraid
and stood far off. They asked that God not speak to them
directly, for fear that they might die, but that Moses
relay to them what God had said. Moses told them not to
fear; that God had revealed himself to them so that they
might believe and fear (have awe and respect for the power
and authority of) God and might not sin.
Colossians Summary:
Paul rejoiced that his suffering was
completing the suffering of Christ on behalf of Christ’s
body, the Church. Paul’s ministry was by divine
commission, for the benefit of the Colossians, to make
God’s Word fully known. The mysteries of God which have
been hidden for ages have now been revealed to his saints.
God graciously extended to the Gentiles the rich benefits
of the mystery, which is the hope of dwelling eternally in
God’s presence through Christ’s Holy Spirit dwelling
within us.
Paul’s ministry was to proclaim Christ,
warning and teaching everyone, so that all might grow to
Christian maturity. Paul strove for that goal with all
energy God inspired in Paul. Paul pursued that goal even
for those he did not know personally, so that all might be
encouraged and united in love, having confident
understanding and knowledge of the mystery of Christ, who
is the source of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We
are not to allow ourselves to be led astray by beguiling
speech.
Although physically separated from
them, Paul was spiritually connected to them and rejoiced
in their orderliness and their firmness of faith. Paul
exhorted all believers to hold firmly to Jesus Christ,
rooted firmly, established and growing in faith, and
abounding with thanksgiving, just as the Gospel was
faithfully and accurately taught and transmitted to us.
Matthew Summary:
After his baptism by John the Baptizer,
Jesus was led into the wilderness, and he fasted for forty
days and forty nights. At the end of the fast, Jesus was
hungry, and Satan tempted him, saying that if Jesus was
truly the Son of God, he could command stones to become
loaves of bread. Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy
8:3b: “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word
which proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.”
Satan
took Jesus to the roof of the Temple in Jerusalem, and
said that if Jesus was the Son of God, to throw himself
down. Satan quoted Psalm 91:11-12 to Jesus: “He will give
his angels charge of you… On their hands they will bear
you up lest you strike your foot against a stone.” Jesus
again replied with scripture, “You shall not tempt the
Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:16) Then Satan took Jesus to
the top of a mountain and showed him all the glory of the
kingdoms of the world, and offered them to Jesus if he
would worship Satan. Jesus replied with scripture, quoting
Deuteronomy 6:13: “You shall worship the Lord and him only
shall you serve.” “Then the devil left him, and behold,
angels came and ministered to him” (Matthew 4:11).
God showed the Israelites his salvation before he asked them to covenant with him. God demonstrated his goodness and faithfulness to them. God offered them his limitless favor in return for their faith and obedience. When they accepted his covenant he revealed himself to them at Mount Sinai, not to frighten them, but to give them the strength of faith and the proper awe of God so that they would be able to keep the conditions of the covenant into which they were entering.
God showed the Israelites his salvation before he asked them to covenant with him. God demonstrated his goodness and faithfulness to them. God offered them his limitless favor in return for their faith and obedience. When they accepted his covenant he revealed himself to them at Mount Sinai, not to frighten them, but to give them the strength of faith and the proper awe of God so that they would be able to keep the conditions of the covenant into which they were entering.
God gave
us the Ten Commandments (and all the scriptures), not to
oppress us, but for our welfare, so that we could resist
temptation and could receive the promise of God’s favor,
and so that we could live in love and harmony with one
another. Moses became the mediator of the covenant between
God and his people.
God has revealed the mystery of his plan of salvation to us in the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. God so loved us that he left heaven and came to us in human flesh as an infant. He went to the Cross to die as a sacrifice for our sins, so that we wouldn’t have to die eternally for them ourselves (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8). God has promised that if we will trust and obey Jesus, we will receive God’s limitless favor and live eternally with him in the kingdom of Heaven.
God has revealed the mystery of his plan of salvation to us in the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. God so loved us that he left heaven and came to us in human flesh as an infant. He went to the Cross to die as a sacrifice for our sins, so that we wouldn’t have to die eternally for them ourselves (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8). God has promised that if we will trust and obey Jesus, we will receive God’s limitless favor and live eternally with him in the kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus suffered death on the Cross to
provide for our salvation. His suffering work for our
salvation was completed on the Cross, but we enter into
his ministry of salvation by proclaiming the Gospel
faithfully and accurately. Faith is a discipleship
process.
Paul is the prototype of modern,
post-Resurrection "born-again" (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples.
He didn’t know Jesus until after Jesus’ Resurrection and
ascension. He was converted on the road to Damascus in an
encounter with the Spirit of the risen Jesus (Acts Chapter
9). Paul accepted Jesus as his Lord and was filled with
the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). His ministry was led and
commissioned by the Holy Spirit. He discipled the
Colossians (and others; Colossians 1:24-28). Paul’s goal
was to make disciples, teaching them the Gospel fully and
accurately (Matthew 28:18-20), and guiding them to grow to
spiritual maturity (Colossians 1:28 RSV). Christians are
to live every day according to Jesus’ teachings.
Jesus is our example. Can you imagine Satan tempting the Son of God by quoting God’s Word? Satan knows God’s Word and can use it against us. God gave us his Word for our benefit. It’s not physical bread, but rather the Word of God that gives us life (now and eternally; Matthew 4:4). We need to know God’s Word well enough to resist temptation. If we know God’s Word we can use it to defend against and resist temptation. If we resist Satan, he will flee from us (James 4:7). How can we consider ourselves Christians if we have not at least read the entire Bible, and if we don’t read the Bible daily?
Jesus is our example. Can you imagine Satan tempting the Son of God by quoting God’s Word? Satan knows God’s Word and can use it against us. God gave us his Word for our benefit. It’s not physical bread, but rather the Word of God that gives us life (now and eternally; Matthew 4:4). We need to know God’s Word well enough to resist temptation. If we know God’s Word we can use it to defend against and resist temptation. If we resist Satan, he will flee from us (James 4:7). How can we consider ourselves Christians if we have not at least read the entire Bible, and if we don’t read the Bible daily?
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)?
First Posted 04/29/04;
Podcast: Friday 3 Easter - Even
Exodus 24:1-18 - Ratifying the Covenant;
Colossians 2:8-23 - Warning against false teaching;
Matthew 4:12-17 - The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand;
Matthew 4:12-17 - The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand;
Exodus Summary:
The Lord told Moses to come up to meet with the Lord on the top of Mount Sinai, with Aaron and Aaron’s two oldest sons, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel. They had to keep at a distance, however; only Moses was allowed to come near to the Lord. Moses told the people what the Lord had said, and the people agreed to keep God’s Word. So Moses wrote God’s words in the book of the covenant.
The Lord told Moses to come up to meet with the Lord on the top of Mount Sinai, with Aaron and Aaron’s two oldest sons, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel. They had to keep at a distance, however; only Moses was allowed to come near to the Lord. Moses told the people what the Lord had said, and the people agreed to keep God’s Word. So Moses wrote God’s words in the book of the covenant.
Early in the morning Moses rose and
built an altar at the foot of the mountain, with twelve
pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. And Moses had
young men burn offerings and offer sacrifices to the Lord.
Moses took half the blood of the sacrifices and put it in
basins; half he threw on the altar and half he threw on
the people, declaring “Behold, the blood of the covenant…”
Then Moses read the book of the covenant in the hearing of
the people, and they agreed to do all that the Lord had
commanded.
Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and the
seventy elders went up the mountain and they saw the God
of Israel. Under the feet of God the pavement appeared to
be like sapphire, perfectly clear. The elders were not
harmed; they beheld God and partook of a sacramental meal.
God told Moses to come to the mountaintop and wait for the
Lord, and promised to give Moses God’s Laws for the
people’s instruction.
Moses went up with Joshua, leaving the
elders with Aaron and Hur (Moses’ brother-in-law) in
charge. Moses went up to the mountaintop, and the cloud
covered the mountain. The Lord called to Moses on the
seventh day, and the glory of the Lord was like a
devouring fire, visible to the Israelites. Moses entered
the cloud and was on the mountain for forty days and
nights.
Commentary:
Paul warned believers not to be led
astray by false doctrine. Jesus isn’t just “like” God; he
is God. Through Jesus, the sovereign Lord, we have
received eternal life. In him we are circumcised
spiritually (a sign of covenant relationship) symbolizing
the renouncing of our physical urges by our baptism in
Christ.
We also share in Christ’s resurrection
through faith in God who raised Jesus from the dead. We
who were as good as dead because of sin, God made alive
with Jesus, having forgiven our sins and having canceled
the indictment against us and the legal sentence it
demanded. God set all this aside; it was paid for at the
Cross.
The worldly rulers have been defeated
and humiliated by Christ’s victory on the Cross. So don’t
let anyone try to convince you that you’re not qualified
for salvation over the observance of some ritual or
holiday. Christ is of central importance; all these other
things are peripheral. So don’t let anyone trouble you
with insignificant details, based their own imagination
and delusion, and not founded solidly in the reality of
Jesus, who like the head in relation to the human body,
oversees the whole body, directing nutrition, growth and
direction in accordance with God’s will.
If we have died to worldly ways through
Christ’s crucifixion, why do we still act like we are
bound to live according to the world? Religious legalism
and asceticism (rigorous self-denial) have the appearance
of wisdom and devotion, but are really no help in
resisting temptations.
Mathew Summary:
After John the Baptizer had been
imprisoned, Jesus withdrew from Judea to Capernaum in
Galilee, thus fulfilling the scriptural prophecy of the
messiah’s activity in the region of Zebulun and Napthtali.
From that time, Jesus began to call for repentance,
asserting that the kingdom of God was imminent.
Commentary:
God gave his law to Moses, not to
repress and stifle his people, but so that they could
receive the blessings of favored relationship with God, as
well as peace and harmony with their brethren. Moses wrote
the Lord’s words down in the first five books of the
Bible, as a guide for the people in living in covenant
relationship with God.
The people covenanted with God to keep
God’s Word, and God promised to adopt them as his own
children. The covenant was sealed with blood. Moses and
the elders trusted and obeyed God, and they were not
harmed. God revealed himself to them and they partook of a
sacramental meal before the altar.
Christians enter into a covenant relationship with God through faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. Jesus’ blood seals the covenant. We participate in that blood sacramentally in Holy Communion (The Eucharist; the Lord’s Supper) the sacramental meal before the altar of God.
Christians enter into a covenant relationship with God through faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. Jesus’ blood seals the covenant. We participate in that blood sacramentally in Holy Communion (The Eucharist; the Lord’s Supper) the sacramental meal before the altar of God.
Circumcision was the outward physical
symbol of the Old Covenant of Law signifying the denial of
the desires of the flesh. The Christians’ circumcision is
inward rather than external; a matter of the heart rather
than the flesh. The New Covenant of grace (unmerited
favor) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ is
intended to produce obedience to God’s will out of love,
in response to what God has done for us in Jesus Christ,
rather than out of fear of the penalty of the law.
Christians are not bound and
restricted by the law; we are set free from the demands of
the law, not so that we can indulge in sin, but so that we
can serve the Lord with our hearts. Paul warned the
Colossians not to be led astray by false teachers.
Jesus’ message was a call to return to a covenant relationship with God, not to fulfill the requirements of law, but in joy and thanksgiving for his love and forgiveness. Jesus' ministry was the climax and the revealing of God’s plan of salvation, which had been promised but unseen for ages. Jesus' ministry announced the coming of God’s promised kingdom into the world both immediately and eternally.
God gave us the Bible to help us. It is in our best interest to live according to his Word. Unless we read, remember, and apply God’s Word in our lives we are vulnerable to all sorts of false teachers and false doctrines. We cannot live in covenant with God in Jesus and ignore God’s words in the Bible, the book of that covenant.
Jesus’ message was a call to return to a covenant relationship with God, not to fulfill the requirements of law, but in joy and thanksgiving for his love and forgiveness. Jesus' ministry was the climax and the revealing of God’s plan of salvation, which had been promised but unseen for ages. Jesus' ministry announced the coming of God’s promised kingdom into the world both immediately and eternally.
God gave us the Bible to help us. It is in our best interest to live according to his Word. Unless we read, remember, and apply God’s Word in our lives we are vulnerable to all sorts of false teachers and false doctrines. We cannot live in covenant with God in Jesus and ignore God’s words in the Bible, the book of that covenant.
First Posted 04/30/04;
Podcast: Saturday 3 Easter - Even
Exodus 25:1-22 The Ark of Testimony
Colossians 3:1-17 New life in Christ
Matthew 4:18-25 Jesus begins his ministry
The Lord asked Moses to take an offering for materials to build a tabernacle and its equipment. The tabernacle was the visible sign of God’s presence among the people. The ark of the testimony (covenant) was the central furniture. It was a chest about four feet long and two feet high and wide, designed to be portable.
Matthew 4:18-25 Jesus begins his ministry
The Lord asked Moses to take an offering for materials to build a tabernacle and its equipment. The tabernacle was the visible sign of God’s presence among the people. The ark of the testimony (covenant) was the central furniture. It was a chest about four feet long and two feet high and wide, designed to be portable.
The
principle contents of the ark were the stone tables of the
law. A pair of golden cherubim was placed at each end
facing inward. Their wings spread over the mercy seat on
the top of the ark, which was regarded as the footstool of
God’s throne, and the wings of the cherubim the throne
itself. From between the two cherubim above the mercy seat
God promised to meet and speak with Moses regarding his
commandments for the people.
If we have shared in Christ’s Resurrection through faith we should seek the things that are of heaven, where Christ is enthroned at the right hand of God. We should consider ourselves dead, and our lives hidden with Christ, as far as earthly things are concerned. Our life is in Christ; when he appears, we will also appear with him in glory. We must put to death the earthly ways of our former life; immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, covetousness, which is idolatry. God’s wrath is coming upon those who do such things. Cease anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk, and lying. Like clothing, take off the old worldly nature, and put on the new nature which is becoming more like our Creator as we grow spiritually.
If we have shared in Christ’s Resurrection through faith we should seek the things that are of heaven, where Christ is enthroned at the right hand of God. We should consider ourselves dead, and our lives hidden with Christ, as far as earthly things are concerned. Our life is in Christ; when he appears, we will also appear with him in glory. We must put to death the earthly ways of our former life; immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, covetousness, which is idolatry. God’s wrath is coming upon those who do such things. Cease anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk, and lying. Like clothing, take off the old worldly nature, and put on the new nature which is becoming more like our Creator as we grow spiritually.
We
are to be no longer divided because of prejudice and human
distinctions, but united in our common relationship to
Christ. We are therefore to re-clothe ourselves in the new
nature, with compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness,
patience, forbearing and forgiving one another as the Lord
has forgiven us.
Love
is the most important of the virtues of the new nature,
because it binds believers together in unity. God’s call
to us is to be united in one fellowship in Christ, so let
the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Let us remember to
be thankful for what the Lord has done for us. “Let the
word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and
admonish one another in all wisdom,” and as you worship
the Lord in thankfulness (Colossians 3:16). Do everything
in Jesus’ name, in thanksgiving to God through Jesus
Christ.
Jesus went out into his neighborhood and as he walked by the Sea of Galilee he met two brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew, fishing with a net. Jesus invited them to follow him and become “fishers of men.” They immediately abandoned their nets and went with Jesus. A little further on, Jesus saw two other brothers James and John, sons of Zebedee. They were fishermen, and they were in a boat on shore, mending their nets. Jesus invited them to follow him, and they immediately dropped what they were doing, left the boat and their father, and joined Jesus. Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the coming of the kingdom (of God), and healing every disease and disability among the people. His fame spread beyond Galilee to the region of Syria. From all the surrounding area, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics and all the sick were brought to Jesus and he healed them. Great crowds of people from a wide surrounding area followed Jesus.
The Lord made provision for the people to enter into fellowship and communion with him through Moses, based on the Old Covenant of Law. The Tabernacle and the Ark of Testimony opened up a way for the people, through Moses, to have access to God and to be guided by him. God was no longer far off on the mountaintop, but present with his people wherever they went. The design of the Tabernacle is an earthly replica of God’s heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 8:5). God designed the Tabernacle and the Ark of Testimony for the benefit of his people, and he did not order a universal tax to provide the materials, but asked for a free-will offering.
Through Jesus’ Resurrection God has given us direct access to him through his Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We become the Tabernacle of God individually and collectively, and God speaks to us and leads us by his Spirit on the throne of our hearts. Jesus is our mediator who makes it possible to enter into fellowship with God. The Lord doesn’t force us to co-operate with his plan; it’s our choice. Are we willing to give up worldly things in order to gain eternal fellowship with God in the kingdom of heaven? Are we willing to conform to the “dress code” (the new nature in Christ; Colossians 3:8-10, 12-17) of the new kingdom?
Jesus is God’s plan to provide access to God; this is the New Covenant of grace (unmerited favor) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus. Jesus came to live among us on this earth; to reveal God’s nature to us and to open up the possibility of God dwelling within us individually through his Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit God speaks to us and leads us. Jesus invites us to follow him in discipleship. Jesus discipled his followers during the three years of his earthly ministry; He promised that God would send the Holy Spirit to dwell within those who kept his commandments (John 14:15-17); he instructed his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49), after which he commanded them to go into all the world and make disciples, teaching them to obey all that Jesus had taught (Matthew 28:18-20).
Jesus went out into his neighborhood and as he walked by the Sea of Galilee he met two brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew, fishing with a net. Jesus invited them to follow him and become “fishers of men.” They immediately abandoned their nets and went with Jesus. A little further on, Jesus saw two other brothers James and John, sons of Zebedee. They were fishermen, and they were in a boat on shore, mending their nets. Jesus invited them to follow him, and they immediately dropped what they were doing, left the boat and their father, and joined Jesus. Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the coming of the kingdom (of God), and healing every disease and disability among the people. His fame spread beyond Galilee to the region of Syria. From all the surrounding area, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics and all the sick were brought to Jesus and he healed them. Great crowds of people from a wide surrounding area followed Jesus.
The Lord made provision for the people to enter into fellowship and communion with him through Moses, based on the Old Covenant of Law. The Tabernacle and the Ark of Testimony opened up a way for the people, through Moses, to have access to God and to be guided by him. God was no longer far off on the mountaintop, but present with his people wherever they went. The design of the Tabernacle is an earthly replica of God’s heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 8:5). God designed the Tabernacle and the Ark of Testimony for the benefit of his people, and he did not order a universal tax to provide the materials, but asked for a free-will offering.
Through Jesus’ Resurrection God has given us direct access to him through his Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We become the Tabernacle of God individually and collectively, and God speaks to us and leads us by his Spirit on the throne of our hearts. Jesus is our mediator who makes it possible to enter into fellowship with God. The Lord doesn’t force us to co-operate with his plan; it’s our choice. Are we willing to give up worldly things in order to gain eternal fellowship with God in the kingdom of heaven? Are we willing to conform to the “dress code” (the new nature in Christ; Colossians 3:8-10, 12-17) of the new kingdom?
Jesus is God’s plan to provide access to God; this is the New Covenant of grace (unmerited favor) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus. Jesus came to live among us on this earth; to reveal God’s nature to us and to open up the possibility of God dwelling within us individually through his Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit God speaks to us and leads us. Jesus invites us to follow him in discipleship. Jesus discipled his followers during the three years of his earthly ministry; He promised that God would send the Holy Spirit to dwell within those who kept his commandments (John 14:15-17); he instructed his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49), after which he commanded them to go into all the world and make disciples, teaching them to obey all that Jesus had taught (Matthew 28:18-20).
Are we willing to leave worldly things
behind in order to have personal fellowship with our
Creator, Sustainer, Healer and Lord? Are we willing to
comply with God’s requirements in order to have
eternal life in fellowship with him? Have we met
Jesus? Have we answered his call to be his disciple?
Are we trusting and obeying Jesus? Have we received
his Holy Spirit since we first believed (Acts 19:2
KJV)? Do we have a personal relationship with Jesus?
Are we growing in spiritual maturity? Are we making
disciples by the direction and empowerment of the Holy
Spirit?
