Week of 16 Pentecost - Even - 09/28 - 10/04/2014

Week of 16 Pentecost - Even

This Bible Study was originally published at:

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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.

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Podcast Download: Week of 16 Pentecost - Even 
Sunday 16 Pentecost - Even 
First posted 09/18/04;
Podcast: Sunday 16 Pentecost - Even

Job 11:1-9, 13-20  -  Zophar accuses Job;
Revelation 5:1-14  -  Worthy is the Lamb;
Matthew 5:1-12  - The Beatitudes;

Job Paraphrase:

Zophar, the Naamathite (probably from Naamah in Arabia) one of Job’s three friends, rebuked Job for complaining and accused him of wrongdoing. Zophar suggested that Job had claimed to be pure in doctrine and clean in God’s eyes, but that God would have a different judgment. Zophar told Job that God had exacted less punishment than Job’s guilt deserves. Zophar points out mankind’s limitations compared to God’s infinite faculties. Can man find out the deep things of God? Can one find the boundaries of the Almighty? They are beyond man’s comprehension.

Revelation Paraphrase:

John,  the Apostle, described a vision, which he received from Jesus Christ through an angel (Revelation 1:1), of God on his throne in Heaven. In his right hand God held a scroll sealed with seven seals. In a loud voice, a strong angel asked who was worthy to break the seals of the scroll and open it. No one in heaven or earth was found to be worthy to open the seals and look into the scroll. John was very sad that no one was found to be worthy. Then one of the twenty-four elders (probably representing the twelve Old Testament Patriarchs and the Twelve Apostles of the New Testament), comforted John and declared that the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:9-10), the Root of David (Isaiah 11:1,10; i.e., the Messiah; Jesus Christ) had conquered, so he is able to open the scrolls and its seven seals.

Between the throne of God and the four living creatures (perhaps representing mankind and all creatures) and among the elders, John saw a Lamb (Jesus Christ) who appeared to have been slain. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes (representing unlimited power and insight; "seven" represents completeness; infinity) and the seven spirits of God (representing the infinite power and presence of God’s Spirit). The Lamb took the scroll from the right hand of God.

Then the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and a golden bowl of incense, representing the prayers of the saints. They sang a new song, saying that the Lamb is worthy to take the scroll and open its seals because he was slain and by his blood people of every tribe, language, race and nation were ransomed for God, to become a kingdom and priests to God and to reign upon the earth.

Then John saw that this group at the throne of God was surrounded by an innumerably large group of angels saying in a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to received power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:12; note the sevenfold praise). Every creature in heaven and earth and under the earth (those who have died) and in the sea, praised God and the Lamb as equally worthy of eternal praise, honor, glory and power. The four living creatures said Amen (meaning “let it be so”)! And the elders bowed down and worshiped God and the Lamb.

Matthew Background:

The Beatitudes are the beginning of what is referred to as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:27), which is a synopsis of Jesus’ teaching. It is Jesus’ announcement of the coming Kingdom of God which he came to accomplish. It is addressed to Jesus’ disciples. The Beatitudes proclaim God’s favor to those who are committed to living within God’s reign.

Matthew Paraphrase:

Blessed are those who recognize their spiritual “neediness;” God’s eternal kingdom is open to them. The Lord will comfort and strengthen those who mourn (Isaiah 61:1-2). The meek will inherit the earth (Psalm 37:11). Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied (Isaiah 55:1-2; John 4:14; 6:48-51). The merciful will obtain mercy (Matthew 6:12).

Those who are “pure in heart” (sincere; not divided in their loyalties) will see God. Those who earnestly work to make peace will be called sons of God. Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake will enter the kingdom of Heaven. Those who are hated and persecuted for Jesus’ sake are blessed. Those who proclaim Jesus can expect persecution; the world has always persecuted those who proclaim God’s Word. Those persecuted for Jesus’ sake can rejoice that they will receive great reward in Heaven.

Commentary:

No one can claim to be blameless in God’s judgment, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). What we deserve is eternal death, but God loves us and doesn’t want us to perish eternally (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Jesus is God’s only provision for our forgiveness and salvation Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). We need to recognize and acknowledge our human limitations and God’s infinite powers. God has plans which only he knows.

God has a plan for eternity. It is sealed (unalterable) and known only by God. Only Jesus Christ, the Messianic King, can carry out that plan. Jesus is the Passover Lamb who was sacrificed (on the cross), whose blood marks the people of God so that the Destroyer will pass over them and they will not be eternally destroyed (Exodus 12:13). No one can enter that eternal kingdom except through Jesus Christ.

Jesus is worshiped as equal with God in majesty and infinite power (Revelation 5:6, 13) and in identity with the Spirit (Revelation 5:6; i.e., the Trinity). The call to be a kingdom and priests, originally given to Israel (Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6) has been transferred to the Church (1 Peter 2:9; the Church is the New Israel; the kingdom of God; God’s people).

God’s kingdom is coming whether we want it or not. Jesus is Lord, whether we acknowledge him or not. The plan for God’s eternal kingdom was accomplished at Jesus’ crucifixion. God won’t force anyone to live in his eternal kingdom, but he promises that those who choose to accept Jesus as their Lord will be blessed eternally.

The other side of the blessing is the warning. Woe to those who those who do not realize their spiritual poverty. Woe to those who do not mourn now. Woe to those who are not meek; who do not long for righteousness; who are not merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers; and who are unwilling to bear persecution for the name of Jesus (compare Luke 6:20-26).

There is a Day of Judgment coming, when all who have ever lived will be accountable to God for what they have done in life. Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will receive eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven; those who have rejected Jesus and have refused to obey Jesus will receive eternal death and destruction in Hell with Satan and all evil. (John 5:28-28; Matthew 25:31-46)

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Monday 16 Pentecost - Even 
First posted 09/19/04;
Podcast: Monday 16 Pentecost - Even

Job 12:1-6, 13-25  -  Job affirms God’s Omnipotence;
Acts 11:19-30  -  Mission to the Greeks;
John 8:21-32  -  The Truth Will Make You Free;

Job Paraphrase:

Job rebukes his friends for presuming that they are wiser than Job because he is suffering and they aren’t. Job, a righteous and blameless person who claimed a personal relationship with God, had become an object of ridicule because of his troubles. Job points out that it is easy for the comfortable to look with contempt on the unfortunate. Job notes that often it is the godless and unrighteous who seem to have peace and comfort. God’s wisdom and power are superior to ours. Man cannot hope to prevail over God. God is not impressed with human status or accomplishment. 

Acts Paraphrase:

After the stoning of Stephen, believers were scattered from Judea into the surrounding area. Some traveled as far as Phoenicia (on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, Lebanon and northern Israel), Cyprus (the island off the coast of Syria), and Antioch (in Syria). The believers generally sought out Jewish exiles and shared the Gospel only with Jews, but some converts from Cyprus and Cyrene (in modern Libya in North Africa) shared the Gospel of Jesus with Gentiles also, and there were a great number of Gentile converts.

This news reached Jerusalem and the Church sent Barnabas [an apostle originally from Cyprus who had advocated for Paul (Saul of Tarsus) at Jerusalem after Paul’s conversion; Acts 9:26-27] to Antioch. Barnabas was a good man “full of the Holy Spirit” and he rejoiced at the new Gentile believers and “exhorted them to remain faithful to the Lord” (Acts 11:23 RSV). Since there was a large company of new believers Barnabas went to Tarsus and brought Paul back to Antioch, where for a whole year they taught (“discipled”) the new believers. It was at Antioch at this time where Jesus' disciples were first called “Christians.”

A prophet named Agabus came from Jerusalem to Antioch and foretold by the Holy Spirit that there would be a worldwide famine, and this took place (probably in A.D. 46*), as foretold, in the days of Claudius (the fourth Roman emperor, who succeeded Caligula in A.D. 41*, and died in A.D. 54*). The disciples took an offering for the Christians who lived in Judea, sending it to the elders (in Jerusalem) carried by Barnabas and Saul (Paul).

John Paraphrase:

Jesus had gone to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Tabernacles. As he taught in the Temple, Jesus said to the Pharisees that he would go away and that they would seek him and die in their sins. The Jews wondered if Jesus intended to kill himself, since he had said that where he was going they could not come.

Jesus told them that they are from below, but Jesus is from above; they are of this world, but Jesus is not of this world. Jesus had told them that they would die in their sins because that is what would happen to them unless they believed “that I am he” (John 8:24). They said, “Who are you” (John 8:25). Jesus replied that he was who he had told them he was from the beginning.

Jesus told them he had much to say about them and much to judge, but the One (God the Father) who had sent him is true, and that Jesus declares to the world what he heard from him, but they did not understand that he spoke of the Father. Jesus told them that, when they had lifted up the Son of man, then they would know that Jesus is he and that Jesus did nothing on his own authority, but according to all that the Father taught him. Jesus declared that the Father was with him and had not forsaken him because Jesus was completely obedient to the Father.

Many believed what Jesus said. Jesus told the Jews who had believed in him that if they continued in (obedience to) Jesus’ word, that they would truly be Jesus’ disciples and that they would know the truth and the truth would make them free. 

Commentary:

The world equates success with righteousness and God’s favor. Job’s friends deduced from Job’s suffering that he must have deserved it. Job points out the error of this reasoning. Those who claim a relationship with God are persecuted while the godless and unrighteous seem to have peace and comfort.

Jesus told his disciples that they would have persecution, because the world has always persecuted those who proclaim God’s Word (Matthew 5:10-12; see entry for yesterday, Sunday, 16 Pentecost, even year.) God’s plan was designed with persecution taken into account. The persecution which arose with the stoning of Stephen didn’t hinder the spread of the Gospel; it promoted and encouraged it. The disciples were scattered to the outlying areas, and the Gospel was proclaimed to Gentiles rather than only to Jews.

Barnabas is an example of a true Christian, who welcomed a new convert even though the convert wasn’t an “insider” and had a questionable reputation. That convert was Paul (Saul) who became one of the greatest evangelists of all time to the Gentiles, and the prototype and example of the "post-Resurrection," “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian.

The Christians at Antioch cared for and contributed according to their means to provide relief for the unfortunate. Christians are not called to be comfortable or successful; they’re called to be faithful disciples (Acts 11:23 RSV). Note that Christians are by definition disciples of Jesus Christ. Disciples are not just a special category of “super-Christian.” One cannot truly be a Christian without being a disciple.

Jesus warned the Pharisees that they would die eternally in unforgiven sin unless they believed that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus knew that would be their fate, because Jesus was physically present among them, and they were hearing him and seeing the miracles he was doing and they still hadn’t believed. After Jesus ascended into heaven they would continue to look for the coming Messiah but they would never find him, because they had failed to recognize him when he was present.

The Pharisees were so focused on worldly success and status that they could not see the spiritual significance of what Jesus was saying and doing. Spiritual success is achieved by obedience to Jesus. One cannot be a disciple of Jesus and not do what he commands.

How are we doing? Are we willing to risk discomfort for Jesus, or are we seeking to be comfortable and successful by worldly standards. Are we willing to take the Gospel into the world, or do we prefer to stay within the Church where we are comfortable? Do we look with contempt on the “unsuccessful” and unfortunate?

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Do you know Jesus? Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

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*The Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, Acts 11:28n, p. 1333, New York, Oxford University Press, 1962.

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Tuesday 16 Pentecost - Even 
First posted 09/20/04;
Podcast: Tuesday 16 Pentecost - Even 

Job 12:1; 13:3-17. 21-27   -  Job’s despair;

Acts 12:1-17  -  Herod Agrippa’s persecution;
John 8:33-47 -  Jesus is the truth;

Job Paraphrase:

Job longed to present his case to God. Job rebuked his friends, saying that they “whitewash with lies” and were worthless physicians. Job accused his friends of speaking falsely for God and showing partiality toward God. Job asked his friends to consider how they would fare in Job’s place. Is God as easily deceived as mankind? God will surely rebuke Job’s friends if they show partiality. They would surely be humbled in the majesty of God’s presence. Their answers are superficial and empty. Job saw no other recourse, and was ready to commit himself to risk coming before God to present his case.

Job hoped that because he was God-fearing that he might survive his encounter with God. Job asked God to reassure and calm Job’s fear of God, so that Job could approach God to present his case, and then to allow Job to speak. Job asked God to show him his sins and help him know his transgressions. Job felt that God was avoiding Job and considered Job his enemy. Job felt that he was perhaps being punished disproportionately for the sins of his youth. Job felt shackled and imprisoned. 

Acts Paraphrase:

Herod Agrippa, grandson of Herod the Great, was made king of Judea by Roman Emperor Claudius in A.D 41. Around this time Herod began persecuting Christians. He killed the Apostle James, John’s brother) with the sword. When Herod saw that this pleased the Jews, he had Peter arrested and imprisoned. This occurred during the feast of the Passover, and Herod intended to try Peter after the festival.

Peter was imprisoned under heavy guard. He was sleeping between two soldiers, he was bound with two chains, and there were sentries at the door guarding the prison. An angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. The angel awakened Peter and told him to get up quickly. Peter’s chains fell from his hands. The angel told him to dress and follow the angel.

Peter did as instructed, but did not realize that what was happening was real; he thought he was having a vision. They passed by both guards and came to the gate, which opened on it own accord. They left the prison and went down the street. At that point the angel disappeared.

Peter realized that this was not a vision and that he had been saved from Herod’s intentions by the angel of the Lord. Peter went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many believers were gathered and praying. Peter knocked and Rhoda, the maid, came to answer, but when she recognized Peter’s voice, in her joy she ran to tell the others, leaving Peter standing at the gate.

The others thought Rhoda was crazy; or that it must be Peter’s spirit, but Peter knocked again, and they opened and saw that it was him.  Peter motioned for them to be silent and then described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. Peter told them to pass the news to James [Son of Alphaeus; brother (or cousin) of Jesus] and the brethren. 

John Paraphrase:

Jesus had told the Jews who had believed in him that if they continued to trust and obey Jesus’ word they would be Jesus’ disciples and they would know the truth and the truth would make them free (John 8:31-32). They replied that they were descendents of Abraham and had never been in bondage to anyone. Jesus replied that everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. Slaves have no inheritance in the Master's estate, but the Son has the power to free the slaves (and make them sons and brothers).

Jesus knew that the Jews were physical descendants of Abraham, but they proved by their actions that they were not spiritual descendants of Abraham. They did not have the faith of Abraham, so they didn’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Jesus spoke God’s Word, but the unbelieving Jews acted according to the nature of their spiritual father, Satan, and sought to kill Jesus. They insisted that they were Abraham’s children, but Jesus pointed out that their actions denied that claim. They insisted that they were not born of fornication, and insisted that God was their Father. Jesus replied that if God was their Father they would love Jesus, because Jesus came from God and was sent by God.

Jesus told them that they couldn’t understand what Jesus was saying because they couldn’t bear to hear the truth. Jesus declared that they shared the nature of their spiritual father, Satan, and that their desire was to do Satan’s will. Satan is a murderer and in him there is no truth. Satan is “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). The unbelieving Jews had rejected Jesus for telling them the truth. Who can convict Jesus of sin? Anyone who believes in God recognizes and obeys God’s Word. The reason people do not recognize and obey God’s Word is because they do not believe God. 

Commentary:

Job recognized that his hope for truth, freedom and justice lay only in God. His friends meant well, but they could only offer worldly, human, superficial and empty answers. Only God could heal Job. Job was ready to risk coming to God to present his case. Job hoped that the fact that he believed in and reverenced God would save him from God’s wrath. Job gave up his insistence that he was blameless, and asked God to show him his faults. Job felt shackled and imprisoned by sin and despair.

Peter was imprisoned awaiting probable execution. It was the middle of the night, when the angel of the Lord came to Peter; the light of the Lord shone in the darkness of that cell. Peter’s chains fell from him; the doors were unlocked; the guards were powerless. The Lord had delivered Peter from prison and bondage and restored him to life.

Jesus told believers that if they continue to trust and obey his words they will know the truth, and the truth will set them free. The Jews insisted that they were descendants of Abraham and had never been in bondage, which was not true. They were forgetting their history of slavery in Egypt, and they did not acknowledge their present bondage to sin and death. They couldn’t understand Jesus’ words because they couldn’t bear to know the truth, and it is that truth alone which could set them free from bondage to sin and death.

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to God the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6). All 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 anyone to perish (John 3:16). Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; see God’s plan of salvation, sidebar, top right, home). We are all "prisoners of sin" awaiting eternal execution, until we turn to Jesus in trust and obedience.

It is Jesus who makes it possible to approach God without fear. If we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, Jesus will release us from all our sins and give us freedom and eternal life in him. It is Jesus who restores us to fellowship with God.

Are we willing to acknowledge our sinful nature? Are we willing to hear the truth, even if it makes us uncomfortable? Do we acknowledge that Jesus is the truth and that he alone can heal and restore us, or do we think we can find truth and help elsewhere? Do we think church membership makes us children of God?

Whose child are you? Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Wednesday 16 Pentecost - Even 
First posted 09/21/04;
Podcast: Wednesday 16 Pentecost - Even 

Job 12:1; 14:1-22  -   The frailty of mankind;
Acts 12:18-25 -   Herod’s death;
John 8:47-59   -  Whom do we glorify? 

Job Paraphrase:

Job said that human life is short and full of trouble. Like flowers, we fade; like shadows, we disappear. What is mankind that the Lord would hold him accountable? “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean” (Job 14:4)? Since man’s days are few and God has fixed limits man cannot pass, God should overlook man’s shortcomings and allow mankind to enjoy their brief lives. Job points out that there is hope for a tree that it may re-sprout even if cut back to the stump, but there is no hope for man beyond the grave (as far as Job knows).

Job asked, “If a man die, shall he live again” (Job 14:14)? Job said that, if so, he would wait patiently through all the days of his troubles, until his release would come. Job felt as if God was counting each of Job’s steps, but Job longed for a relationship with God where God would no longer keep account of Job’s sins. God would call and Job would answer. Job’s transgression would be sealed up in a bag and his iniquity would be covered. But mountains crumble and water wears away stone; since the most durable things wear away, what hope can mankind have? Life is a constant struggle, and in death there is only pain and mourning. 

Acts Paraphrase:

Herod Agrippa, grandson of Herod the Great was made king of Judea in A.D. 41 by Roman Emperor Claudius. Herod wanted to be popular with the Judeans. He had the Apostle James (brother of John) killed by the sword, and when he saw that this pleased the Jews he arrested Peter also (Acts 12:3; see entry for yesterday Tuesday, 16 Pentecost, even year). The angel of the Lord freed Peter from prison. When day came, Herod sent for Peter, and Peter wasn’t found in prison. This caused a great commotion; Herod interrogated the sentries and ordered them executed for allowing Peter’s escape. Herod went to Caesarea and dwelt there.

There was a feud between Herod and the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came to Herod in a large delegation and asked for a treaty, because they were dependent on Herod’s country for food. On an appointed day, Herod appeared before them on his throne and gave a speech. The people cheered Herod, saying that he spoke with the voice of a god and not of a man. Immediately Herod was stricken by an angel of the Lord, and he was eaten by worms and died.

The Word of God grew and multiplied. Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, [where they had delivered an offering for famine relief for the brethren of Judea (Acts 11:29)], bringing with them John Mark. 

John Paraphrase:

Jesus told unbelievers that the reason they do not recognize that Jesus is proclaiming God’s Word is because they have not committed themselves to trust and obey God. The Jewish religious authorities accused Jesus of being a Samaritan (a spiritual "mongrel;" racially and religiously mixed) possessed by a demon. Jesus replied that he did not have a demon, but that he honored God and they dishonored Jesus. Jesus didn’t seek his own glory; he trusted that God would vindicate him. Jesus told them that those who keep Jesus’ words will never die.

The Jews thought that Jesus’saying proved that he had a demon, because even Abraham had died. They asked Jesus who he claimed to be. Jesus replied that he didn’t seek glory; his Father, God, glorifies Jesus. Jesus told the Jews that they claimed to know God but that they did not, and that their claim was a lie. Jesus knows God and obeys God’s Word.

Jesus told them that Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus’ day. The Jews replied that Jesus couldn’t be more than fifty years old, so how could he have claimed to have seen Abraham? Jesus said, “…before Abraham was, I AM” (I AM is the name by which God identified himself to Moses; Exodus 3:14). At this they took up stones to kill Jesus, but he hid himself and left the temple. 

Commentary:

Without hope of eternal life, suffering in this life would be unbearable. If Job could look forward to life beyond the grave, he could endure his present suffering with patience and see death as his release from suffering. Job longed for a relationship with God in which he would not be constantly judged by God. He longed to have a relationship with God where his sins were forgiven and remembered no more.

Herod sought worldly popularity and success. He sought to please men instead of trying to please God. [He coerced his popularity among the people of Tyre and Sidon by controlling their food supply (Acts 12:20).] He first inherited power in A.D. 37, was appointed king of Judea in A.D. 41, and died in A.D. 44. He had achieved worldly popularity and success, but it was very brief. He died because he put his will ahead of God’s; he sought his own honor and glory instead of God’s.

The Jewish leaders were not seeking God’s glory; they were seeking their own glory and worldly status. They were so focused on worldly things that they couldn’t see the spiritual implications of what Jesus said. Jesus promised that those who obey Jesus’ words will not die eternally; he was not speaking about physical death.

Jesus kept telling them who he was, but they couldn’t accept what Jesus said. They claimed to know and believe God, but they didn’t recognize and believe Jesus, the Son of God, in whom the whole fullness of God dwelt bodily (Colossians 2:8-9). Jesus didn’t seek his own glory or worldly success; instead he trusted and obeyed God and left his glory and success in God’s hands, and God has glorified Jesus above every name in heaven and earth (Philippians 2:8-11).

Jesus is God’s gift to us, through whom we are forgiven all our sins and restored to fellowship with God. Our sins will be forgiven and forgotten (Hebrews 8:12). Through Jesus, God can make an unclean thing clean and give us eternal life. Through the Holy Spirit of Christ we can hear God call and can be obedient to that call.

We can choose whether we will spend our earthly lives honoring and glorifying the Lord or ourselves. If we choose to pursue our own success and glory we will receive eternal death and dishonor (John 5:28-29); but if we choose to honor and glorify the Lord, he will give us eternal honor, glory and life (Matthew 25:31-46).

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)?

Thursday 16 Pentecost - Even 
First posted 09/22/04;
Podcast: Thursday 16 Pentecost - Even 

Job 16:16-22; 17:1, 13-16 -  A mediator in heaven;  

Acts 13:1-12 -  Elymas struck blind;
John 9:1-17  -  Healing a man born blind;

Job Paraphrase:

Job prayed that his cause would not be forgotten; that he would have a witness in heaven to vouch for him, who “would maintain the right of a man with God, like that of a man with his neighbor” (Job 16:21). Job’s spirit was broken; death was closing in. Job lamented that death is the end of hope.

Acts Paraphrase:

In the Church in Antioch there were a number of prophets and teachers. While they were worshiping, the Holy Spirit told them to appoint Saul (Paul) and Barnabas to work which the Spirit would show them. So the congregation laid hands on Saul and Barnabas and commissioned them to this work.

Led by the Holy Spirit, Saul and Barnabas sailed to the island of Cypress, and arrived at Salamis, the largest city (on the east end), where they began to proclaim the Gospel in the Jewish synagogues. They traveled through the island until they arrived at Paphos on the western shore. There the Roman Proconsul named Sergius Paulus summoned Saul and Barnabas, desiring to hear the Gospel.

With the proconsul they encountered a Jewish false prophet named Elymas (meaning “magician”) Bar-Jesus (“son of Jesus;" or "son of Joshua;" Jesus is the Greek word for the Hebrew name "Joshua"), who opposed Saul and Barnabas and was trying to turn the proconsul from the Gospel. Saul looked directly at Elymas and called him a son of the Devil and an enemy of righteousness. He told Elymas to “stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord” (Acts 13:10), and invoked the hand of the Lord to cause temporary blindness in Elymas. Immediately Elymas became blind and needed someone to lead him by the hand. The proconsul was amazed at the teaching of the Lord and he believed the Gospel when he saw what had occurred.

John Paraphrase:

Jesus encountered a man who had been born blind, and his disciples asked him whose sin had caused this. Jesus denied that the disability was caused by sin, and suggested that the cause was not important; what was important was the opportunity for God to heal. Jesus said that it was important not to miss opportunities now to do the work of God, because there would come a time when further work would no longer be possible.

Jesus declared that he is the light of the world. Jesus spat on the ground, made mud of the spittle and dirt, anointed the man’s eyes with the mud, and told the man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam (which means “Sent”). The man did as instructed and returned seeing.

Those who had known the man as a blind beggar recognized him and were amazed; some believed that it was he, but others thought he only resembled the blind man they knew. The man testified that he was the man. They asked how he had been healed and the man told them how Jesus had healed him. The people asked him where Jesus was and the man did not know.

They brought the healed man to the Pharisees. The healing had taken place on the Sabbath. The Pharisees asked and the man told them how Jesus had healed him. Some of the Pharisees said that Jesus was not of God because he had broken the Sabbath, while others said that if Jesus were a sinner he could not do such a healing. So there was disagreement among them and they asked the healed man what he thought about Jesus. The man declared, “He is a prophet” (John 9:17).

Commentary:

Job foresaw a mediator who would be the advocate for mankind before God. Job’s suffering had brought him to recognize his need for the mediator, and made him receptive to God’s self-revelation. Job realized that death is the end of hope.

The First Century Church was marked by the occurrence of numerous prophets and teachers. Prophecy and teaching are gifts of the Holy Spirit, and are to be expected in any healthy disciple-making congregation. The congregation’s ministry was directed by the Holy Spirit. Spirit-filled members were sent out into the surrounding area, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Saul (Paul) had been struck blind by the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus because he was opposing the Gospel of Jesus, and was later healed when he repented and believed in Jesus (Acts 9:1-20). Physical affliction had made Saul receptive to God’s self-revelation to Saul through Jesus Christ; it made Saul recognize and acknowledge his spiritual blindness. Elymas’ suffered the same spiritual blindness. Saul invoked physical blindness on Elymas, in the name of the Lord, for opposing the Gospel, in the hope that Elymas might come to spiritual healing.

All have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23). Affliction and trouble in this world are not evidence of God’s condemnation any more than worldly success and honor are evidence of God’s approval.  Affliction and trouble are opportunities to recognize our human limitations and our need for God. Affliction and trouble happen to everyone at some time in their lives.

Christians are called to be ministers of God’s healing to people when they are receptive. People often cannot recognize their spiritual need until they experience physical need. Jesus is the light of the world. As the blind man trusted and obeyed Jesus’ words, he received his sight; the darkness of his blindness was replaced by light. He was able to walk by the light Jesus had given him.

All have sinned, and the penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). Jesus is our mediator (1Timothy 2:5). Jesus vouches for the forgiveness of our sins by his blood (death; sacrifice on the Cross), provided that we are in the New Covenant through trust and obedience in Jesus (Hebrews 9:15). Jesus is God’s only plan for our forgiveness and salvation Acts 4:12; John 14:6). Those who trust and obey Jesus will receive eternal life in Heaven; those who reject and do not obey Jesus will receive eternal death and destruction in hell (Matthew 25:31-46; see God’s plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home).

Physical death is the end of hope, for those who are not in Christ, by faith (obedient trust) in him. We have only this lifetime in which to receive salvation in Jesus Christ. (We cannot be “prayed out” or “baptized out” of our eternal destiny after our physical death.) No one can be certain that they will live until tomorrow. Jesus is the only one who can heal spiritual blindness. Jesus is the only one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11-12). The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual enlightenment, guidance, and empowerment (John 14:15-17). My personal experience testifies to these truths.

Physical death is not the end of hope for believers in Jesus Christ. Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will have been "born-again" by the gift (anointing) of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee of salvation and eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). Those who have received the indwelling Holy Spirit have a personal fellowship with the risen Jesus and can be certain that because Jesus is eternally alive, we will also be raised to eternal life (Romans 8:11).

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)?

Friday 16 Pentecost - Even 
First posted 09/23/04;
Podcast: Friday 16 Pentecost - Even 

Job 19:1-7, 14-27  -  My Redeemer lives;
Acts 13:13-25  -  Sermon at Antioch of Pisidia;
John 9:18-41  -  Blindness;

Job Paraphrase:

Job’s friends blamed Job for his suffering. Job admited that his words may have erred, but that they did not constitute sin against God or other people. Job’s situation had reduced him to less than human dignity, but he reminded his friends that if they exalted themselves in comparison to Job and made Job’s humiliation an argument against Job, that it was God who had allowed Job's suffering, and that did not mean that they are more worthy of honor than Job.

Job felt completely alienated from God and mankind. His kinfolk and close friends had failed him. His servants refused to acknowledge him. He was repulsive to his wife and brothers. Job mourned that his friends attacked him instead of showing him compassion. Job longed to be vindicated by posterity, his story recorded in a book, or engraved on a monument.

Job expressed faith that his “Redeemer (or Vindicator) lives and at last he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25). Job believed that after his flesh had been destroyed by physical death, he would see God for himself, with his own eyes. Job warned those who seemed intent on unjustly blaming Job that there will be a day of judgment when wrongdoing will be punished.

Acts Paraphrase:

On Paul’s first missionary trip, after the conversion of the Roman proconsul at Paphos on Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas went to Antioch of Pisidia (in Asia Minor north of Pamphylia; distinct from Antioch, which is in Syria). On the Sabbath they attended the Synagogue, and the leaders of the Synagogue invited them to preach.

Paul began to preach the Gospel by reviewing the history of God’s deliverance of his people from Egypt, God’s leading during the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, bringing them into the Promised Land and giving them victory over the people who had occupied the land. God had given them judges. Then they had asked for a king and God had given them Saul (the son of Kish; not Saul of Tarsus) and later David, of whom God declared, “…a man after my heart, who will do all my will” (Acts 13:22). “From this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised” (Acts 13:23; Psalms 89:20-36). John the Baptizer had come before Jesus, preaching a baptism of repentance. John had said that he was not the promised Savior, but preceded the Savior’s coming.

John Paraphrase:

On a Sabbath, Jesus had healed a man who had been born blind. The religious leaders considered this a breach of Sabbath Laws and began to investigate (John 9:1-17). After interrogating the man, they didn’t believe that the man had been born blind so they questioned his parents.

The parents verified that the man was their son and that he had been born blind. The parents said they did not know who healed him or how, but they told the authorities to ask the son, who was of age and could speak for himself. The parents feared the religious authorities because the authorities had warned that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Christ (Messiah) would be expelled from the synagogue.

The authorities called the man and told him to give praise to God for his healing, and they declared that Jesus was a sinner. The man replied that he did not know if Jesus was a sinner, but he knew that he had been blind but now he saw. They asked him again how he had been healed, and the man asked them why they wanted to hear it again. He suggested that perhaps they might want to become Jesus’ disciples.

The authorities reviled the man, saying that he was Jesus’ disciple; they were disciples of Moses. They said that they were certain that God had spoken to Moses, but they did not know where Jesus comes from. The man was amazed that, in spite of evidence that Jesus had healed the man’s blindness, they were uncertain about Jesus’ authenticity.

The man said, “We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him" (John 9:31). Never before in human history had anyone been healed of blindness. If Jesus were not of God, he could do nothing. The religious authorities replied, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us" (John 9:34)? Then they expelled the man from membership in the synagogue.

Jesus heard that the man had been expelled, and came to him and asked if he believed in the Son of man. The man expressed willingness to believe and Jesus revealed himself to him as the Son of man. The man called him Lord, and declared his faith in Jesus as the Son of man, and he worshiped Jesus. Jesus declared that he had come into the world to heal the blind, and to cause those who see to become blind.

Some Pharisees overheard this and asked Jesus if he thought they were blind also. Jesus replied that if they were blind they would have no guilt; but since they declared that they could see they were accountable for their guilt.

Commentary:

Job longed to be restored to fellowship with God. He longed to be in God’s presence; to see God. Job’s experience of alienation from his family and friends is an accurate picture of how the world responds to the “down-and out.” The world tends to blame the victim. Job longed for a Redeemer, a Vindicator, who would vindicate Job and restore him to fellowship with God, and Job expressed faith that his Redeemer lives and that the Redeemer would be revealed.

God had been revealing himself to Israel through her history. God delivered Israel from bondage to sin and death in Egypt. God led them through the wilderness by his Spirit in the pillar of smoke and fire. God led them into the land he had promised to give them.

God demonstrated government by a righteous judge. When they wanted a king, God raised Saul and then David. God had promised to bring forth from David’s descendants an eternal king, the Messiah (Christ), who would be the righteous judge of all the earth, a Savior, Redeemer, and Vindicator.

Israel was looking for the coming Messiah. John the Baptizer had come to prepare Israel by leading them to repent and to look for the coming of the Messiah. Paul and the followers of Jesus were proclaiming the good news that God had fulfilled his promise; that Jesus is the Messiah; God’s anointed eternal king and promised Savior.

The scriptures contained God’s promise to send the Messiah. The religious leaders claimed to know and believe God and God’s Word, they claimed to be looking for the coming of the Messiah, yet they stood in his very presence and with their own eyes saw him reveal who he was and still refused to believe. That is spiritual blindness!

The man who was healed of his blindness was willing to believe. He listened to Jesus’ words, he trusted and obeyed Jesus (John 9:7), he was willing to believe and obey (John 9:36) and Jesus revealed himself to that man (John 9:37). The religious leaders were spiritually blind and yet emphatically denied it. The result was that they were not healed of their blindness; they did not see their Savior and Redeemer, and their sins were not forgiven.

Jesus is the Savior, the Redeemer, Vindicator, and Righteous Judge who will return to judge all who have ever lived on Earth. Those who have trusted and obeyed him will receive eternal life in the Promised Land of Heaven with Jesus as our eternal King. Those who have rejected Jesus and have refused to trust and obey Jesus will receive eternal death in Hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46).

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Saturday 16 Pentecost - Even 
First posted 09/24/04;
Podcast: Saturday 16 Pentecost - Even 

Job 22:1-4, 21-23:7  -  Job yearns for God;
Acts 13:26-43  -  Fulfillment of scripture;
John 10:1-18  -  The Good Shepherd;

Job Paraphrase:

Eliphaz the Temanite (from Teman, in Edom), one of Job’s three friends who had come to console Job during his suffering, suggested that God does not need man; it is man who needs God. Man’s wisdom benefits himself, not God. Man’s righteousness also benefits himself, rather than God. God reproves us and judges us for our benefit. “Agree with God and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his Word in your heart” (Job 22: 21-22 RSV).

If one returns to the Almighty and humbles oneself, stops doing unrighteousness, turns from idolatry, and makes the Almighty his treasure, then one will delight in the Lord and worship him. Then he will call on the Lord and the Lord will hear him. God will prosper him and give him understanding. God humbles the proud but saves the meek. God delivers the innocent; if you would be delivered, do what is right. Then Job responded with renewed longing for access to God’s presence which seemed to elude him. Job longed for God’s counsel and for acquittal.

Acts Paraphrase:

On his first missionary trip, led by the Holy Spirit, Paul was invited to preach at the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia. He had proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:13-25). He told them that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ had been given to the descendants of Abraham. Those living in Jerusalem and their leaders were thoroughly familiar with the scriptures, but because they didn’t truly understand them, they thus fulfilled them by condemning Jesus, whom they failed to recognize as the Messiah.

The Jews asked Pilate to execute Jesus even though they could not prove Jesus guilty of anything deserving death. When they had fulfilled all that had been foretold in the scriptures, they placed Jesus in the tomb, but God raised him from the dead. He subsequently appeared, over many days, to his followers, who are now his witnesses. The good news is that what God promised in scripture he has fulfilled by raising Jesus.

Paul cited the Psalms 2:7, Isaiah 55:3 and Psalms 16:10 to show that Jesus’ Resurrection is the fulfillment of scripture. Forgiveness of sins is only through Jesus Christ, “and by him everyone who believes is free from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:39). Paul warns that scoffers and doubters will perish.

John Paraphrase:

Jesus said that one who doesn’t enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in another way is a thief and a robber; the shepherd enters by the door. The gatekeeper opens to him; the sheep recognize his voice and obey him, and he calls them by name and leads them. The sheep will not follow strangers; they will run from them.

The people didn’t understand what Jesus meant, so Jesus told them that he is the “door” of the sheep. Those before and since who have claimed to be the Messiah are false messiahs; they’re pretenders. Only those who enter by Jesus will find eternal safety and “pasture.” The thief (false messiah) comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus has come to give abundant life (real life, now and eternally).

Jesus is the good shepherd, who gives his life for his sheep. A hireling cares nothing for the sheep; when the hireling sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and the wolf snatches and scatters the sheep. Jesus knows his sheep and his sheep know him, as Jesus knows God the Father and God the Father knows Jesus.

Jesus said in this text that he would be laying down his life for his sheep. He also said that he had other sheep (Gentiles) and they would become one flock with one shepherd. Jesus declared that God loved him because Jesus was obeying God’s will that he die for his “flock,” and that he would rise again from the dead.

Commentary:

We need to have a right understanding of our relationship to God. We’re not doing God a favor by going to Church or reading the Bible. We’re not doing the Lord a favor by obeying his Word. He has given us his Word for our benefit, so that we can have the good life he intends for us.

If we want peace and success we should agree with God, be taught by him and treasure his Word. Jesus is the Redeemer and Vindicator that Job longed for (see entry for yesterday, Friday, 16 Pentecost, even year), the only one who restores us to God’s presence, provides us with God’s counsel through his indwelling Holy Spirit, and brings us acquittal from all our sins.

The Jews were descendants of Abraham. They had been born into the “People of God;” they were the physical heirs of God’s promises. They had knowledge of the scriptures which contained the promises and the prophecies. God’s Word is fulfilled whether we obey it or not. The Jews who rejected Jesus as the Messiah did not prevent the promises and prophecies from being fulfilled; they helped fulfill them. They only lost the promises for themselves. God’s Word is faithful and true. Those who trust and obey Jesus will be saved and receive eternal life; doubters and scoffers will perish eternally.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Those who trust and obey him will be led by him and they will have eternal safety and “pasture.” They will have a personal relationship with Jesus through his indwelling Holy Spirit.

Jesus is the Door to eternal life. Jesus is the only way (John 14:6). Jesus is God’s only plan for our salvation; for our acquittal (Acts 4:12). Money won’t save you; power or fame won’t save you; education won’t save you; good deeds won’t save you; church membership won’t save you, and religion won’t save you. Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through his indwelling Holy Spirit will save you.

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)?