HERE’S YOUR SIGN…

Posted on December 29, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus – The Return

We are always looking for signs for everything! We look for signs as we travel to specific locations, so we won’t miss all the turns. We look for signs of betrayal, signs of spring, signs of fall, and even signs of illness. Famous comedian, Jeff Foxworthy, made a living telling us “here’s your sign” as he entertains us with our silly questions we often ask without thinking…”

A couple of months ago I went fishing with a buddy of mine,
We pulled his boat into the dock,
I lifted up this big ‘ol stringer of bass this idiot on the dock goes,
“Hey, y’all catch all them fish?”
Nope.
“Talked ’em into giving up.”
“Here’s your sign.”

The disciples of Jesus asked for a sign. Jesus did not give them humor but seriously told them, as usual, the answer they did not consider in their finite thinking. Jesus always has answers to questions we don’t even think to ask. We are human. He is God.

Matthew 24, Msg

3 Later as he was sitting on Mount Olives, his disciples approached and asked him, “Tell us, when are these things going to happen? What will be the sign of your coming, that the time’s up?”

4-8 Jesus said, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities, claiming, ‘I am Christ, the Messiah.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When reports come in of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history; this is no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Famines and earthquakes will occur in various places. This is nothing compared to what is coming.

9-10 “They are going to throw you to the wolves and kill you, everyone hating you because you carry my name. And then, going from bad to worse, it will be dog-eat-dog, everyone at each other’s throat, everyone hating each other.

11-12 “In the confusion, lying preachers will come forward and deceive a lot of people. For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in—nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes.

13-14 “Staying with it—that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved. All during this time, the good news—the Message of the kingdom—will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country. And then the end will come.

There is more if you read the rest of this account by Matthew who relates Jesus’ wisdom and teaching about His return. Let’s just consider one “bite” at a time.

Lesson for today: Stay with it. Stay the course. Stay with God as He stays with us. We will be saved. Count on it. Victory is ours. Relax, abide and get excited because of believing, knowing and living it.

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Dear Heavenly Father, You are God and we are not. We sometimes dwell on thoughts that are just plain silly without considering the much bigger picture. Help us rise above our human thinking that the world throws at us constantly and think more like you think so we will behave in ways that please you. Help us to keep walking with You.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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HOW ‘BOUT THOSE LAKERS?

Posted on December 28, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus – Truth

As a generality, we do typically do not like confrontation. We either change the subject, run from it, avoid it, stay and deliver it or receive it. Whatever the choice, it is not pleasant or easy to hear. The Truth in the Person of Jesus Christ, who cares about God’s people and the bondage that has been placed upon them by the Pharisees, tells it like it is.

He knows their hearts better than anyone else because He is God. He knows their evil intent for selfish gain through all the man-made rules conjured for the purpose of sustaining power over the Jewish people, God’s people. He calls them frauds…aggressively and openly. He talks directly to them, not about them. Worst of all, Jesus tells them he has given up on them because of the abuse of generations of prophets who tried to tell the truth before He came down from heaven. What is it going to take? They train other leaders to be just like them, so they will get what they have always had…abusive power over God’s people. Yikes, do we do that?

The religious leaders and scholars have become the gatekeepers who have decided who gets in. Do we do that? Read all of Matthew 23 to get the full flavor of Jesus’ displeasure of these gatekeepers. Here is the last paragraph…

Matthew 23, The Message

37-39 “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Murderer of prophets! Killer of the ones who brought you God’s news! How often I’ve ached to embrace your children, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you wouldn’t let me. And now you’re so desolate, nothing but a ghost town. What is there left to say? Only this: I’m out of here soon. The next time you see me you’ll say, ‘Oh, God has blessed him! He’s come, bringing God’s rule!’”

THE DISCIPLES RESPONSE…HOW ‘BOUT THOSE LAKERS?

We have a family joke about changing the subject away from unpleasant confrontation or conversations that might lead to extreme disagreement. I’m not sure who started it, but when we say “how ’bout those Lakers”, it is a cue to change the subject. I am amused by the disciples’ similar response just after Jesus’ compassionate Truth-telling…

Matthew 24, The Message

24 1-2 Jesus then left the Temple. As he walked away, his disciples pointed out how very impressive the Temple architecture was. Jesus said, “You’re not impressed by all this sheer size, are you? The truth of the matter is that there’s not a stone in that building that is not going to end up in a pile of rubble.”

So, how ’bout this temple, Jesus? Isn’t it impressive? But Jesus did not buy in to changing the subject. Jesus is Truth. We may want Him to go easy on us. But He cannot. He knows what is best for us. We should not change the subject, we should concentrate on changing us. We will have His help in the transformation.

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Dear Heavenly Father, Wow, You came to earth and told the leaders directly what is not of You and what is not best for Your people! Oh Father, keep us from causing any kind of harm to those who want to know You. We do not want to be the gatekeepers who hinder those who seek You. Help us to welcome with all with open hearts and arms of love! Help us to see them from a distance like the father of the prodigal son and open the gate and then run to meet them where they are! Yes, point out any wicked way in us, cleanse us, then give us Your power to change and mature to be all You intended for us to be and do.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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WANT TO STAND OUT? THEN STEP DOWN!

Posted on December 27, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

“I want to be just like you!” Have you ever heard that said to you or watched a young person you are mentoring or counseling begin to look to you for answers to their problems? DANGER ALERT! We never want someone to look to us or be like us! We are human. Our work is to point them to Jesus, the Savior, the PERFECT example of what to think, how to behave and, above all, how to love…unconditionally. HE has their answers to their life’s questions.

Jesus, the Christ, taught us and still teaches us how to love God and love others. (Check our yesterday’s lesson.) Today it is clear whom we should follow. After Jesus has gone several rounds with the Pharisees and Sadducees, he gives this impeccable, life-saving advice to his disciples as a follow up to why he said what he said to the religious leaders of that day. Jesus, the Master Teacher, always gives explanation after the lesson. Good method for parents and grandparents, teachers and well, everyone!

Matthew 23, The Message

Religious Fashion Shows
23 1-3 Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. “The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God’s Law. You won’t go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following THEM. They talk a good line, but they don’t live it. They don’t take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It’s all spit-and-polish veneer.

4-7 “Instead of giving you God’s Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn’t think of lifting a finger to help. Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called ‘Doctor’ and ‘Reverend.’

8-10 “Don’t let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. Don’t set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of ‘Father’; you have only one Father, and he’s in heaven. And don’t let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them—Christ.

11-12 “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.

Be who God intended you to be and do. –Simply Jesus

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Dear Heavenly Father, This is very relevant for today. We like for people to follow us and we like to follow other people…but we see the danger in doing that. Help us to stay alert. Help us to not do this to our leaders over us, always depending on them for the answers when we should be mature enough and well read in Your Word to find You and the answers from You that we need. Continue to teach us, Lord. Your servant is listening.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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DISARMING LOVE

Posted on December 26, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

The gathering of family and friends over the holidays sometimes leads to after dinner discussions over life stuff. We try to avoid talking politics with those we know do not agree with us. We also avoid talking about religion, at times, for the same reasons, don’t we? We do not “want to go there” for we may fall into an abyss of misunderstandings over minor details of religion resulting in a marred relationship. Words and actions matter.

So, it is refreshing to read how Jesus handled those who were trying to trap Him into a discussion to nowhere but evil. What I mean, is their motivation was not to dig deeper for an explanation of God’s Word, it was an attempt to discredit the Truth, the person of Jesus Christ, that was standing right in front of them. He reminds us, in simple, yet profound terms, what is the most important for our hearts, minds and souls to wrap around, take in, and then live it out loud in Spirit and in Truth.

Listen in…

Matthew 22, Msg
34-36 When the Pharisees heard how he had bested the Sadducees, they gathered their forces for an assault. One of their religion scholars spoke for them, posing a question they hoped would show him up: “Teacher, which command in God’s Law is the most important?”

37-40 Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”

Simply, counterculture, upside kingdom thinking, revolutionary, Jesus’ way…Love God. Love Others. The most important, the main focus.

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Dear Heavenly Father, I love how Your Word speaks volumes to our heart in simple understandable terms. Because of Your love for us, we love you back. Our love grows deeper in You when we love others You put in our path. We see how this could change our world when we love passionately and excellently. Help us to love deeper still. In Jesus Name, Amen

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LOOK FOR HIM, HE WILL BE FOUND!

Posted on December 25, 2014 by randscallawayffm

Consider the invitation. Go with HIm. For He is with us. Emmanuel. Merry Christmas!  You are loved!

Randy and Susan Callaway, Finding Focus Ministries

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YOU’RE INVITED! I’M INVITED!

Posted on December 24, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus – More Kingdom Stories!

Imagine being invited by royalty to the biggest celebration of all eternity! You have been invited to the royal wedding of the King’s son to His bride! Not only that, but Imagine being told you get a seat at the royal table that is filled with fabulous foods served on the priceless plates of gold, adorned with jewels. The cutlery is of the finest silver. The tablecloths are handwoven of rich colors of the best materials. Thousands of candles are lit. The brightness of their glow conquers every dark place in the room. The light bounces from the precious metals and crystal goblets to form indescribable colors that dance around the room.

You are invited! I am invited!

But, alas, we have others things to attend to like cleaning a closet or weeding a garden or finishing a last minute assignment at work. We say, oh well, maybe another time. We would love to come, but…Yes, we know the King, but…

Jesus is responding to those who want to arrest Him that day with yet another Kingdom story:

Matthew 22, Msg
The Story of the Wedding Banquet
22 1-3 Jesus responded by telling still more stories. “God’s kingdom,” he said, “is like a king who threw a wedding banquet for his son. He sent out servants to call in all the invited guests. And they wouldn’t come!

(Jesus is relating that the gospel of salvation, God’s way back to Him, was first given to the Jews and they did not respond.)

4 “He sent out another round of servants, instructing them to tell the guests, ‘Look, everything is on the table, the prime rib is ready for carving. Come to the feast!’

(Prophets were sent, John the Baptist sent, followed by Christ Himself, and still the Jews, the chosen people of God, did not accept the invitation to come back to God! Most thought they were “good enough” and did not need to be saved.)

5-7 “They only shrugged their shoulders and went off, one to weed his garden, another to work in his shop. The rest, with nothing better to do, beat up on the messengers and then killed them. The king was outraged and sent his soldiers to destroy those thugs and level their city.

(Jesus relates this story only three days before He was beaten and killed.)

8-10 “Then he told his servants, ‘We have a wedding banquet all prepared but no guests. The ones I invited weren’t up to it. Go out into the busiest intersections in town and invite anyone you find to the banquet.’ The servants went out on the streets and rounded up everyone they laid eyes on, good and bad, regardless. And so the banquet was on—every place filled.

(At the Jews rejection, the Gentiles are now invited to the feast. All they have to do is accept the invitation and believe.)

11-13 “When the king entered and looked over the scene, he spotted a man who wasn’t properly dressed. He said to him, ‘Friend, how dare you come in here looking like that!’ The man was speechless. Then the king told his servants, ‘Get him out of here—fast. Tie him up and ship him to hell. And make sure he doesn’t get back in.’

(God will NOT accept hypocrisy into His Kingdom. To say we believe and live like we do not is abominable in God’s eyes. God knows our hearts and how they are “dressed”.)

14 “That’s what I mean when I say, ‘Many get invited; only a few make it.’”

YOU are invited! I am invited!
Our merciful God has not only provided food, but a royal feast, for the perishing souls of his rebellious creatures. There is enough and to spare, of every thing that can add to our present comfort and everlasting happiness, through good times and bad, in the salvation of his Son Jesus Christ. Jesus is the One and Only who can satisfy the heart He created.

“Making light of Christ, and of the great salvation wrought out by him, is the damning sin of the world. They were careless. Multitudes perish forever through mere carelessness, who show no direct aversion, but are careless as to their souls. Also the business and profit of worldly employments hinder many in closing with the Saviour. Both farmers and merchants must be diligent; but whatever we have of the world in our hands, our care must be to keep it out of our hearts, lest it come between us and Christ.” –Matthew Henry – Commentary

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Dear Heavenly Father, I ACCEPT YOUR INVITATION! I am coming quickly to the Feast! No excuses! You are coming soon, as the bridegroom excitedly comes together with his bride, for eternity! Thank you for your stories that speak to our hearts today! Thank you for inviting us to Your Table! Thank you for salvation through Your sacrifice for ours sins. Cleanse us, wash us white as snow, so our hearts will be “dressed” as they ought to be…holy and pure…for today and for that day when You come back for us.
In Jesus Name, Amen!

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KINGDOM STORIES

Posted on December 23, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

Sometimes we tell stories or give analogies to our kids so they understand. “It’s like this…” we begin, or “Have you ever…” and sometimes we throw in a “What would happen if…” so we can probe their minds to see what THEY are thinking at the time. Just giving commands in parenting without explanation are merely words that do not teach and help them grow in understanding and mature in their behavior.

A good teacher at home or as a professional uses this form of instruction with examples so children can “see” the point and internalize the lesson. Where do we get this methodology? We get this from Jesus, the Master Teacher, who tells stories so His people “get it” and go with it by living it. Jesus, The Christ, is Savior, Redeemer, King of kings and Lord of lords who has the power to just command and we do it…but He tells stories so we understand what His best is for us. Why? Because of His eternal love for us.

JESUS SETS THE STAGE FOR LEARNING

Jesus begins with the tale of two sons who were asked, one at a time, to go out to work in the vineyard. The first, (probably the oldest), was honest and said, “I don’t want to.” Later he realized he should and did it. The second son, to the Father’s face, said, “Sure, I’ll get right out there.” But never went.

Lesson? Be honest. Don’t tell the Father you want to be His servant and never serve. People like this will not see the Kingdom because you only say you believe but your behavior does not show it. Behave as you say you believe.

Jesus then tells a Kingdom story with a twist that leads back to Him as the Son of God, who received no respect…read for yourself:

Matthew 21, The Message

The Story of the Greedy Farmhands
33-34 “Here’s another story. Listen closely. There was once a man, a wealthy farmer, who planted a vineyard. He fenced it, dug a winepress, put up a watchtower, then turned it over to the farmhands and went off on a trip. When it was time to harvest the grapes, he sent his servants back to collect his profits.

35-37 “The farmhands grabbed the first servant and beat him up. The next one they murdered. They threw stones at the third but he got away. The owner tried again, sending more servants. They got the same treatment. The owner was at the end of his rope. He decided to send his son. ‘Surely,’ he thought, ‘they will respect my son.’

38-39 “But when the farmhands saw the son arrive, they rubbed their hands in greed. ‘This is the heir! Let’s kill him and have it all for ourselves.’ They grabbed him, threw him out, and killed him.

40 “Now, when the owner of the vineyard arrives home from his trip, what do you think he will do to the farmhands?”

41 “He’ll kill them—a rotten bunch, and good riddance,” they answered. “Then he’ll assign the vineyard to farmhands who will hand over the profits when it’s time.”

42-44 Jesus said, “Right—and you can read it for yourselves in your Bibles:

The stone the masons threw out
is now the cornerstone.
This is God’s work;
we rub our eyes, we can hardly believe it!

This is the way it is with you. God’s kingdom will be taken back from you and handed over to a people who will live out a kingdom life. Whoever stumbles on this Stone gets shattered; whoever the Stone falls on gets smashed.”

45-46 When the religious leaders heard this story, they knew it was aimed at them. They wanted to arrest Jesus and put him in jail, but, intimidated by public opinion, they held back. Most people held him to be a prophet of God.

Lesson? “Surely, they will respect my son” leaps off the page and is the point of the story for those who thought they were large and in charge of all kingdom matters at that time that Jesus told this story. But isn’t for us today? Are we “large and in charge”? Do we respect the Son who has come to save us, redeem us and set us free from being “in charge” so that we may serve Him with joy, without worry of the results? “This is God’s work; we rub our eyes, we can hardly believe it!” says the prophets. BELIEVE IT!

You see, it’s really simple. Jesus is the cornerstone and the capstone of the building of our lives. Our lives begin with respecting and accepting His salvation and continues to be built believing and learning from His Kingdom Stories so that our behavior matures and follows honestly what we say we believe.

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Dear Heavenly Father, Your Kingdom stories lead to kingdom living. Thank you for the lessons through your glorious, masterful teaching. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit’s guidance and power to live what we have learned for today. In Jesus Name, Amen. I believe.

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WHO TOLD YOU YOU COULD DO THAT?

Posted on December 22, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

As we go about our life, trying to walk in the will of God, sometimes we do something, not in the norm, and are asked, “Who told YOU you could do that? Sometimes we have no answer other than “It seemed right.” You might even have the credentials and the assignment relative to your job description, but are still asked, Who told you you could do that? Because apparently you went over someone’s head or stepped on someone’s toes without knowing it. Frustrating, isn’t it?

Can you imagine Jesus, the Son of God, God in human form, being asked this question? Power struggles were prevalent as Jesus taught boldly the “fulfillment” of God’s law. Jesus, the Christ, Who was there at the creation of the world, had all authority from heaven to earth to speak and to act accordingly. But as He ruffled the feathers of the high priests and leaders who were jealous of His popularity, His love for people, His power to heal broken lives and His wisdom of The Law, they were afraid.

They feared losing their power over God’s people and the bondage that held them there, under their rule. Jesus comes to set the captives free from sin and the bondage that held them from the inside out AND from the silly man-made rules! So, they try to trap him with, “Who gave you authority?” Who do you think you are? Who told YOU you could do this teaching, healing and loving?
Wow, it’s a lot to think about, isn’t it as we read and meditate the True Authority…

Matthew 21, Msg

True Authority
23 Then he was back in the Temple, teaching. The high priests and leaders of the people came up and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to teach here?”

24-25 Jesus responded, “First let me ask you a question. You answer my question and I’ll answer yours. About the baptism of John—who authorized it: heaven or humans?”

25-27 They were on the spot and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, “If we say ‘heaven,’ he’ll ask us why we didn’t believe him; if we say ‘humans,’ we’re up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet.” They decided to concede that round to Jesus. “We don’t know,” they answered.

Jesus said, “Then neither will I answer your question.

Who do WE say Jesus is? Does He have authority over our hearts, minds and souls? Does He have the final answer for us? Is Jesus the TRUE Authority for us? These are questions for thought as we pray for His holiness and purity of intentions of our own actions.

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Dear Heavenly Father, Today, knowing the end of Your Story, we are aghast at the mere question by the religious leaders of the day You walked the earth. “Who authorized you” is a question that was only a trap and You knew it. But we ask ourselves the same question in a different way…Do we accept YOUR authority over our own lives? Do we continue to follow You even though it might ruffle feathers occasionally? We pray that you will help us keep our motivations and intentions pure and always speak in a Spirit of love with Your Truth…with the authority given by You. With Your timing. Followed by Your grace working in us. May our words give life. May our words and deeds be driven by You.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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LAY HOLD OF GOD!

Posted on December 21, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

Yesterday Jesus was so fed up with the religiosity of the day, that he showed his disgust by turning over tables in order to make room for the blind and crippled by life to come into His House. Early the next morning, he is hungry (the man part of God on earth), sees a leafy fig tree with no figs, and curses it to death! Is Jesus still sad and angry over yesterday’s insult to greedy people making God’s House of Prayer a mockery, with no room for those who need God? Is He still reeling from seeing The Temple look good on the outside but dingy and dirty with greed on the inside? Maybe.

Jesus uses EVERYTHING in our lives to teach us and to remind us Who to trust as we walk this journey. He keeps us on our toes when it comes to having a solid faith in the One who loves us most and can do anything. Yes, Anything. So, why do we still have doubts? We are human. We allow the waters of life to overwhelm us and we are afraid we will drown. I wonder what would happen if we truly embraced what God has in store for us with NO doubts or fears? Can we tell the mountain of fear, “Go jump in the lake”? Lay hold of God.

What could we accomplish, dear Lord, if there was no fear on my part in doing what You asked? Mm.

Matthew 21, Msg

The Withered Fig Tree
18-20 Early the next morning Jesus was returning to the city. He was hungry. Seeing a lone fig tree alongside the road, he approached it anticipating a breakfast of figs. When he got to the tree, there was nothing but fig leaves. He said, “No more figs from this tree—ever!” The fig tree withered on the spot, a dry stick. The disciples saw it happen. They rubbed their eyes, saying, “Did we really see this? A leafy tree one minute, a dry stick the next?”

PAGE-Jesus_Fig

21-22 But Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don’t doubt God, you’ll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you’ll tell, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God.”

Dear Heavenly Father, I ask the same question, What could we accomplish, dear Lord, if there was no fear on my part in doing what You asked? This thought actually excites me! We repent of allowing fear to overcome us for that is evil working to stop your work within us. Continue to teach us to walk the path you have chose for each of us. I don’t want to be a “dry stick”. Thank you, dear Lord. To You be all glory, honor and praise for moving the mountains in our lives.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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NOW THERE WAS ROOM…

Posted on December 20, 2014 by randscallawayffm

The Story of Jesus

When people are angry and act on that anger, we are uncomfortable at the least. Our human nature’s first response is either fight or flight from these situations. For me, it depends on the facts, the truth. Should we be upset by injustice?

The following passage causes us to wonder what our Lord was thinking when he came to the Temple and began to turn over the tables of the vendors. At first, we think of the sermons we have heard over the years about the buying and selling of religion and the the evil in that…to the point where many churches won’t even let you sell a t-shirt for youth group unless the “sale” goes on so many feet from the worship area. Some churches DO NOT allow eating near their places of worship and build another building for “fellowship”. But did we miss the real and deeper point of this thought-provoking action of our gentle, loving Savior?

He was making room for those who needed Him most. There were those who needed healing. They needed to see Jesus! And HE physically made room for them! This reminds me of his birth…no room for Jesus to be born in the guest house…only in a dark cave. Mm.

Read on…see what comes to your mind…

Matthew 21, Msg

He Kicked Over the Tables
12-14 Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants. He quoted this text:

My house was designated a house of prayer;
You have made it a hangout for thieves.

Now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in. They came to Jesus and he healed them.

15-16 When the religious leaders saw the outrageous things he was doing, and heard all the children running and shouting through the Temple, “Hosanna to David’s Son!” they were up in arms and took him to task. “Do you hear what these children are saying?”

Jesus said, “Yes, I hear them. And haven’t you read in God’s Word, ‘From the mouths of children and babies I’ll furnish a place of praise’?”

17 Fed up, Jesus turned on his heel and left the city for Bethany, where he spent the night.

What would Jesus see in our churches today? Is there room for the blind and crippled from life to get in the doors? Do our programs take up too much space? Or are we too worried about the “wow” factor to impress people with our stuff of church? Or are they “wowed” by Jesus? Is there room for Jesus to provide what only Jesus can do? Heal them? Heal us? Oh, Lord, keep us alert. Don’t be “fed up” and turn on your heel and leave us, Lord Jesus.

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Dear Heavenly Father, You continually draw us deeper and wider into your thinking as we read Your Word, Your Story, Your Truth in the person of Jesus, Your Son. Thank you for saving us. Thank you for providing healing for all of us who believe in who You are and what You say. Help us to live Truth, Your Truth, out loud, so others will fling open the doors of their hearts and let you heal and consume them as You have consumed me. Thank you, Lord, for coming to earth to teach us as well as save us from ourselves.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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