Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus)

“Mama said there’d be days like this, there’d be days like this, mama said…” is an old song of the sixties that comes to mind as I read this next passage. 

Jesus’ best trainees, His beloved disciples, who have traveled with him day and night for three years, who should know Jesus’ way of life, His character, and His mission to seek and to save the lost, now argue over who will be the greatest in the Kingdom of God.  They still don’t have a clue about the real trouble that lies ahead. 

The disciples, who have given up their former way of life to follow Jesus, have had a good share of challenges and wary experiences along the way.  But it seems they have settled in to know that no matter what Jesus, Son of God, will get them out of trouble, provide healing, and rescue them.  But now, a few have settled into a “human confidence” that leads to arrogance of association.  Wait, what? 

They are sure that Jesus will take away all the trouble because of who they are.  Pride has seeped into their being merely because of who they associate with but not necessarily with whom they serve.  If fact, the serving attitude is leaving the station in exchange for who is the greatest! Should I dare say, they have become a bit “entitled” in their thinking?  As believers, we don’t argue over being the best or greatest or think that we need to be served instead of serving—do we?

Jesus sets them straight with God’s unchanging Truth.  “A leader is a servant” with great responsibilities for the souls Jesus has come to save and redeem for life eternal.

And by the way, says Jesus, real trouble is coming…a test—beyond what your wildest imaginations, my beloved friends.  Who’s the greatest now?

Luke 22, The Message

Get Ready for Trouble

^24-26 Within minutes they were bickering over who of them would end up the greatest. But Jesus intervened: “Kings like to throw their weight around and people in authority like to give themselves fancy titles. It’s not going to be that way with you. Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant.

^27-30 “Who would you rather be: the one who eats the dinner or the one who serves the dinner? You’d rather eat and be served, right? But I’ve taken my place among you as the one who serves. And you’ve stuck with me through thick and thin. Now I confer on you the royal authority my Father conferred on me so you can eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and be strengthened as you take up responsibilities among the congregations of God’s people.

^31-32 “Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”

³³ Peter said, “Master, I’m ready for anything with you. I’d go to jail for you. I’d die for you!”

³⁴ Jesus said, “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me.”

³⁵ Then Jesus said, “When I sent you out and told you to travel light, to take only the bare necessities, did you get along all right?”

“Certainly,” they said, “we got along just fine.”

^36-37 He said, “This is different. Get ready for trouble. Look to what you’ll need; there are difficult times ahead. Pawn your coat and get a sword. What was written in Scripture, ‘He was lumped in with the criminals,’ gets its final meaning in me. Everything written about me is now coming to a conclusion.”

³⁸ They said, “Look, Master, two swords!”

But he said, “Enough of that; no more sword talk!”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Jesus had to explain that the disciples were thinking like the unsaved and not like God’s children. The Romans vied for honors and did all they could, legally and illegally, to win promotion and recognition, but they are not the examples for us to follow. As in all things, Jesus is our example, and He has completely reversed the measure of true greatness.  “I have come not to be served, but to serve.”  (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-17).

Along with the betrayer, Judas, Jesus must also “handle” what Satan is planning to do in Peter!  Peter’s strengths lie in natural leadership with the pride of human confidence who sees a problem and must “fix it” immediately no matter what.  That was Peter then, but Peter later will be transformed and become the servant of God Jesus is longing for him to be. Jesus loves Peter and knows there is so much more potential in Peter.  In the testing of Peter, it will look like the evil one is in control, but evil is limited and still under God’s dominion.  Max Lucado explains this dilemma and helps us understand the power of God over all the demons who are against God:

“This passage gives us a glimpse into an unseen world. It raises many questions, but it also affords many assurances, the chief of which is the chain of command. God is clearly in control, and the devil is on a short leash. Did you notice the verb that followed Satan’s name? Ask. “Satan has asked . . .”

The devil didn’t demand, resolve, or decide. He asked. Just as he requested permission to tempt Job, he requested permission to tempt Simon Peter. Sort of recasts our image of the old snake, doesn’t it? Instead of the mighty Darth Vader of Gloom, a better caricature is a skinny, back-alley punk who acts tough, but ducks fast when God flexes. “Uh, uh . . . I’d . . . uh . . . like to do a number on Peter—that is, if you don’t mind.” The chain of command is clear. Satan does nothing outside of God’s domain, and God uses Satan to advance the cause of his kingdom.”  –Lucado, Study Bible

But what about Judas’ betrayal?  Jesus prayed to God before choosing The Twelve for His will.  We assume then that choosing Judas was within the will of God.  God in His sovereignty had determined that His Son would be betrayed by a friend, but divine foreknowledge does not destroy human responsibility or accountability. Judas made each decision freely and would be judged accordingly, even though He still fulfilled the decree of God.  Peter will choose to deny Jesus of His own free will but will be repentant of this act. Fear led to Peter’s denial.  Greed led to the betrayal of Judas.  Peter repented.  Judas was merely regretful he got caught. Pride, arrogance, and greed destroyed Judas.  Peter was restored, revived, and renewed through forgiveness. 

If mama said “there’d be days like this”, she got this message from Jesus.  “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” –Jesus, John 16:33.  How and with Whom we walk through our troubles on earth will reveal our true faith and trust in our Overcomer!

THE SWORD?

The disciples still didn’t grasp the full understand of what Jesus was saying.  We don’t always get it, either, so we cannot judge.  His followers interpreted the “sword talk” quite literally. (And some still do today!)  Peter’s use of the sword in the garden, later, when Jesus is arrested, is evidence of this. The point Jesus was making was: “You are now moving into a whole new situation. If they arrest Me, they will one day arrest you. If they treat Me like a common criminal, they will do the same to you; so, be prepared!”  (See Isaiah 53:12).

No doubt, the evil one wants to distract, deceive, and ultimately destroy our relationship with God.  We are in a daily battle with the loser who thinks he still has a chance to lure us away because he does accomplishes this often in this world.  But we who believe and follow Jesus are overcomers with Him!  When troubles come, we have “backup” that does not let up!  But we must be ready and prepared.

The Apostle Paul will use the “sword” analogy to teach us how to be prepared for battle against our real enemy.  Notice how Paul teaches with action words that give direction and clarity:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:11-18, NIV

Don’t miss this! Jesus told Simon Peter, “When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” 

Our messes become messages of Truth for others!  Troubles will come.  Lessons will be learned.  What we go through and learn can and will help others grow and learn, too, in their times of testing and troubles.  Look forward to it instead of being fearful of it.  God was, is and always will be in control.  He will use everything past, present, and future to keep moving us forward in His love, mercy, and grace.  He’s done it and is still doing it for me—I’m sure He will do it over and over again for you! 

Ah, that reminds me of another song!  Do It Again by Elevation Worship…

Walking around these walls
I thought by now they’d fall
But You have never failed me yet

Waiting for change to come
Knowing the battle’s won
For You have never failed me yet

Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence
You’ve never failed me yet

I know the night won’t last
Your word will come to pass
My heart will sing Your praise again

Jesus You’re still enough
Keep me within Your love, oh
My heart will sing Your praise again
(Oh, yes, it will)

Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence
You’ve never failed

Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence
You’ve never failed me yet
Never failed me yet
Oh, oh-oh

I’ve seen You move, You move the mountains
And I believe I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe I’ll see You do it again…

 Lord,

Continue to cleanse our hearts, remove what does not belong and hinders our relationship with you.  Renew our minds, transform our behaviors as you did with Peter.  Refresh our souls and make us holy before you as only you can do.  Restore the eternal joy of your salvation at work within us that give us peace in good times and through the challenging times on earth.

In Jesus Name, Amen

If you knew you would be taken from your family and friends tomorrow, what would be your last meal with them?  Would the meal include all your favorites or their favorite food?  Would the food trigger memories of your past lives together?  Would it include a celebration of significance and hope for when you are gone?

“This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you.”       —Jesus

When Jesus sent some of his disciples to prepare the Passover Meal for the group, it was much more than “go get some burgers and find a place for us to sit together to eat them”!  This last meal together was steeped in symbolism and fulfillment.  Jesus was fulfilling what the prophets foretold as well as commemorating the experiences of God’s provision for His people.

Luke 22, The Message

The Passover Meal

22 ^1-2 The Feast of Unleavened Bread, also called Passover, drew near. The high priests and religion scholars were looking for a way to do away with Jesus but, fearful of the people, they were also looking for a way to cover their tracks.

^3-6 That’s when Satan entered Judas, the one called Iscariot. He was one of the Twelve. Leaving the others, he conferred with the high priests and the Temple guards about how he might betray Jesus to them. They couldn’t believe their good luck and agreed to pay him well. He gave them his word and started looking for a way to betray Jesus, but out of sight of the crowd.

^7-8 The Day of Unleavened Bread came, the day the Passover lamb was butchered. Jesus sent Peter and John off, saying, “Go prepare the Passover for us so we can eat it together.”

⁹ They said, “Where do you want us to do this?”

^10-12 He said, “Keep your eyes open as you enter the city. A man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him home. Then speak with the owner of the house: The Teacher wants to know, ‘Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will show you a spacious second-story room, swept and ready. Prepare the meal there.”

¹³ They left, found everything just as he told them, and prepared the Passover meal.

^14-16 When it was time, he sat down, all the apostles with him, and said, “You’ve no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of suffering. It’s the last one I’ll eat until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God.”

^17-18 Taking the cup, he blessed it, then said, “Take this and pass it among you. As for me, I’ll not drink wine again until the kingdom of God arrives.”

¹⁹ Taking bread, he blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, given for you. Eat it in my memory.”

²⁰ He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you.

^21-22 “Do you realize that the hand of the one who is betraying me is at this moment on this table? It’s true that the Son of Man is going down a path already marked out—no surprises there. But for the one who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man, this is doomsday.”

²³ They immediately became suspicious of each other and began quizzing one another, wondering who might be about to do this.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

First God.  What did God do and what is He doing now?  Today we remember with grateful humility for all Jesus did to save us.  We come to the Communion Table to honor God’s gift of salvation, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice that redeemed us of all our sins.  “I am the Bread of Life; I am the Living Water so you will thirst no more.” These words of Jesus immediately come to mind as we partake of the bread, signifying his body; the fruit of the vine, signifying his blood shed for us.

But there is so much more…Let’s go back to the Exodus experience so we can gain greater insight and understanding of this last directed meal together!

The Last Supper was a traditional Passover Seder meal that Jesus Christ and his disciples ate to celebrate the Exodus of God’s people as He delivered them from slavery to Pharoah in Egypt. Jesus now taught his disciples that the wine and the bread at the meal signified that he would become the sacrificial lamb by which sins are forgiven and reconciliation with God can occur.

The Passover meal that the Israelites held in Egypt was unique from all the Passover meals held since. Before the first one, they were to sprinkle the blood of the lamb on their doorposts and lintel, and they were to eat it in haste. It has since evolved, maintaining many of the same customs, as well as adding a few. You are familiar with the one in Exodus 11-12. This is how it is celebrated in devout Jewish homes today—

The SEDER (SADER) – the Passover meal – is the central celebration of the Passover.  Every detail of the meal was orchestrated and directed by God to Moses.  See Exodus 10-11. Today the entire extended family is to come together. They go through the meal and the retelling of the story in first person as if they had been one of the slaves freed from Pharaoh’s bondage in Egypt. 

Everyone assembles around table but they don’t eat yet. All recline around the SEDER table, because reclining around the table was a sign of a freed person. Everything on the table has a significance.

On the SEDER plate there is:

• Hard boiled egg – symbol of the suffering and oppression in Egypt. Everything else in boiling water becomes soft or disintegrates. But an egg becomes hard, like the Israelites. The more it is boiled, the harder it becomes. An egg also symbolizes New Life.
• Roasted shankbone of lamb – reminds people there had to be blood sacrificed to save their lives.
• Bitter herbs – horseradish – reminds them they were servants to slavery.
• Greens – parsley, celery – symbol of coming of Spring which brings hope.
• Salt water – reminds them of the tears they cried in Egypt.
• Haroset – nut, apple, cinnamon, wine mixture which has the appearance of straw in remembrance of the mortar used to build the Treasure Cities for Pharaoh. It is symbolic of the hope of freedom that enabled their ancestors to withstand the bitterness of slavery.
• Matzah – the unleavened bread that reminds them of the haste with which they left Egypt.
• After the drinking of wine and washing of the hands the greens are dipped into the salt water and eaten.  The meal ends and Psalm 126 is read. The ceremony goes on with more reading, singing, and praising God.

Symbolism and Significance of the Last Supper of Passover for Christian believers—

 Jesus initiated our Lord’s Supper from this first Passover meal, fulfilling every detail of God’s Word. For example:

1. God initiated this Passover meal before the events took place that it was to commemorate. Jesus initiated the Lord’s Supper commemorating His death and looking forward to His resurrection before the events took place.
2. God told Moses for them to take a lamb four days before its slaughter. Christ entered Jerusalem on Sunday – four days before His crucifixion. Both took place on the 14th day of the month Abib.
3. Israelites were to sacrifice a male lamb one year old – in the prime of his life – when he was at his strongest. Jesus was about 33 years old – pinnacle of earthly strength and maturity.
4. Male lamb was to be without blemish. Jesus is our example of perfection and sinlessness – without blemish.
5. Lamb is patient, noiseless and submissive to death as was Christ.
6. Exodus 12:6 – whole assembly of the congregation of Israel were to kill their lambs. This was not done by a priest. Everyone was to witness and be responsible for the death of the lamb. Just as we are all responsible for the death of Christ on the cross. It was our sins that crucified Him.
7. The blood of the lamb was to be put on the two doorposts and lintel so that they might be passed over when death came to Egypt. It is the blood of Christ that keeps us from everlasting death.
8. Lamb was to be roasted whole – no broken bones. Christ was crucified and died with no broken bones – even though the soldiers were sent out to break His leg bones to hasten His death.
9. The meal was to be eaten with bitter herbs to remember the bitter slavery, suffering and hardships in Egypt. During the Lord’s Supper we are to remember Christ’s hardships and suffering.
10. Eaten with unleaven bread. Leavening is a form of corruption, sin, impurity. Paul gives us the spiritual application in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8. We are to be unleavened – clean out malice and evil from us. Jesus alludes to this in Matthew 16:6-12 when He says beware of the leaven of Pharisees and Sadducees.
11. The Israelites were to eat in haste with their shoes on, staff in their hand and ready to go, looking forward to their future as free men. We as believers in Jesus are to be ready to go – watching and waiting for Christ to come – looking forward to our future in heaven as men and women free from sin.

The Israelites put the blood on their doorposts several hours before midnight. The passing Egyptians must have thought that peculiar and ridiculous. It made them vulnerable to the spiteful Egyptians. But the blood of the lamb protected them from death.

When we accept Christ as our Passover Lamb, His blood protects us. We are perpetually being saved from the hand of the destroying angel when we have Christ’s blood on the doorposts of our lives!

THE CUPS

Four cups are typically consumed at a Passover, a custom that ties back to Exodus 6:5–7. The first is the Cup of Sanctification (“I will bring you out”). The second is the Cup of Deliverance (“I will free you”). After eating, Jesus and His friends drink a third time from the Cup of Redemption (“I will bless you”). This is the cup that we observe today when taking Communion—the one with which Jesus sets up the New Covenant.

The fourth is the Cup of Restoration (“I will protect you”). Jesus does not drink from this cup and tells His followers that He will not drink from it until He drinks it new with us in His Father’s kingdom.

There is also a fifth cup—the Cup of Wrath. Jesus is the only one who can drink from this cup. When He is on the cross and says, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28), He is saying, “Give me the fifth cup that I might drink all of it.”

Our response:  Stay in Communion with God daily. 

The Lord’s Supper is a time to remember what Jesus did for us, and it’s a time for anticipating His return. As we walk by faith in Christ, we remember what He has done for us with grateful, humbled hearts.  We live expectantly for all that is to come—just as He said. Great is His faithfulness!

Lord,

Help me to remember your faithfulness in my life, just as you were faithful to bring your people out of Egypt. Thank you for delivering me from my sins. I want to live with anticipation and expectation for the time when I will be with you forever. I look forward to sharing the fourth Cup with you in heaven!

In Jesus Name, Amen—I believe!

The winter solstice occurs on a day in December, close the birth of our youngest child December 22.  In the Northern Hemisphere the date marks the 24-hour period with the fewest daylight hours of the year. That is why it is known as the shortest day of the year, or the longest night of the year. 

What is the winter solstice, you ask?  Glad you asked, I researched a good explanation for us—

• Since the Earth is tilted 23.4 degrees on its axis, the arc the Sun moves through during the day will rise and fall across the year as the Earth’s pole points either towards or away from the Sun. The winter solstice occurs at the minimum point for the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun is lowest in the sky. 
• At this time, the Earth’s North Pole is pointing away from the Sun (which is why it is so much colder in the Northern Hemisphere). For people living in the Southern Hemisphere, the South Pole is pointing towards the Sun, making it summertime “down under.”
• So, after the shortest day, the days start getting longer and the nights shorter. At the spring and autumnal equinoxes, the day and night hours are around the same length, each lasting around 12 hours. The number of daylight hours peaks at summer solstice.

As of this day in December, the winter solstice has come and gone.  We now can get a glimpse of longer days ahead!  We endure the darkness of shorter days as we look forward to having more hours in a day of the sun shining on us to uplift us with its warmth and glow.  We look forward to the switch because of the tilt of our earth that takes us from less daylight to longer periods of enjoying the light! 

With more hours in the day, what do we humans do?  We plan for more things to do to fill our overscheduled lives as the sun shines!  Sigh.

Jesus tells us that a Day is approaching that we should be even more aware of and watch for with great expectation. We will see signs but we will not know the exact time.  But one thing is certain, for all who believe, there will be a Day when there will be no more dark nights!  Our Light will come from the Son who saved us and is preparing a place for us in eternity.

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22: 5, NLT

Luke 21, The Message

The Day of Reckoning

^20-24 “When you see soldiers camped all around Jerusalem, then you’ll know that she is about to be devastated. If you’re living in Judea at the time, run for the hills. If you’re in the city, get out quickly. If you’re out in the fields, don’t go home to get your coat. This is the Day of Reckoning—everything written about it will come to a head. Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard. Incredible misery! Torrential rage! People dropping like flies; people dragged off to prisons; Jerusalem under the boot of barbarians until the nations finish what was given them to do.

^25-26 “It will seem like all hell has broken loose—sun, moon, stars, earth, sea, in an uproar and everyone all over the world in a panic, the wind knocked out of them by the threat of doom, the powers-that-be quaking.

^27-28 “And then—then!—they’ll see the Son of Man welcomed in grand style—a glorious welcome! When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!”

^29-33 He told them a story. “Look at a fig tree. Any tree for that matter. When the leaves begin to show, one look tells you that summer is right around the corner. The same here—when you see these things happen, you know God’s kingdom is about here. Don’t brush this off: I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too—these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.

^34-36 “But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t fall asleep at the wheel. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.”

^37-38 He spent his days in the Temple teaching, but his nights out on the mountain called Olives. All the people were up at the crack of dawn to come to the Temple and listen to him.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Fact:  Jesus is coming back!

Our Response: 

Look up to God with worship and praise!

Live expectantly and joyfully for the return of Jesus, God’s Son!

Be on guard always.  Why? The enemy attacks believers continually in his meager, limited effort to distract us in our busy lives and deceive us with lies about who God is and who we are in relationship with Him.  The enemy consistently attempts to destroy of faith in Jesus so that when Jesus comes back, we will not recognize Him—but all will recognize the Son when He comes—ready or not!  So, be ready!

Pray constantly for His wisdom and strength. We will not endure without God’s power, wisdom, strength and resolve.

Know that the battle has already been won. Here are but a few scriptures to remind us of Truth—

• He triumphed over them by the cross – Colossians 2:15 When Jesus Christ died on the cross, He disarmed the powers and the authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them and making us victorious in all aspects.
• We fight with weapons to demolish strongholds – 2 Corinthians 10:4 In the spiritual warfare, the weapons we fight with are not of this world. They are spiritual weapons with divine powers to destroy strongholds.
• Protection from the evil one –2 Thessalonians 3:3 From this verse, out of the Lord’s faithfulness, He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. This is a subtle indication that all your battles are already won and the Lord will never leave you at the mercy of the wicked one.
• Nothing will separate us from the love of God – Romans 8:38-39 Not death or life, angels or demons, the present or the past, or any other thing in all creation will ever separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus.

Don’t miss the message of the last verses of this passage—

Jesus taught Truth by day and prayed by night to God, the Father.  What a lesson Jesus teaches us in this sentence alone!  We can do nothing of significance without God directing us first, guiding us in every word and deed.

As soon as it was light— “at the crack of dawn”—Jesus spoke to listening ears. The Light has come to pierce the darkness with Truth!  People were, and still are, starving for Truth.

Lord,

Thank you for coming to earth to pierce the darkness of mankind. To all who believe, Your Light of Truth saves us and rescues us from dark thinking and destructive behaviors.  I am one of them.  I believe.  I love you back with all my heart, mind, and soul.  Give us wisdom for this day.  I’m listening.  Help me to tell others!

In Jesus Name, Amen

The minute the nation of Israel was attacked, I expected the doomsday deceivers to come out of the woodwork to tell us the new predicted time of Jesus’ coming with fervor.  It happens with each war that breaks that draws the attention of the world—especially when the ugly devastation and atrocities of war against humans caught in the “crossfire” happens in the area where Jesus’ walked the earth, died and rose again for our sins, with a promise to come back again to claim His own.  “It must be time!” some will say as they line up all the prophecies with an attempt to calculate and predict the Day.

But Jesus teaches a different perspective that many miss…

Luke 21, The Message

Watch Out for Doomsday Deceivers

^5-6 One day people were standing around talking about the Temple, remarking how beautiful it was, the splendor of its stonework and memorial gifts. Jesus said, “All this you’re admiring so much—the time is coming when every stone in that building will end up in a heap of rubble.”

⁷ They asked him, “Teacher, when is this going to happen? What clue will we get that it’s about to take place?”

^8-9 He said, “Watch out for the doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One,’ or, ‘The end is near.’ Don’t fall for any of that. When you hear of wars and uprisings, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history and no sign of the end.”

^10-11 He went on, “Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Huge earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. You’ll think at times that the very sky is falling.

^12-15 “But before any of this happens, they’ll arrest you, hunt you down, and drag you to court and jail. It will go from bad to worse, dog-eat-dog, everyone at your throat because you carry my name. You’ll end up on the witness stand, called to testify. Make up your mind right now not to worry about it. I’ll give you the words and wisdom that will reduce all your accusers to stammers and stutters.

^16-19 “You’ll even be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you will be killed. There’s no telling who will hate you because of me. Even so, every detail of your body and soul—even the hairs of your head!—is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. Staying with it—that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

The greatest battle of all will be the war for our minds.  The evil one knows where we are weak and strikes where it hurts the most.  The prince of darkness will attempt daily to distract and deceive our thinking in an effort to change our minds against the God, who created us and His Son who redeemed us.  Don’t fall for what the Deceiver says!

There will be battles among our most intimate relationships.  As if we don’t conjure up enough assumptions about what our loved ones think with presumptions of how much they love us, the evil one uses our human thought to “plant” landmines of anxious opinions for us to consider as we relate to each other.  His purpose is the destruction of all loving relationships within our families.  His ultimate goal is to destroy the relationship between God and His children.  Yes, yours and mine!

As I write, I’m recalling a true story from a pastor’s wife, speaking to us at a learning event for all pastors/spouses.  This well-known, confident speaker came in late to the session with trembling hands.  She offered this explanation:

“I was just on the phone with my son who is a pastor in a large city in Arizona.  He insisted that we talk and considered this as an urgent plea for prayer.  Her son related how a new believer from his church was at a local park with her child when she saw a group of people who seemed to be gathering in a circle to pray.  She thought how awesome it would be to join the group with her testimony of giving her life to Jesus!”

“They welcomed her into the group just before they began to circle and pray.  She shuttered in fear as she held hands with the “worshipers” who began to pray to Satan, asking for the destruction of all the Jesus-believing pastors’ families in their city.  They prayed that the war would be won if all believers in Jesus could be stopped in living their life for Jesus.”

“The speakers son was so distraught he called his mom to tell us in the session gathered there that day to pray for his family, his church families, all pastors in his city, and for these deceived believers in the evil one. Pray for our wisdom to not panic but to pray for ‘Greater is the One in us than he who is in this world.’”

At once, we all got on our knees and prayed.  There is power in prayer! For indeed greater is He who is in us than he who is waging war on our minds!  (See 1 John 4:4)

“Don’t panic,” says Jesus.  Keep your minds stayed on Him.  Isaiah, the prophet of God, wrote, “In that day, everyone in the land of Judah will sing this song:  Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the walls of God’s salvation. Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”  Isaiah 26:1-4, NLT

Jesus is Prince of Peace!  Israel sings once more after the battle, but this time the emphasis is on righteousness and peace. We cannot experience true peace apart from righteousness, and we can have no righteousness apart from God’s salvation in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21–31). It is at the Cross that “righteousness and peace have kissed” each other (Psalm 85:10). When Jesus Christ reigns on earth, the promise of Psalm 72:7 will be fulfilled: “In His days the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.” Jesus Christ is our true King of Righteousness and King of Peace!

Jesus tells us to be ready; for it will happen. He assures all believers that God cares deeply for us and protects us in the battles for our hearts, minds, and souls.  He knows what we are going through.  Nothing on earth escapes the His notice.  Despair will overwhelm us as our loved ones turn against us for believing in Jesus. Our hearts will break when a loved one turns to the enemy in sheer complacency or rebellion against righteousness. Our greatest weapon is prayer—to remain in Him as He remains in us.  

Keep believing no matter what because God has already won this war!  Jesus defeated death, went to hell and back for us, and rose again in victory for our souls!  However, this Enemy who is filled with every way of thinking and behaving that is not of God, is determined to tempt us to retreat from victory in Jesus.  “Even so, every detail of your body and soul—even the hairs of your head! —is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. Staying with it—that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved.” –Jesus, the Victor!

Hang on, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!  The war for our souls began with Adam and Eve.  But God was, is and always will be in control.  The warring characteristics Jesus stated have been happening in every age of the church, for from the beginning there have been counterfeit messiahs, national and international upheavals, and religious persecution. But these things will increase and intensify as the time of Jesus’ coming draws near. There will be religious delusion as Jesus relates in this passage and others.   There will also be international skirmishes. Finally, there will be religious persecution, both official and personal.  Decide now whose side you will choose to follow—God or the Enemy?  The One who has already won the war or the one who thinks there is still a chance to draw us away from the Victor?

WHAT IS OUR RESPONSE?  STAY! 

Stay on the Rock of our salvation.

Stay firm in our belief of Jesus as the Victor over evil. 

Stay grounded and so connected to God that we may hear His voice above all other voices and follow Him.

Stay in God’s Word so that we may be able to answer those who are falling for evil.

Stay expectant for the return of our Savior and Lord without the need to know the exact Day.

Lord,

Thank you for this lesson that reminds us to stay.  I believe and I will stay with You.  Why trust anyone else than the lover of my soul?  Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.  Give me wisdom with words from you to help others “stay”.

In Jesus Name, Amen

In this season of decisions such as what should I give to Aunt Betsy?  She always gives something to us.  How much should I give to the mission? The budget is tight this time of year.  Should I bake extra for the family who is struggling in our neighborhood?  My schedule is already pushed to the limit.  All the charities are bombarding us with end of year requests for their budgets. 

What is left to give?  Maybe we’re asking the wrong questions.

Luke 21, The Message

^1-4 Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”

Jesus didn’t say she gave what she did not have.  (Credit cards were not in existence as they are today!)  No, Jesus observed her heart and said she gave beyond her own budget of what she could afford, trusting God.  She gave all she had in that moment in gratitude for all God had provided.  The poor widow gave all her heart to God in this decision to give her two cents.  This is giving extravagantly.  This act of gratitude touched the heart of Jesus.

The widow wasn’t thinking about how her two cents might help to build a new spiral on the temple.   She simply gave what she had as worship to her God.  She gave her all knowing that God will provide.   

May we give all as the widow gave with simply a heart of gratitude for the God who provides.  God gave His One and Only Son for us.  We give our lives back to Him.

All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live

All to Jesus I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me, Jesus, take me now

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Savior
I surrender all

All to Jesus I surrender
Make me Savior wholly thine
May Thy Holy Spirit fill me
May I know Thy power divine

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Savior

I surrender all
I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Savior

I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Savior
I surrender all

Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.”  Mark 12:30-31, MSG

“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 God still searches for people like this widow who love and give their all to Him in grateful praise, not looking for anything in return.  God gives strength and help to all who give all.  That’s a promise.

Lord,

May I give all in Your Name for Your Glory with nothing held back.  I love you with all that is in me.

In Jesus Name, Amen

It is “sad-you-see” when people do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus.  If we do not believe in resurrection then where is our hope of resurrection with Him who died for us?  What is the purpose for living?  Who has the answer?  Who is the answer?

“Now, let me ask you something profound yet troubling. If you became believers because you trusted the proclamation that Christ is alive, risen from the dead, how can you let people say that there is no such thing as a resurrection? If there’s no resurrection, there’s no living Christ. And face it—if there’s no resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if there’s no resurrection.” 1 Corinthians 15:14, MSG

“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”           1 Corinthians 15:14, NIV

Yes, sad, indeed.

Luke 20, The Message

All Intimacies Will Be with God

^27-33 Some Sadducees came up. This is the Jewish party that denies any possibility of resurrection. They asked, “Teacher, Moses wrote us that if a man dies and leaves a wife but no child, his brother is obligated to marry her and give her children. Well, there once were seven brothers. The first took a wife. He died childless. The second married her and died, then the third, and eventually all seven had their turn, but no child. After all that, the wife died. That wife, now—in the resurrection whose wife is she? All seven married her.”

^34-38 Jesus said, “Marriage is a major preoccupation here, but not there. Those who are included in the resurrection of the dead will no longer be concerned with marriage nor, of course, with death. They will have better things to think about, if you can believe it. All ecstasies and intimacies then will be with God. Even Moses exclaimed about resurrection at the burning bush, saying, ‘God: God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob!’ God isn’t the God of dead men, but of the living. To him all are alive.”

^39-40 Some of the religion scholars said, “Teacher, that’s a great answer!” For a while, anyway, no one dared put questions to him.

* * *

^41-44 Then he put a question to them: “How is it that they say that the Messiah is David’s son? In the Book of Psalms, David clearly says,

God said to my Master,
“Sit here at my right hand
    until I put your enemies under your feet.”

“David here designates the Messiah as ‘my Master’—so how can the Messiah also be his ‘son’?”

^45-47 With everybody listening, Jesus spoke to his disciples. “Watch out for the religion scholars. They love to walk around in academic gowns, preen in the radiance of public flattery, bask in prominent positions, sit at the head table at every church function. And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get. But they’ll pay for it in the end.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Jesus hates a hypocritical and rebellious attitude from those who claim to be religious. He asked the religious leaders a question that focused on King David, whom they revered, and described how he was greater than even David.  But they didn’t “get it” for they had fallen into their own pride, falling for what the world says instead of what God says. 

Self-importance of our standings in the community fills us with pride.  It becomes easy to fall for thinking we now know it all and there is nothing else to learn as people begin to look to you as the “one in the know.”  But this thinking and resulting behavior is like standing on shifting sand at the ocean’s edge.  We plant our feet firmly, toes clinching, but then that sand we’re standing on is pulled into the sea by powerful waves crashing into the shoreline.  Our feet move without our control.  We lose our balance as the power of the waves overcome our footing and we fall.  We look silly as we fall, surprised by our lack of control.

For believers, Jesus is the Rock upon which we stand.  If He is not, then we like the religious “know it all’s,” are in for a big surprise.  We fall in the shifting sand of our own thinking.  We look silly in the presence of Truth.  Our falls are always a result of our own pride:

“First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.”           Proverbs 16:18, MSG

Jesus told a story about rock and sand.  The man who built is house upon the rock—stood firm, unmovable.  The man who built his house upon the sand crashed into pieces when the rain, waves and winds came.  (See Matthew 7:24-27) “And the house came a tumbling down…” we sang as children.

It is actually amazing that the Sadducees who do not believe in the resurrection of life would ask Jesus about resurrection!  Jesus gets right to the heart of all theological discussion, then and now, with a simple statement:

“They will have better things to think about, if you can believe it. All ecstasies and intimacies then will be with God.”

YESSS!  You and I will have far better things to think about!  We will be with God in His glory!  We will worship, rejoicing in the One who created us in a place Jesus prepared for all who believe!  And God, Himself, “will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4, NLT

Rock or sand?  Who are you falling for…?

Lord,

I believe.  I believe you came in the form of a human infant, born to a virgin who believed what you said to be Truth.  I believe that the espoused love of her life also believed you and obeyed what you said.  Jesus, you had devoted earthly parents!  But you knew that.  You are the ultimate example of where God guides and sends, He provides all that is needed. 

I believe you grew in stature and maturity as a man who knew no sin. 

I believe that you, dear Jesus, always stayed in touch with God, the Father, so that every detail of the mission to save us would be accomplished. 

I believe that as you ministered to the neighborhood of humanity you taught all of us how to love and relate to each other as God directed. 

I believe the wisdom of God was in You as you became the Person of Truth to a world in darkness without You. 

I believe God gave you the power to heal along with the power to willingly die for us. 

I believe the power of God resurrected you from death to life on the third day. 

I believe that same power is given to all who believe that you are now King of kinds and Lord of lords.  To you be the glory, honor, and praise forever and ever, Amen! 

And I believe you are coming back some day soon to claim your own.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In Jesus Name, Amen 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

It is the end of the year when businesses, churches, and personal financial budgets account for the year’s income and expenses with an attempt to balance the books.  The question that arises every year is; “How much will we owe our government in taxes this year?”  Our attitude about this unchanging fact of life has been described and promoted by Benjamin Franklin, a writer of The Constitution of the United States! 

Fun facts:  The following information was written by the staff of the National Constitution Center in their daily blog dated November 13, 2023: 

“In his time, Franklin may have been the most-quoted public figure of his generation. A publisher, entrepreneur, and diplomat, Franklin became known for sayings or “proverbs” that appeared in Poor Richard’s Almanack and his newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette. To this day, there are discussions about the origins of some of these quotes. For example, one of the most-popular sayings attributed to Franklin is, ‘a penny saved is a penny earned.’ This appears to be a combination of two Franklin proverbs.”

“Other famous Franklin quotes are well-documented. In ‘Advice To A Young Tradesman,’ Franklin writes that, ‘Remember that time is money.’  Franklin also authored quotes in public documents from his involvement with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention, and in a huge volume of personal correspondence.”

“One of his last great quotes came as Franklin knew his life was near its end. In November 1789, Franklin wrote French scientist Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, concerned that he hadn’t heard from Le Roy since the start of the French Revolution. Franklin wrote in French and the letter was later translated for the 1817 printing of his private correspondence.  After asking about Le Roy’s health and events in Paris for the past year, Franklin gives a quick update about the major event in the United States: the Constitution’s ratification a year before and the start of a new government under it.”

“’Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes,’ Franklin said. He concluded with a note about his own mortality to his friend: ‘My health continues much as it has been for some time, except that I grow thinner and weaker so that I cannot expect to hold out much longer.’” 

I hope you enjoyed those fun facts coming from one of the writers of the Constitution about taxes!  But now, let us dive into Kingdom of God thinking as Jesus presents the best attitude to have about paying taxes to the government.

Luke 20, The Message

Paying Taxes

^20-22 Watching for a chance to get him, they sent spies who posed as honest inquirers, hoping to trick him into saying something that would get him in trouble with the law. So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you’re honest and straightforward when you teach, that you don’t pander to anyone but teach the way of God accurately. Tell us: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

^23-24 He knew they were laying for him and said, “Show me a coin. Now, this engraving, who does it look like and what does it say?”

²⁵ “Caesar,” they said.

Jesus said, “Then give Caesar what is his and give God what is his.”

²⁶ Try as they might, they couldn’t trap him into saying anything incriminating. His answer caught them off guard and left them speechless. 

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Those “spies” sent to trap Jesus with the question of paying taxes got more than they bargained for, which is always the result (and benefit) of asking the One who was sent from the One and Only God who created all and owns all but provided it all as a gift for us to manage.  Lesson: God provides all we need.

Jesus teaches us to trust more and worry less.  Truth: The greater our trust in God, the less our worries become.  I’ve “done the math” in my own life!  Lesson: Trust God.

Jesus makes the point clear then and now.  Money is the invention of man, replacing the system of bartering.  Bartering is exchanging what you have for something you want or need with someone who has it.  It seems that our credit cards are becoming a new form of “bartering” for goods without using cash in transaction.  Our attitude about money is the real “root of all evil,” not the money itself.  Money is a tool of payment for services rendered.  Money is the capital to pay for improvements in our personal, businesses, and yes, our government.  The goal of paying taxes as individuals is merely a way to “pool” our funds to make improvements we could not do by ourselves.   

The Roman system of paying taxes was corrupt and everyone burdened by this corruption hated paying their forced amount which was most often beyond their ability to pay.  This kept people under oppressive control.  So, this was the “question of the day” chosen for the religious spies to ask Jesus because it was on everyone’s minds.  Most were hoping Jesus would revolutionize their way of life.  He did, but not in the way they thought He would.

Of course, Jesus’ response came from Kingdom of God thinking, wisdom, insight, and understanding.  Paying taxes is an earthbound fact of life.  So, “pay to Caesar what is his” with the coins made with his picture on them.

“Give to God what belongs to Him”—all our hearts, all our minds, and all our souls—He were created in His image to reflect His character! 

As we worship, learn, trust, and obey God with all that is within us, we will soon realize that we do not have the capacity to outgive God.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16  When we seek His wisdom for living in this world—He gives all we need!

Our response?  Let’s revisit Proverbs 3…

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
    Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
    and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
    Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
    and you will earn a good reputation.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.

Proverbs 3:1-8, NLT

Jesus who taught us there is more to life than death and taxes! 

Jesus is the Way to God who is Truth who gives Life eternal.  Trust Him.

Lord,

Thank you for the assurance of You in us, abiding in us, always being with us.  You provide all we need to live life here while preparing and waiting expectantly to live life with you there—forever! Continue to teach us, Lord.  I love you with all my heart, mind, body and soul.  I’m yours and I believe what you say.

In Jesus Name, Amen

If you are a person with servant’s heart who is being harassed by coworkers who enjoy the status quo they have created from themselves, then you will understand the story Jesus tells in our next passage.

If you are among friends who do not believe in God, who consistently mock you with sarcastic comments while attempting to stop you from talking about Him; then you will begin to see the point of the story of the Vineyard.

If you are beaten and put in jail for believing in Jesus, (yes that happens in our present world), then you will “feel” the message of the Vineyard!

If you are a person who serves to feel good about yourself, loves only those you like and love you back, ignores outsiders, and feel strongly that what you do is of most importance in the work of God’s church Jesus established for believers; then this story may touch a nerve and reveal the truth of our character flaws.

Jesus’ story of the Vineyard reveals Truth.  Those listening who harass, mock, judge, and assume the worst with thoughts of murder—all because they are full of envy, prejudice, jealousy, and pride—know this story is about them.

Who are we in this story?

Luke 20, The Message

The Story of Corrupt Farmhands

^9-12 Jesus told another story to the people: “A man planted a vineyard. He handed it over to farmhands and went off on a trip. He was gone a long time. In time he sent a servant back to the farmhands to collect the profits, but they beat him up and sent him off empty-handed. He decided to try again and sent another servant. That one they beat black-and-blue, and sent him off empty-handed. He tried a third time. They worked that servant over from head to foot and dumped him in the street.

¹³ “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘I know what I’ll do: I’ll send my beloved son. They’re bound to respect my son.’

^14-15 “But when the farmhands saw him coming, they quickly put their heads together. ‘This is our chance—this is the heir! Let’s kill him and have it all to ourselves.’ They killed him and threw him over the fence.

^15-16 “What do you think the owner of the vineyard will do? Right. He’ll come and get rid of everyone. Then he’ll assign the care of the vineyard to others.”

Those who were listening said, “Oh, no! He’d never do that!”

^17-18 But Jesus didn’t back down. “Why, then, do you think this was written:

That stone the masons threw out—
It’s now the cornerstone!?

“Anyone falling over that stone will break every bone in his body; if the stone falls on anyone, he’ll be smashed to smithereens.”

¹⁹ The religion scholars and high priests wanted to lynch him on the spot, but they were intimidated by public opinion. They knew the story was about them.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) 

Many believers know this verse well as this truth leads us to repentance to Jesus who died and rose again to pay for our debt of sin.  But when we quote this verse as an excuse to throw up their hands, accept that we are not perfect, and keep on sinning then we have lost the meaning.

Let us broaden our view by expanding our lens: “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.”  Romans 3:22-25 

Jesus willingly laid down his life by shedding of His own blood on a cross meant for the punishment of all sin—yours and mine.  Jesus took our place for the punishment we deserve.

So, why keep on doing that which Jesus sacrificially redeemed us?  It seems we are mocking Jesus’ sacrificial act by returning to what He saved us from to make us right with God!

The Owner of the Vineyard repeatedly sent his representatives to the workers who denied their authority given to them by the Owner.  They not only mocked His “reps,” the workers beat each one black and blue and sent them packing!  Why? The workers wanted to claim the Vineyard as their own.  They refused what rightfully belonged to the Owner.  The workers sent a clear message back to the Owner that they are in charge over what the Owner created and provided for their livelihood.  How ridiculous, right?

Jesus’ story ends with the Owner sending His Son which reveals God’s Plan of salvation for all who have sinned: “I’ll send my beloved son. They’re bound to respect my son.”  But they did not.  God knew they would not even as Jesus is telling the story.  Given many chances to repent through prophets sent by God with His message of coming back to God, be made right with God, and enjoy the protection and provision of the Owner who indeed created and owns it all—sinners, full of pride reject the Son.

If you are one who knows where you stand in relationship to the Owner in this story of the Vineyard; you are either gratefully rejoicing with the Son or hardheartedly opposing the Son.

If you are sinner saved by grace but return repeatedly to the sins that severed your relationship with God in the first place, read what Paul who writes and be encouraged: 

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:1-4

Stop killing the messenger!  Believe, repent, receive God’s Holy Spirit who helps us as we learn to live this new life of redemption! All because of the relentless, unchanging, restorative love of God.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” Romans 6:6-7

How do we do respond with respect to the Owner who sent His beloved Son?

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”  Romans 12:1-2, MSG

Christ knows we miss the target. He knows we can’t pay for our mistakes. But he can. “God sent him to die in our place to take away our sins” (Romans 3).  Since he was sinless, he could.  Since he loves us, he did.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1John 4:10).

He became one of us to redeem all of us. 

Lord,

Thank you for this story that reveals the Truth of your love and redemption for us. Thank you for yet another perspective that reveals the many facets of your relentless pursuit of us, even while we were yet sinners.

In Jesus Name, Amen

We can argue and debate all day long over the details of life on earth.  No matter what the topic is, we humans are quick to form an opinion with words that will support what we think based on very little information.  Generally, our opinions are formed from what others have said.  We listen to “influencers” on social media who tell us what to buy and why.  We listen to those we regard as powerful simply because they have risen to fame because of position, wealth, charisma and the power to persuade and convince. 

Just hearing, however, without searching for the truth seems to weaken what we have decided to be truth. 

We once served a church who had the gift of gossip. They had perfected their gift of gossip to the point that no one trusted anyone.  I fell for it a few times before realizing what was going on.  To point out this flaw of character with the hope to help them see how harmful this can be to others seeking Truth, I decided to be the “bait” to those engrossed in spreading false rumors.  I shared a true but silly statement about me as “fresh meat” to throw out to the group as “research.”

I observed who took the bait of faulty information and ran with it.  I also wondered how quickly it would spread.  The results took me by surprise.  It only took a few hours after sharing this tidbit of information to an influencer of the pack of gossipers to grow into a spectacular story of false facts and with incredibly embellished details added to support the nugget of truth.  I quickly shared the truth in love, not to embarrass, but to encourage better lines of communication.  We all had a good laugh as truth was told—and the point made.

The high priests, religious teachers, and leaders of Jesus’ days of ministry remind me of this gossipy group who were the greatest determent to the mission of reconciling (reconnecting) people to God.  These “religious” influencers read and studied God’s Law without understanding God’s intentions because they had little to no relationship with God.  They merely used what they read to find ways to rise in power and influence—using the Law of God as vehicle of their own desires.  In other words, they knew enough to be dangerous! 

We read that these religious leaders were hard-pressed to play politics with the Romans, satisfying Roman rule while devising loopholes in the Law to cover their own sins of seeking the rich life of being served. The religious leaders were so enthralled with self-importance and wealth that they added unnecessary, ridiculous, burdensome addendums to the law to keep God’s people looking to them as the only authority of what is right while paying a price for breaking one of their laws.

Then Truth enters the room and everything changes.  Debate ceases.

Luke 20, The Message

^1-2 One day he was teaching the people in the Temple, proclaiming the Message. The high priests, religion scholars, and leaders confronted him and demanded, “Show us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?”

^3-4 Jesus answered, “First, let me ask you a question: About the baptism of John—who authorized it, heaven or humans?”

^5-7 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,’ the people will tear us limb from limb, convinced as they are that John was God’s prophet.” They agreed to concede that round to Jesus and said they didn’t know.

⁸ Jesus said, “Then neither will I answer your question.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Jesus does not need to answer or debate the question of authority.  Jesus is who He says He is.  “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  (John 14:6) You can choose to believe Truth (Jesus) or not but that does not change Truth. Truth just is, was, and always will be Truth. 

Jesus is the Way to reconnect us to God, our Creator, the One who sent His One and Only Son to save us from ourselves.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

Jesus is Truth. He was known and referred to Himself as the Son of Man.  He was sent to earth, born to a virgin, as the Son of God with a mission. The mission was to move into the neighborhood of humanity “to seek and to save the lost” while clearing up the misconceptions about God.  God gave His Son all authority to complete the mission. 

The Person of Truth proclaims to followers where His authority comes from:  “Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20

Jesus authorizes us!  The courage to go, the audacity to make disciples for Jesus from followers of other lords and other religions, the authority to baptize in the name of the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are all based on the rock-solid foundation of the words — and the reality — “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

God the Father gave the authority to Jesus.  Here’s more proof: 

Matthew 11:27. “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

John 3:35. “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.”

John 13:3. “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God . . . knelt down and washed the apostles’ feet.”

Ephesians 1:20–21. “God raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”

John 17:2. “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.”  THIS is the closest parallel to Matthew 28:18 — “. . . authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.” What a picture of absolute authority to “go, tell, teach” others who do not know God—yet!

The Father knows his sheep and they are his. He gives them to the Son. The “author of life” gives life-giving authority to the Son. And the Son gives life to all that the Father has given him!  So when Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” he means “has been given to me by my Father.”

Jesus is Life! Jesus is the “author” of life, the “alpha and omega,” the beginning and the end.  Jesus has full authority then to lie down his life and pick it back up again.  “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” John 10:18

The only debate is within each on of us: “Who do I believe?” 

Do I believe Truth who is Prince of Peace, King of kings, Lord of lords, the complete authority and author of Life…or the prince of darkness, the father of lies, the destroyer of life which leads to eternal death?

Lord,

You are God.  We are not.  You are Truth that defies debate.  Forgive us when we doubt, wander, leaning into our own limited understandings of life while forgetting that you are Truth.  In fact, You are the Way, the Truth, and Life now and for eternity.  Thank you for clearing up any misconceptions presented by those who think they know it all but know nothing at all until they know you.  Help us to follow Truth, You and no one else.  May we seek to show others the Way to Truth that gives Life.  I believe.  No question, you are Truth.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Matthew tells us that there was a “donkey tied, and a colt with her” (Matthew 21:2). The owners of the donkey and the colt were disciples of the Lord and had everything ready for Him. The plan was executed quietly because the Jewish leaders had let it be known that anyone confessing Christ would be excommunicated (John 9:22). The fact that the rulers planned to kill Jesus made it even more important that the owners be protected (John 7:1, 19, 25; 8:37; 11:47–57). 

While the crowd was rejoicing, Jesus was weeping! This is the second occasion on which our Lord wept openly, the first being at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35). There He wept quietly, but here He uttered a loud lamentation like one mourning over the dead. In this, He was like the prophet Jeremiah, who wept bitterly over the destruction of Jerusalem (Jeremih 9:1; see also the Book of Lamentations). Jonah looked on Nineveh and hoped it would be destroyed (Jonah 4), while Jesus looked at Jerusalem and wept because it had destroyed itself.

Luke 19, The Message

God’s Personal Visit

^28-31 After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’”

^32-33 The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, “What are you doing untying the colt?”

³⁴ They said, “His Master needs him.”

^35-36 They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street.

^37-38 Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed:

Blessed is he who comes,
    the king in God’s name!
All’s well in heaven!
    Glory in the high places!

³⁹ Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!”

⁴⁰ But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”

^41-44 When the city came into view, he wept over it. “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late. In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. They’ll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn’t recognize and welcome God’s personal visit.”

^45-46 Going into the Temple he began to throw out everyone who had set up shop, selling everything and anything. He said, “It’s written in Scripture,

My house is a house of prayer;
You have turned it into a religious bazaar.”

^47-48 From then on he taught each day in the Temple. The high priests, religion scholars, and the leaders of the people were trying their best to find a way to get rid of him. But with the people hanging on every word he spoke, they couldn’t come up with anything.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO RESPOND?

With tears running down our Savior’s cheeks, mourning over unbelievers who will die to sin, He mounts a new, never been ridden colt, and enters the city of Jerusalem.  God told us through the prophets exactly how His plan would unfold and now His Son is fulfilling every detail of what God said so that all who believe in Him would not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

The clearing of the temple was a dramatic event that both captured the attention of the people and aroused the anger of the religious establishment.  Only Jesus had the authority to do this as the Son of God who reminded the people why God provided the temple as a place of humbled prayer from the beginning.  Turning the Temple and grounds around it into circus of carnival people bilking visitors with “must haves” needed for sacrifices to offer as they visited was abominable to God.

Our bodies are His Temple in which His Holy Spirit resides.  (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).  Pray now for Jesus to clear His temple of our being of all that does not belong there and is not of God.

Jesus remained in the temple and used it as a gathering place for those who needed help. He healed many who were sick and afflicted, and He taught the people the Word of God. The hypocritical religious leaders tried to destroy Him, but His hour had not yet come and they could not touch Him. In the days that followed, they argued with Him and tried to catch Him in His words, but they failed. When His hour came, He would surrender to them and they would crucify Him.  Jesus willingly laid down his life for our lives.  We deserve punishment for all the sins we have done. But because God chose to love us beyond what we deserve, He gave His One and Only Son to take our punishment for us.  This is amazing grace.  This is love beyond our thinking. This is mercy given to us at a high price—Jesus.

Yes, Jesus paid it the price so that all the sins of everyone in the world could be removed and remembered no more.  The moment we believe, repent with humbled hearts, and decide to follow Jesus—we are redeemed, paid with a price, and set free!

Our response?  Believe, confess our sins, and be saved for eternity with help for today until that Day when He comes back again.  In the meantime, welcome Jesus to “remain” in His temple of our being and teach us.

Lord,

Thank you, thank you, thank you for saving my soul and setting me free to love like you love me.  Thank you for renewing my mind daily as I come to listen to your wisdom. Thank you for new mercies fresh each morning as I commune with you in the quiet of this first hour of a new day.

Thank you for the joy of your salvation that is embedded in my being as you work within me to transform my behaviors in ways that come closer to your character.  Thank you for peace that exponentially expands as my trust in you grows deeper each day. 

Thank you for showing the emotion of tears over the lost.  I was lost but now I’m found.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

In Jesus Name, Amen