Summary:
John the Baptist Beheaded
Verses 1-12
Herod the tetrarch (a ruler of 1/4 of something) heard the reports of Jesus. He told his attendants that Jesus was John the Baptist, risen from the dead. He claimed that this is how Jesus had miraculous powers. Herod had arrested and imprisoned John, because John had told him that his affair with Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, was unlawful. Herod wanted to kill John, but feared the people who revered John as a prophet.
On Herod's birthday, Herodius' daughter danced for him and pleased him so much that he vowed to give her anything she wanted. Prompted by her mother, she asked for John's head on a platter. Not wanting to go back on his word or deny his guests, he had John beheaded in prison. John's head was given to the girl on a platter and she gave it to her mother.
John's disciples took his body and buried it. Then, they went and told Jesus.
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Verses 13-21
When Jesus heard the news, He withdrew by boat to a solitary place. The crowds followed Him on foot. When Jesus saw them, He had compassion and healed their sick. When evening came, the disciples told Him to send the people to the villages to get food. Jesus told them no; He told the disciples to feed them.
The disciples only had 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Jesus asked for them and told the people to sit on the grass. He took the bread and fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks. Jesus broke the bread and gave it to the disciples, who gave it to the people. 5,000 men, their women and children ate and were satisfied. The disciples had 12 basketfuls of leftover bread.
Jesus Walks on the Water
Verses 22-36
Immediately, Jesus told His disciples to get on a boat and cross to the other side as He dismissed the crowd. Once alone, He went up to the mountain to pray. At evening, He was alone and the boat was a good ways away. The wind was blowing against it.
During the fourth watch of the night (between 3:00-6:00 AM), Jesus walked out onto the lake. The disciples were terrified and cried out, claiming He was a ghost. Jesus told them to take courage and not fear, because it was Him.
Peter asked Jesus to tell him to come out on the water, if it was Him. Jesus told Peter to come. Peter left the boat and approached Jesus. When he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. He cried out for Christ to save him. Jesus immediately caught him and called him a man of little faith, asking why he had doubted. They both got into the boat and the wind died down. Those in the boat worshiped Him, claiming that He was the Son of God.
When they landed, they arrived at Gennesaret. When the men recognized Jesus, they spread the word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to Him, begging Him to allow them to touch the edge of His cloak. All who touched Him were healed.
Lori's Thoughts:
To cover up their adultery, Herod and Herodias committed murder. They worried more about what the people thought of them than how God viewed them. So, instead of repenting, they killed the man that was trying to save them from their sin.
Jesus' cousin had been murdered. Yes, He is God, but He is also human. Jesus needed to talk to God, to mourn and be comforted as we all do. No one really thought about Jesus' needs. They worried about their own. Jesus could have sent the crowds away, but He didn't. He saw us hurting. He saw our faith in our willingness to seek Him, even out in the middle of nowhere. We came to Him, desiring wholeness of body and spirit. But, we didn't think about our basic needs, such as food.
The disciples were probably hungry by that point. They probably wondered how they could split 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish 13 ways. Jesus thought how He could split it about 10,000 ways and have some for tomorrow.
As humans, we are limited in our abilities and in our faith. We seek simple solutions, because they're easier to believe in. Our faith should be large enough to ask for miracles. We should thank God in every situation for considering our needs and for promising to provide for all of them. "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Only until everyone was healed and fed did Jesus send them home. He sent His disciples on and He went alone to pray. Never forget how important it is to have a personal connection with God. When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn and so was our barrier between ourselves and God. "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) We can ask for miracles, for healing, for sustenance, physical and spiritual.
Jesus knew He still had work to do, more people to heal, more people to show His compassion to. Where most people would have said, "I missed my boat", Jesus told the water to hold His weight.
Although the disciples had experienced Jesus' miracles from within their boat, during the storm, they hadn't experience Him outside their boat. Grown men were terrified of this apparition headed right for them. We fear what we don't understand. God calms us and lets us know that He is there with us and for us.
Now, I don't know what possessed Peter to want to join Jesus. Maybe he desired to experience the supernatural. He was probably delirious with awe and maybe thought he was dreaming, since it was so late. Peter did the impossible with Jesus, until He started to doubt. Jesus loved him anyway. The moment Peter cried out for help, He was there to save him.
The moment you cry out to the Savior, He will be there!
Jesus' heart is big enough to feel sorrow and compassion. He loves us enough to set His needs aside and heal ours. We should follow His example of loving others, connecting with God, then realize that our needs have been fulfilled along the way.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
II Chronicles 25 - Amaziah King of Judah (NIV)
Summary:
Amaziah King of Judah
Verses 1-28
Amaziah was 25 years old when he became king. He reigned in Jerusalem for 29 years. His mother was Jehoaddin, from Jerusalem. Amaziah did right in God's eyes, but not wholeheartedly. Once firmly established as king, he executed the officials that had murdered his father, Joash, but he did not kill their sons. This was in accordance with the Law in the Book of Moses. In it, the Lord commanded: " 'Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sins.' " (Deuteronomy 24:16, Verse 4b)
Amaziah called together the people of Judah. He assigned them, according to their families, to commanders of thousands and hundreds, for all of Benjamin and Judah. They mustered everyone 29 years and older. He found 300,000 men ready for military service that could handle spear and shield. He also hired 100,000 fighting men from Israel, for 100 talents (3 3/4 tons) of silver. A man of God told him not to use them, because God was not with Israel or anyone from Ephraim. God would overthrow Amaziah to his enemies, because He has the power to help or overthrow. Amaziah asked the man of God about the 100 talents he'd spent, and the man of God told him that God could give him much more than that.
Amaziah dismissed the Ephraimite troops and they left in a great rage. He marshaled his strength and led his army to the Valley of Salt, where he killed 10,000 men of Seir and captured 10,000 men alive. He brought the latter group to the top of a cliff, threw them down, and they were dashed to pieces. Meanwhile, the Ephraimite troops raided the Judean towns from Samaria to Beth Horon. They killed 3,000 people and carried off a lot of plunder.
When Amaziah returned, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir and worshiped them, burning sacrifices to them. God's anger burned against him and He sent a prophet to ask why Amaziah had consulted the gods that couldn't save the people he'd just destroyed. Amaziah interrupted and asked if the prophet was the king's adviser. He told the prophet to stop, asking why he should risk being struck down. The prophet stopped, but he told Amaziah that God was determined to destroy him because of this and the fact that Amaziah would not listen to his counsel.
Amaziah consulted his advisers and sent a challenge, for a face-to-face meeting, to Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel. Jehoash responded: A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, to give his daughter to the thistle's son in marriage. A wild beast in Lebanon came and trampled the thistle. Jehoash told Amaziah that, although he'd defeated Edom, he was now arrogant and proud. Jehoash told Amaziah to stay home and not ask for trouble, which would lead to his downfall and the downfall of Judah.
Amaziah did not listen to Jehoash, because God had worked out for him to be handed over to Jehoash, because he sought the gods of Edom. Jehoash and Amaziah faced off at Beth Shemesh in Judah. Judah was routed by Israel and every man fled home. Jehoash captured Amaziah son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh. Amaziah was brought to Jerusalem, where Jehoash broke down their wall from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate, about 600 feet of it. He took all the gold, silver, and articles of God's temple that had been cared for by Obed-Edom. He also took the palace treasures and hostages, and they returned to Samaria.
Amaziah lived for 15 years after Jehoash died. The other events of his reign are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. From that time, he turned from God. They conspired against him in Jerusalem and he fled to Lachish. A man was sent after him and killed him. He was brought back by horse and buried with his fathers in the City of Judah.
Lori's Thoughts:
I don't know about you, but I'm getting annoyed with the people of Judah. How does it make any sense to worship the gods of the people you've just defeated?! The ones God helped you defeat!!!
It's a good thing I'm not God, because I would have lost patience and just destroyed the world. Then, there'd be no existence or salvation for any of us. I think God is way generous with us. So, the next time you wonder why bad things are allowed to happen, ask yourself what the people have been doing. As He said, everyone is to be punished for their own sins.
Now, if it wasn't for God's patience, we'd all be doomed to die. This is the punishment for sin. Somehow, God maintained the little good that remained in Judah and sent a part of Himself to become human and pay the punishment for our sins.
"Oh, praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!" (My favorite phrase to sing at church.)
People! When things seem hopeless and impossible, when good seems invisible, God will make a way!
Don't give up!
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Amaziah King of Judah
Verses 1-28
Amaziah was 25 years old when he became king. He reigned in Jerusalem for 29 years. His mother was Jehoaddin, from Jerusalem. Amaziah did right in God's eyes, but not wholeheartedly. Once firmly established as king, he executed the officials that had murdered his father, Joash, but he did not kill their sons. This was in accordance with the Law in the Book of Moses. In it, the Lord commanded: " 'Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sins.' " (Deuteronomy 24:16, Verse 4b)
Amaziah called together the people of Judah. He assigned them, according to their families, to commanders of thousands and hundreds, for all of Benjamin and Judah. They mustered everyone 29 years and older. He found 300,000 men ready for military service that could handle spear and shield. He also hired 100,000 fighting men from Israel, for 100 talents (3 3/4 tons) of silver. A man of God told him not to use them, because God was not with Israel or anyone from Ephraim. God would overthrow Amaziah to his enemies, because He has the power to help or overthrow. Amaziah asked the man of God about the 100 talents he'd spent, and the man of God told him that God could give him much more than that.
Amaziah dismissed the Ephraimite troops and they left in a great rage. He marshaled his strength and led his army to the Valley of Salt, where he killed 10,000 men of Seir and captured 10,000 men alive. He brought the latter group to the top of a cliff, threw them down, and they were dashed to pieces. Meanwhile, the Ephraimite troops raided the Judean towns from Samaria to Beth Horon. They killed 3,000 people and carried off a lot of plunder.
When Amaziah returned, he brought back the gods of the people of Seir and worshiped them, burning sacrifices to them. God's anger burned against him and He sent a prophet to ask why Amaziah had consulted the gods that couldn't save the people he'd just destroyed. Amaziah interrupted and asked if the prophet was the king's adviser. He told the prophet to stop, asking why he should risk being struck down. The prophet stopped, but he told Amaziah that God was determined to destroy him because of this and the fact that Amaziah would not listen to his counsel.
Amaziah consulted his advisers and sent a challenge, for a face-to-face meeting, to Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel. Jehoash responded: A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, to give his daughter to the thistle's son in marriage. A wild beast in Lebanon came and trampled the thistle. Jehoash told Amaziah that, although he'd defeated Edom, he was now arrogant and proud. Jehoash told Amaziah to stay home and not ask for trouble, which would lead to his downfall and the downfall of Judah.
Amaziah did not listen to Jehoash, because God had worked out for him to be handed over to Jehoash, because he sought the gods of Edom. Jehoash and Amaziah faced off at Beth Shemesh in Judah. Judah was routed by Israel and every man fled home. Jehoash captured Amaziah son of Joash, the son of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh. Amaziah was brought to Jerusalem, where Jehoash broke down their wall from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate, about 600 feet of it. He took all the gold, silver, and articles of God's temple that had been cared for by Obed-Edom. He also took the palace treasures and hostages, and they returned to Samaria.
Amaziah lived for 15 years after Jehoash died. The other events of his reign are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. From that time, he turned from God. They conspired against him in Jerusalem and he fled to Lachish. A man was sent after him and killed him. He was brought back by horse and buried with his fathers in the City of Judah.
Lori's Thoughts:
I don't know about you, but I'm getting annoyed with the people of Judah. How does it make any sense to worship the gods of the people you've just defeated?! The ones God helped you defeat!!!
It's a good thing I'm not God, because I would have lost patience and just destroyed the world. Then, there'd be no existence or salvation for any of us. I think God is way generous with us. So, the next time you wonder why bad things are allowed to happen, ask yourself what the people have been doing. As He said, everyone is to be punished for their own sins.
Now, if it wasn't for God's patience, we'd all be doomed to die. This is the punishment for sin. Somehow, God maintained the little good that remained in Judah and sent a part of Himself to become human and pay the punishment for our sins.
"Oh, praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!" (My favorite phrase to sing at church.)
People! When things seem hopeless and impossible, when good seems invisible, God will make a way!
Don't give up!
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Matthew 13: Part III - The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl (NIV)
Summary:
The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
Verses 44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. A man found it, hid it again, then joyfully sold all he had and bought the field.
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. He found one of great value, then left and sold all he had, and bought it.
The Parable of the Net
Verses 47-52
The kingdom of heaven is like a net let down into a lake and caught all kinds of fish. Once full, the fishermen pulled it to shore. They collected the good fish, putting them into baskets, and throwing the bad fish away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into a fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Jesus asked the disciples if they'd understood all these things. They said yes. Jesus told them that every teacher of the law who'd been instructed about the kingdom was like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new and old treasures.
A Prophet Without Honor
Verses 53-58
Jesus finished His parables and moved on. He arrived at His hometown and began to teach in the synagogue. The people were amazed and asked where He received His wisdom and miraculous power. They recognized Him as the carpenter and Mary's son; as the brother of James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas; and that His sisters were with them. So, they wondered where He got these things and they were offended by Him.
Jesus told them that only in his own town and house is a prophet without honor. He then only performed a few miracles because of their lack of faith.
Lori's Thoughts:
If your desire is to live with God and without sin, and you are willing to let go of all of your earthly possessions, then you may grab a hold on the kingdom of heaven. Nothing may come before God. Not money, not your house or car, not your job or education, not your family or friends, not your status, not your spouse, nothing. You must be willing to let them go if God wills it. If anything comes before God, in your life, then you are in danger of going to hell.
Jesus says that if we do not hate our family and our own life, then we can't go to heaven. (See Luke 14:25-27) Sounds contradictory to His message of love? What about loving God and loving others? Jesus sometimes had to speak harshly to get our attention and to get us to understand how important a relationship with God is for salvation. This is what was hidden since the creation of the world. Before Jesus came, the old covenant showed us our sin. Once He came, He showed us His plan of salvation and established a new covenant with His life and death.
When I read His instructions about hating, I broke. I was on my face, weeping and telling God that I didn't understand. The notion of hate is so contrary to my nature. I know God lives in me, because I have the capacity to love, although most of my life I've been neglected and treated with contempt. But, God explained to me that if I held anything more dearly than Him, I'd be in danger of falling from grace. So, I asked Him to take from me that which would separate us.
God is good. His main objective is to save us. Once we surrender all to Him, then He can bless us with people or things, because we can be trusted with them.
. . .
Jesus used the parable of the net, because the disciples were fishermen. He put the Master's divine plan into terms that they and we could understand. How awesome is that?! How far is He reaching for you? Think about it.
The teachers of the law have old and new treasures, once instructed about the kingdom. The Law is the old treasure. Jesus is the new treasure and the fulfillment of the Law. Both are valid. You cannot be saved by accepting one and not the other.
People have a tendency to believe in salvation for others, but not for themselves. I know I do. It's just me; I screw up a lot. I have my doubtful moments on a pretty regular basis. What kind of Christian is that? Well, it's a human one. I know God's still working on me. He holds on when I give up. Praise God for that.
My point is that Jesus' neighbors did a similar thing by doubting Jesus' power and wisdom. He came from their town. They believed themselves to be too simple a people to have raised up such an amazing man. So, they missed out on blessings, because of their little faith. (Remember, Jesus asks for merely a mustard seed amount of faith.)
Don't let this happen to you. You are a part of God's plan. Believe and see how He will work in your life, and I will believe that He is working in my life, as well.
The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
Verses 44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. A man found it, hid it again, then joyfully sold all he had and bought the field.
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. He found one of great value, then left and sold all he had, and bought it.
The Parable of the Net
Verses 47-52
The kingdom of heaven is like a net let down into a lake and caught all kinds of fish. Once full, the fishermen pulled it to shore. They collected the good fish, putting them into baskets, and throwing the bad fish away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into a fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Jesus asked the disciples if they'd understood all these things. They said yes. Jesus told them that every teacher of the law who'd been instructed about the kingdom was like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new and old treasures.
A Prophet Without Honor
Verses 53-58
Jesus finished His parables and moved on. He arrived at His hometown and began to teach in the synagogue. The people were amazed and asked where He received His wisdom and miraculous power. They recognized Him as the carpenter and Mary's son; as the brother of James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas; and that His sisters were with them. So, they wondered where He got these things and they were offended by Him.
Jesus told them that only in his own town and house is a prophet without honor. He then only performed a few miracles because of their lack of faith.
Lori's Thoughts:
If your desire is to live with God and without sin, and you are willing to let go of all of your earthly possessions, then you may grab a hold on the kingdom of heaven. Nothing may come before God. Not money, not your house or car, not your job or education, not your family or friends, not your status, not your spouse, nothing. You must be willing to let them go if God wills it. If anything comes before God, in your life, then you are in danger of going to hell.
Jesus says that if we do not hate our family and our own life, then we can't go to heaven. (See Luke 14:25-27) Sounds contradictory to His message of love? What about loving God and loving others? Jesus sometimes had to speak harshly to get our attention and to get us to understand how important a relationship with God is for salvation. This is what was hidden since the creation of the world. Before Jesus came, the old covenant showed us our sin. Once He came, He showed us His plan of salvation and established a new covenant with His life and death.
When I read His instructions about hating, I broke. I was on my face, weeping and telling God that I didn't understand. The notion of hate is so contrary to my nature. I know God lives in me, because I have the capacity to love, although most of my life I've been neglected and treated with contempt. But, God explained to me that if I held anything more dearly than Him, I'd be in danger of falling from grace. So, I asked Him to take from me that which would separate us.
God is good. His main objective is to save us. Once we surrender all to Him, then He can bless us with people or things, because we can be trusted with them.
. . .
Jesus used the parable of the net, because the disciples were fishermen. He put the Master's divine plan into terms that they and we could understand. How awesome is that?! How far is He reaching for you? Think about it.
The teachers of the law have old and new treasures, once instructed about the kingdom. The Law is the old treasure. Jesus is the new treasure and the fulfillment of the Law. Both are valid. You cannot be saved by accepting one and not the other.
People have a tendency to believe in salvation for others, but not for themselves. I know I do. It's just me; I screw up a lot. I have my doubtful moments on a pretty regular basis. What kind of Christian is that? Well, it's a human one. I know God's still working on me. He holds on when I give up. Praise God for that.
My point is that Jesus' neighbors did a similar thing by doubting Jesus' power and wisdom. He came from their town. They believed themselves to be too simple a people to have raised up such an amazing man. So, they missed out on blessings, because of their little faith. (Remember, Jesus asks for merely a mustard seed amount of faith.)
Don't let this happen to you. You are a part of God's plan. Believe and see how He will work in your life, and I will believe that He is working in my life, as well.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Matthew 13: Part II - The Parable of the Weeds (NIV)
Summary:
The Parable of the Weeds
Verses 24-30
The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed seed in his field. While everyone was asleep, his enemy sowed weeds among the wheat and left. When the wheat sprouted, so did the weeds. The servants asked the owner that if he had sown good seed, then where had the weeds come from? The owner explained that an enemy had done this. So, the servants asked if they should uproot the weeds. The owner said no, because they'd risk uprooting the wheat as well. They were to wait until the harvest. The harvesters would collect and bundle the weeds to be burned. Then, the wheat would be gathered and brought into his barn.
The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
Verses 31-35
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. It is the smallest of seeds, but it grows into the largest garden plant and then into a tree. It provides a perch for the birds of the air.
The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman mixes into a large amount of flour until it is worked into all the dough.
Jesus spoke to the crowd only in parables, which fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 78:2 - " 'I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.' " (Verse 35b)
The Parable of the Weeds Explained
Verses 36-43
Jesus went into the house and the disciples asked Him to explain the parable of the weeds. Jesus told them:
- sower of good seed = Son of Man
- field = world
- good seed = sons of the kingdom
- weeds = sons of the evil one
- enemy = devil
- harvest = end of the age
- harvesters = angels
As the weeds are pulled up and burned, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send His angels to weed out of His kingdom everything that causes sin and all that do evil. They will be thrown into a fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The righteous will shine like the sun, in their Father's kingdom.
" 'He who has ears, let him hear.' " (Verse 43b)
Lori's Thoughts:
Why is there evil in this world? Why do bad things happen?
"Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation..." (II Peter 3:15)
If God came right now, less people would be saved and go to heaven. God sees everything. He sees our pain and suffering. Although He is waiting for the end, for the perfect moment, He does not sit idly by as we suffer. "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14) He sent His Son to give us hope and salvation from evil, and He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Do not mistake His patience for apathy. God is real and so is the devil. Evil will be purged out. I pray that none of you are entangled in evil when that time comes. Allow God to work in your life and help you grow. As the mustard seed and yeast parables show, all you need is a little bit of faith. God can work with that. Just say, "Yes". Say, "Okay, God". Look up and say, "Help". He'll be there. He was for me. I know He sent a ministering angel when I gave up and sought death. I couldn't deal with the weight of my guilt and the suffering that was inflicted upon me for over 20 years. But, I had a desperate clutch on hope. It saved my life. Here I am spiritually and mentally sound. Life can still suck, but I know I'm not alone and I know how this game of life will play out. I'm with God on this one.
The Parable of the Weeds
Verses 24-30
The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed seed in his field. While everyone was asleep, his enemy sowed weeds among the wheat and left. When the wheat sprouted, so did the weeds. The servants asked the owner that if he had sown good seed, then where had the weeds come from? The owner explained that an enemy had done this. So, the servants asked if they should uproot the weeds. The owner said no, because they'd risk uprooting the wheat as well. They were to wait until the harvest. The harvesters would collect and bundle the weeds to be burned. Then, the wheat would be gathered and brought into his barn.
The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
Verses 31-35
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. It is the smallest of seeds, but it grows into the largest garden plant and then into a tree. It provides a perch for the birds of the air.
The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman mixes into a large amount of flour until it is worked into all the dough.
Jesus spoke to the crowd only in parables, which fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 78:2 - " 'I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.' " (Verse 35b)
The Parable of the Weeds Explained
Verses 36-43
Jesus went into the house and the disciples asked Him to explain the parable of the weeds. Jesus told them:
- sower of good seed = Son of Man
- field = world
- good seed = sons of the kingdom
- weeds = sons of the evil one
- enemy = devil
- harvest = end of the age
- harvesters = angels
As the weeds are pulled up and burned, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send His angels to weed out of His kingdom everything that causes sin and all that do evil. They will be thrown into a fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The righteous will shine like the sun, in their Father's kingdom.
" 'He who has ears, let him hear.' " (Verse 43b)
Lori's Thoughts:
Why is there evil in this world? Why do bad things happen?
"Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation..." (II Peter 3:15)
If God came right now, less people would be saved and go to heaven. God sees everything. He sees our pain and suffering. Although He is waiting for the end, for the perfect moment, He does not sit idly by as we suffer. "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14) He sent His Son to give us hope and salvation from evil, and He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Do not mistake His patience for apathy. God is real and so is the devil. Evil will be purged out. I pray that none of you are entangled in evil when that time comes. Allow God to work in your life and help you grow. As the mustard seed and yeast parables show, all you need is a little bit of faith. God can work with that. Just say, "Yes". Say, "Okay, God". Look up and say, "Help". He'll be there. He was for me. I know He sent a ministering angel when I gave up and sought death. I couldn't deal with the weight of my guilt and the suffering that was inflicted upon me for over 20 years. But, I had a desperate clutch on hope. It saved my life. Here I am spiritually and mentally sound. Life can still suck, but I know I'm not alone and I know how this game of life will play out. I'm with God on this one.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Matthew 13: Part I - The Parable of the Sower (NIV)
Summary:
The Parable of the Sower
Verses 1-23
The same day, Jesus left the house and sat by the lake. The crowd became so large that He got into a boat, where He sat as the people stood on the shore.
Jesus spoke in many parables (short stories). A farmer went to sow seed...
Landing Spot - Path.
Result - Birds came and ate it.
Meaning - Hear the message and don't understand, so the devil snatches it from their heart.
Landing Spot - Among rocks without much soil.
Result - Quickly sprang up and withered in the sun, because it had no root.
Meaning - Receives the Word with joy. Since they have no root, it is ephemeral. When trouble and persecution comes, they quickly fall away.
Landing Spot - Among thorns.
Result - Grew & choked.
Meaning - Life's worries and wealth's deceitfulness choke them and they are unfruitful.
Landing Spot - Good soil.
Result - Produced a crop 100, 60, or 30X what was sown.
Meaning - Hear and understand, so they produce a crop 100, 60, or 30X what was sown.
"He who has ears, let him hear." (Verse 9) [Jesus wants us to understand and grasp the good news about salvation.]
The disciples asked why Jesus spoke in parables. Jesus answered that the knowledge of heaven's secrets have been given to the disciples, but not to the people. Those who have will be given more and will have in abundance. Those that don't have, what they do have will be taken from them.
" 'Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not understand.' " (Verse 13b)
The prophecy in Isaiah 6:9,10 was fulfilled:
" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.' " (Verses 14-15)
Jesus said that the disciples were blessed because they could see and hear. Many prophets and righteous men longed to see and hear what they had. Then, he explained the meaning of the parable (which I've already written above).
Lori's Thoughts:
Jesus' stories were meant for those who seek God. Those with faith enough to look for Him will gain much more. They will know Him and speak with Him. Those that do not desire to understand, those that choose to doubt, will lose their faith in everything. They will soon find that their dependence upon money or status or other humans will fall through. Those that have will gain. Those that lack will lose.
The prophets and righteous men were told about Jesus' first coming. They longed to see Him. They were blessed because of their faith, even though they didn't see.
In the disciples' time, many saw Him, but they did not accept Him. The disciples were blessed because they saw Him and believed. Because they believed, the secrets of heaven were revealed to them.
Those that don't understand the gospel, because they do not seek, will have the seeds of the gospel stolen from them. Some people see the beauty of the gospel, but refuse to surrender to God. So, they easily fall away when things get hard. How can they receive mercy and grace when they aren't connected?
Some people grow in faith, but aren't fully committed. So, when finances fail and times get hard, they falter. Those that surrender their all to God will grow. The gospel will be spread to many more people because of their faith.
Get rooted! Life is good with God.
The Parable of the Sower
Verses 1-23
The same day, Jesus left the house and sat by the lake. The crowd became so large that He got into a boat, where He sat as the people stood on the shore.
Jesus spoke in many parables (short stories). A farmer went to sow seed...
Landing Spot - Path.
Result - Birds came and ate it.
Meaning - Hear the message and don't understand, so the devil snatches it from their heart.
Landing Spot - Among rocks without much soil.
Result - Quickly sprang up and withered in the sun, because it had no root.
Meaning - Receives the Word with joy. Since they have no root, it is ephemeral. When trouble and persecution comes, they quickly fall away.
Landing Spot - Among thorns.
Result - Grew & choked.
Meaning - Life's worries and wealth's deceitfulness choke them and they are unfruitful.
Landing Spot - Good soil.
Result - Produced a crop 100, 60, or 30X what was sown.
Meaning - Hear and understand, so they produce a crop 100, 60, or 30X what was sown.
"He who has ears, let him hear." (Verse 9) [Jesus wants us to understand and grasp the good news about salvation.]
The disciples asked why Jesus spoke in parables. Jesus answered that the knowledge of heaven's secrets have been given to the disciples, but not to the people. Those who have will be given more and will have in abundance. Those that don't have, what they do have will be taken from them.
" 'Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not understand.' " (Verse 13b)
The prophecy in Isaiah 6:9,10 was fulfilled:
" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.' " (Verses 14-15)
Jesus said that the disciples were blessed because they could see and hear. Many prophets and righteous men longed to see and hear what they had. Then, he explained the meaning of the parable (which I've already written above).
Lori's Thoughts:
Jesus' stories were meant for those who seek God. Those with faith enough to look for Him will gain much more. They will know Him and speak with Him. Those that do not desire to understand, those that choose to doubt, will lose their faith in everything. They will soon find that their dependence upon money or status or other humans will fall through. Those that have will gain. Those that lack will lose.
The prophets and righteous men were told about Jesus' first coming. They longed to see Him. They were blessed because of their faith, even though they didn't see.
In the disciples' time, many saw Him, but they did not accept Him. The disciples were blessed because they saw Him and believed. Because they believed, the secrets of heaven were revealed to them.
Those that don't understand the gospel, because they do not seek, will have the seeds of the gospel stolen from them. Some people see the beauty of the gospel, but refuse to surrender to God. So, they easily fall away when things get hard. How can they receive mercy and grace when they aren't connected?
Some people grow in faith, but aren't fully committed. So, when finances fail and times get hard, they falter. Those that surrender their all to God will grow. The gospel will be spread to many more people because of their faith.
Get rooted! Life is good with God.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
II Chronicles 24 - Joash Repairs the Temple (NIV)
Summary:
Joash Repairs the Temple
Verses 1-16
Joash was 7 years old when he became king. He reigned in Jerusalem for 40 years. His mother was Zibiah, from Beersheba. He did right in God's eyes, as long as Jehoiada was the chief priest. Jehoiada chose 2 wives for Joash and he had sons and daughters.
Later on, Joash decided to restore the Lord's temple. He summoned the priests and Levites, telling them to go to the towns of Judah and collect the annual tax to repair the temple. The Levites did not act. Joash, then, summoned Jehoiada, asking him why he hadn't required the Levites to impose Moses' tax on Judah and Jerusalem for the Tent of the Testimony.
The sons of the wicked woman, Athaliah, had broken into the temple and used the sacred objects for the Baals. The king commanded a chest to be built and placed at the gate of the temple. A proclamation was issued for the people to bring in the tax of Moses. All the officials and people brought their portions gladly. The Levites took it to the king's officials, periodically emptying it out. They ended up collecting a lot of money.
Joash and Jehoiada gave the money to the masons, carpenters, workers in iron and bronze to repair the Lord's temple. The workers were diligent and rebuilt the temple back to its original design and reinforced it. The leftover money was brought to the king and chief priest. They used it to make the articles for service, burnt offerings, dishes, and other objects of gold and silver. As long as Jehoiada lived, the burnt offerings were presented continually in the temple.
Jehoiada was old and full of years. He died at 130 years old. He was buried with the kings in the City of David, because of the good he'd done in Israel for God and His temple.
The Wickedness of Joash
Verses 17-27
After Jehoiada's death, Judah's officials paid homage to the king and he listened to them. They abandoned the temple and God. They worshiped the Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God's anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem. God sent prophets to turn the people back, but they didn't listen.
The Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. He told them God's message: Why had they disobeyed God's commands? They would not prosper. Because they'd forsaken God, He'd forsaken them.
The people plotted against Zechariah. By the king's order, they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord's temple. King Joash forgot Jehoiada's kindness and killed his son. As Zechariah died, he asked God to see this act and call Joash into account.
At the turn of the year (probably spring), the Aramean army marched against Joash. They invaded Judah and Jerusalem, killing all their leaders. They sent the plunder to their king in Damascus. The Aramean army was small, but God delivered Judah's larger army to them. Because they'd forsaken God, judgment was executed on Joash. The Arameans withdrew and Joash was severely wounded. His officials conspired and killed him in his bed for murdering Jehoiada's son. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.
The conspirators were Zabad son of Shimeath, an Ammonite woman, and Jehozabad son of Shimrith, a Moabite woman.
The account of his sons, the prophecies about him, and the record of the temple's restoration are in the annotations on the book of kings. His son, Amaziah, became king.
Lori's Thoughts:
Joash's faith was conditional upon another human. He was not connected to God. Once Jehoiada was no longer with him, Joash was easily swayed by wicked men.
Our faith must be established on solid rock. Do not depend on your parents, your spouse, or your pastor to dictate your works for the Lord. Be directly connected to the Source.
Although the temple was restored to its former glory, the service to God was attributable to Jehoiada. It was as if Jehoiada was the real King of Judah, at that time. He was the one to receive a kingly burial.
Joash was set aside for service to the Lord, at a young age. However, he behaved as wickedly as his uncles, who desecrated the items of the temple, after Jehoiada's death. It sounds as if Joash and Jehoiada worked together for a long time. But, Joash clearly forgot how they'd thrived together. He forsook God, worshiped idols, and had others kill Zechariah, the man of God.
We must all give account for our words and actions on this earth. Because of Joash's sin, Judah fell. Joash's officials sought vengeance for Jehoiada's son's death. Joash paid the price for his sin - death.
I pray that if you fall away from God, that you will respond to the call of the Holy Spirit. God sent several messengers, giving Joash several opportunities to repent, before He punished him. God is merciful and just. Come back to Him. Rededicate yourself to Him. Remember how you prospered with Him before. Or, find out how you will prosper with Him, if you haven't already.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." (Psalm 34:8)
Joash Repairs the Temple
Verses 1-16
Joash was 7 years old when he became king. He reigned in Jerusalem for 40 years. His mother was Zibiah, from Beersheba. He did right in God's eyes, as long as Jehoiada was the chief priest. Jehoiada chose 2 wives for Joash and he had sons and daughters.
Later on, Joash decided to restore the Lord's temple. He summoned the priests and Levites, telling them to go to the towns of Judah and collect the annual tax to repair the temple. The Levites did not act. Joash, then, summoned Jehoiada, asking him why he hadn't required the Levites to impose Moses' tax on Judah and Jerusalem for the Tent of the Testimony.
The sons of the wicked woman, Athaliah, had broken into the temple and used the sacred objects for the Baals. The king commanded a chest to be built and placed at the gate of the temple. A proclamation was issued for the people to bring in the tax of Moses. All the officials and people brought their portions gladly. The Levites took it to the king's officials, periodically emptying it out. They ended up collecting a lot of money.
Joash and Jehoiada gave the money to the masons, carpenters, workers in iron and bronze to repair the Lord's temple. The workers were diligent and rebuilt the temple back to its original design and reinforced it. The leftover money was brought to the king and chief priest. They used it to make the articles for service, burnt offerings, dishes, and other objects of gold and silver. As long as Jehoiada lived, the burnt offerings were presented continually in the temple.
Jehoiada was old and full of years. He died at 130 years old. He was buried with the kings in the City of David, because of the good he'd done in Israel for God and His temple.
The Wickedness of Joash
Verses 17-27
After Jehoiada's death, Judah's officials paid homage to the king and he listened to them. They abandoned the temple and God. They worshiped the Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God's anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem. God sent prophets to turn the people back, but they didn't listen.
The Spirit of God came upon Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. He told them God's message: Why had they disobeyed God's commands? They would not prosper. Because they'd forsaken God, He'd forsaken them.
The people plotted against Zechariah. By the king's order, they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord's temple. King Joash forgot Jehoiada's kindness and killed his son. As Zechariah died, he asked God to see this act and call Joash into account.
At the turn of the year (probably spring), the Aramean army marched against Joash. They invaded Judah and Jerusalem, killing all their leaders. They sent the plunder to their king in Damascus. The Aramean army was small, but God delivered Judah's larger army to them. Because they'd forsaken God, judgment was executed on Joash. The Arameans withdrew and Joash was severely wounded. His officials conspired and killed him in his bed for murdering Jehoiada's son. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.
The conspirators were Zabad son of Shimeath, an Ammonite woman, and Jehozabad son of Shimrith, a Moabite woman.
The account of his sons, the prophecies about him, and the record of the temple's restoration are in the annotations on the book of kings. His son, Amaziah, became king.
Lori's Thoughts:
Joash's faith was conditional upon another human. He was not connected to God. Once Jehoiada was no longer with him, Joash was easily swayed by wicked men.
Our faith must be established on solid rock. Do not depend on your parents, your spouse, or your pastor to dictate your works for the Lord. Be directly connected to the Source.
Although the temple was restored to its former glory, the service to God was attributable to Jehoiada. It was as if Jehoiada was the real King of Judah, at that time. He was the one to receive a kingly burial.
Joash was set aside for service to the Lord, at a young age. However, he behaved as wickedly as his uncles, who desecrated the items of the temple, after Jehoiada's death. It sounds as if Joash and Jehoiada worked together for a long time. But, Joash clearly forgot how they'd thrived together. He forsook God, worshiped idols, and had others kill Zechariah, the man of God.
We must all give account for our words and actions on this earth. Because of Joash's sin, Judah fell. Joash's officials sought vengeance for Jehoiada's son's death. Joash paid the price for his sin - death.
I pray that if you fall away from God, that you will respond to the call of the Holy Spirit. God sent several messengers, giving Joash several opportunities to repent, before He punished him. God is merciful and just. Come back to Him. Rededicate yourself to Him. Remember how you prospered with Him before. Or, find out how you will prosper with Him, if you haven't already.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." (Psalm 34:8)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Matthew 12: Part III - The Sign of Jonah (NIV)
Summary:
The Sign of Jonah
Verses 38-45
Some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, calling Him 'Teacher', for a miracle. Jesus replied:
- Only wicked and adulterous people ask for a miraculous sign.
- None will be given, except for the sign of the prophet Jonah. He was in the belly of a huge fish, for 3 days and 3 nights.
- The Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for 3 days and 3 nights.
- Ninevah will stand up on judgment day and condemn the current Israelite generation, because they repented at Jonah's preaching.
- One greater than Jonah was now here.
- The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment and condemn the current generation. She came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom.
- One greater than Solomon was here.
- When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it wanders through arid places, finding no rest. It returns to its former house, finding it unoccupied, clean, and orderly. It finds 7 other, more wicked, spirits and they go live there. The man's final condition is worse than before.
- This is how it will be with this current wicked generation.
Lori's Thoughts:
Were the Pharisees not paying attention?! Jesus healed a man's withered hand and cast out demons so another man could see and speak. Did they not hear of the miracles Jesus performed with multitudes? Were they asking for a personal miracle so they could have faith once they had proof? Faith is belief in the unseen.
Jonah rebelled against God and ran away from his assignment. He feared the Ninevites and fled. God had him swallowed and he became a changed man in 3 days. The Pharisees were unwilling to change and accept their need for a Savior. So, on Judgment Day, Jonah's faith will expose their stubborness and unbelief.
The Queen of Sheba traveled far because of the stories she'd heard of the wisest and richest king on earth. She desired to learn from him and brought him gifts for his time. She left with more gifts than she'd arrived with. So will it be when we come to the wisest and richest King in existence. The Pharisees, although in His presence on a more regular basis, hated the Messiah. On Judgment Day, the faith of the Queen of the South will expose their arrogance and legalism ("salvation" by works).
Even if people repent and stop sinning, if they are not filled with the Holy Spirit, they will be inhabited by evil spirits. Don't let this happen to you. You cannot make it to heaven without God. You do not need to be perfect first to receive Him. Look at Jonah. Look at the apostle Paul. Look at David! The murderer whom God still called a man after His own heart, because He repented and earnestly sought to do God's will.
Rituals alone are meaningless. The Pharisees were perfect in obedience of the law. But their hearts, their spirits, were not in it. They did not fear or love God or others. So, really, they missed the point of the Ten Commandments.
Don't be like them. Let your heart be His home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeWVSCilAeg
This is a song by Jeremy Horn, called "The Only God Who Saves". I thought it'd be appropriate for today's topic.
Summary...
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
Verses 46-50
While speaking to the crowd, His mother and brothers stood outside, waiting to speak with Him. Someone told Jesus that they were waiting. Jesus asked who His mother and brothers were. He pointed to His disciples and said that they were His mother and brothers. Whoever does the will of His Father is His brother, sister, and mother.
Lori's Thoughts...
Jesus was not rejecting His earthly family. He was embracing us into His heavenly one! He loved His earthly family. When He was dying on the cross, He made sure someone would take good care of His mother. (See John 19:26-27)
When we accept God as our Master and we do His will (love Him and love people), we are a part of Christ's family. We belong. And, He wants us. Not just tolerates us. He longs for us. Remember, we are His Creation. Sin separated us from our heavenly Father. He is doing absolutely everything to bring us back. Even allowing His own Son to die for our sins! If that's not humbling, I don't know what is.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for not giving up on me or those reading this now.
The Sign of Jonah
Verses 38-45
Some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, calling Him 'Teacher', for a miracle. Jesus replied:
- Only wicked and adulterous people ask for a miraculous sign.
- None will be given, except for the sign of the prophet Jonah. He was in the belly of a huge fish, for 3 days and 3 nights.
- The Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for 3 days and 3 nights.
- Ninevah will stand up on judgment day and condemn the current Israelite generation, because they repented at Jonah's preaching.
- One greater than Jonah was now here.
- The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment and condemn the current generation. She came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom.
- One greater than Solomon was here.
- When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it wanders through arid places, finding no rest. It returns to its former house, finding it unoccupied, clean, and orderly. It finds 7 other, more wicked, spirits and they go live there. The man's final condition is worse than before.
- This is how it will be with this current wicked generation.
Lori's Thoughts:
Were the Pharisees not paying attention?! Jesus healed a man's withered hand and cast out demons so another man could see and speak. Did they not hear of the miracles Jesus performed with multitudes? Were they asking for a personal miracle so they could have faith once they had proof? Faith is belief in the unseen.
Jonah rebelled against God and ran away from his assignment. He feared the Ninevites and fled. God had him swallowed and he became a changed man in 3 days. The Pharisees were unwilling to change and accept their need for a Savior. So, on Judgment Day, Jonah's faith will expose their stubborness and unbelief.
The Queen of Sheba traveled far because of the stories she'd heard of the wisest and richest king on earth. She desired to learn from him and brought him gifts for his time. She left with more gifts than she'd arrived with. So will it be when we come to the wisest and richest King in existence. The Pharisees, although in His presence on a more regular basis, hated the Messiah. On Judgment Day, the faith of the Queen of the South will expose their arrogance and legalism ("salvation" by works).
Even if people repent and stop sinning, if they are not filled with the Holy Spirit, they will be inhabited by evil spirits. Don't let this happen to you. You cannot make it to heaven without God. You do not need to be perfect first to receive Him. Look at Jonah. Look at the apostle Paul. Look at David! The murderer whom God still called a man after His own heart, because He repented and earnestly sought to do God's will.
Rituals alone are meaningless. The Pharisees were perfect in obedience of the law. But their hearts, their spirits, were not in it. They did not fear or love God or others. So, really, they missed the point of the Ten Commandments.
Don't be like them. Let your heart be His home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeWVSCilAeg
This is a song by Jeremy Horn, called "The Only God Who Saves". I thought it'd be appropriate for today's topic.
Summary...
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
Verses 46-50
While speaking to the crowd, His mother and brothers stood outside, waiting to speak with Him. Someone told Jesus that they were waiting. Jesus asked who His mother and brothers were. He pointed to His disciples and said that they were His mother and brothers. Whoever does the will of His Father is His brother, sister, and mother.
Lori's Thoughts...
Jesus was not rejecting His earthly family. He was embracing us into His heavenly one! He loved His earthly family. When He was dying on the cross, He made sure someone would take good care of His mother. (See John 19:26-27)
When we accept God as our Master and we do His will (love Him and love people), we are a part of Christ's family. We belong. And, He wants us. Not just tolerates us. He longs for us. Remember, we are His Creation. Sin separated us from our heavenly Father. He is doing absolutely everything to bring us back. Even allowing His own Son to die for our sins! If that's not humbling, I don't know what is.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for not giving up on me or those reading this now.
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