Mat 21:28-32 KJ2000
(28) But what think you? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.
(29) He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
(30) And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
(31) Which of the two did the will of his father? They said unto him, The first. Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
(32) For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and you believed him not: but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him: and you, when you had seen it, repented not afterward, that you might believe him.
"Character counts," your mother told you, and in the usual sense she was right. But this concept can be misused.
In the United States we have a very useful legal fiction: all men are created equal. Now it is clear that all men are not equal; some are tall, some are short; some old, some young. Even in the courtroom the jury is required to make distinctions among men. Some are considered reliable witnesses, some are not, and their testimony is weighted accordingly. So why then do we say they are equal?
It's because the alternative is worse. Our founding fathers knew that all men were sinners. A true gentleman should be expected to be honest at all times—but even the true gentleman might lie under oath if tempted enough. So we are to start with the presumption of equality—in court.
But in life we don't do that. We know some people to be honest, and others not. Used car salesmen in yellow plaid jackets are not trusted as much as ministers in black suits. Character counts.
But sometimes we can take that too far. We may be misled into thinking, "I am an honest, upright individual. God clearly owes me priority treatment compared to that car salesman." We forget what our founders knew: we are all sinners.
Jesus points out the same thing here. They've just been talking about the authority of John the Baptist. Jesus points out the comparison:
When John spoke, the used car salesmen in plaid jackets listened and repented.
If you were really righteous, you would have seen that as a sign and blessing from God.
But you didn't—and you ignored John. What does God have to do to get your attention?
Sadly, some of us are so proud of our righteousness that we have missed this lesson. We become judges over others, but not ourselves. Jesus appealed to the judges to give judgment on themselves here. When he returns, no such opportunity will be given. So we had best examine ourselves now, asking: on whose righteousness do I rely? Mine—or His?
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
By What Authority?
Luke 20:1-8. KJ2000
(1) And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
(2) And spoke unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority do you these things? or who is he that gave you this authority?
(3) And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
(4) The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
(5) And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him?
(6) But if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.
(7) And they answered, that they could not tell from where it was.
(8) And Jesus said unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
For some time in our state, politicians ran for office on a platform of "law and order." They vied with each other to see who could promise the most vigorous (and harsh) prosecution and treatment of criminals. People expect our government to deal with crime swiftly and severely.
That was true in this day as well, and the "law and order" types have come around to Christ to check his credentials. After all, the man has been cleaning out the Temple of some "honest" merchants; so it would be best to see if this man has the proper authority to do so. At least, that's the cover story. His righteousness and their hypocrisy have conspired to prevent an arrest—so far.
Jesus takes up the question of authority somewhat obliquely.
He brings to their mind the late John the Baptist, and asks about his authority.
John, of course, testified to Jesus. So if John's authority is valid, then (by implication) so is that of Jesus.
This was not the answer they wanted. If they say John had authority from God, then so does Jesus. If not, the people will stone them. They're caught between the fear of stoning and the fear of the truth. They take neither.
It is still true: who you are determines how you see Jesus. As David said in Psalm 18:26, "To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd." Their reaction to Jesus shows us what they were. And our reactions to Jesus show us what we are:
Some of us are in denial. It can't be true, therefore it isn't true. Miracles can't happen, people don't rise from the dead, and therefore no evidence will convince me. I don't want to hear the truth.
Some of us are fence-sitters. Maybe it's true, maybe it's not, but I'm just going to sit back and wait, hoping for something else to come along. No commitment, no glory.
But some take Jesus in the honest man's embrace. An honest man, confronted with the facts, takes action. Even if the facts don't fit his preconceived notions, he does what is right. And when that honest man finds Jesus, he knows the pearl of great price when he sees it.
(1) And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
(2) And spoke unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority do you these things? or who is he that gave you this authority?
(3) And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me:
(4) The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
(5) And they reasoned among themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not believe him?
(6) But if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.
(7) And they answered, that they could not tell from where it was.
(8) And Jesus said unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
For some time in our state, politicians ran for office on a platform of "law and order." They vied with each other to see who could promise the most vigorous (and harsh) prosecution and treatment of criminals. People expect our government to deal with crime swiftly and severely.
That was true in this day as well, and the "law and order" types have come around to Christ to check his credentials. After all, the man has been cleaning out the Temple of some "honest" merchants; so it would be best to see if this man has the proper authority to do so. At least, that's the cover story. His righteousness and their hypocrisy have conspired to prevent an arrest—so far.
Jesus takes up the question of authority somewhat obliquely.
He brings to their mind the late John the Baptist, and asks about his authority.
John, of course, testified to Jesus. So if John's authority is valid, then (by implication) so is that of Jesus.
This was not the answer they wanted. If they say John had authority from God, then so does Jesus. If not, the people will stone them. They're caught between the fear of stoning and the fear of the truth. They take neither.
It is still true: who you are determines how you see Jesus. As David said in Psalm 18:26, "To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd." Their reaction to Jesus shows us what they were. And our reactions to Jesus show us what we are:
Some of us are in denial. It can't be true, therefore it isn't true. Miracles can't happen, people don't rise from the dead, and therefore no evidence will convince me. I don't want to hear the truth.
Some of us are fence-sitters. Maybe it's true, maybe it's not, but I'm just going to sit back and wait, hoping for something else to come along. No commitment, no glory.
But some take Jesus in the honest man's embrace. An honest man, confronted with the facts, takes action. Even if the facts don't fit his preconceived notions, he does what is right. And when that honest man finds Jesus, he knows the pearl of great price when he sees it.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Forgiveness Every Time
Mark 11:25-26. RV60
(25) And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any: that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
(26) But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Our Lord does not neglect the more pragmatic interpretation of his statements. In these two verses (verse 26 is considered by modern scholars to be a late addition, and is therefore omitted in many newer versions) our Lord adds the great "if" of prayer.
We might well ask our Lord why this requirement for forgiveness. Many of us have had experiences which have left great bitterness, and forgiveness seems distant and difficult. There are at least three excellent reasons:
First, there is the example of our Lord himself. Though he was sinless, he was crucified—and forgave those who crucified him. We are Christians, the imitators of Christ, and we should follow that example.
Next—and it is very blunt—there is absolutely no thought in the New Testament of our forgiveness without forgiving others. At the very least, we should consider it a command of our Lord, and obedience at least our duty.
Finally, there is what might be called the "white glove" principle.
During the time of the Great Revival in England, crime dropped to such an extent that judges often found they had no criminal cases to try in their regular sessions. This goes by the name of "maiden assizes." The sheriff in such an instance presents the judge with a pair of white gloves—the symbol that the judge's hands are not spotted with the blood of a criminal being punished (often hung in those days). The parallel is clear: if we want our Lord to render justice to us, we must appear with clean hands in court. This comes only by repentance—and forgiveness.
It may strike you as curious that most of the great saints understood this passage to mean that genuinely great things can be done by such prayer. But then, they had that kind of faith, and they knew the power of prayer by a man of faith. But one, Bede, gives the ordinary sinner some help here:
If you are a Christian of perfect faith, then you should ask your Lord for great things and miracles—for the sake of his church and its people.
If you are not a Christian of perfect faith, then go to the Father; forgive—and then ask to be forgiven. Then see your faith increase.
(25) And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any: that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
(26) But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Our Lord does not neglect the more pragmatic interpretation of his statements. In these two verses (verse 26 is considered by modern scholars to be a late addition, and is therefore omitted in many newer versions) our Lord adds the great "if" of prayer.
We might well ask our Lord why this requirement for forgiveness. Many of us have had experiences which have left great bitterness, and forgiveness seems distant and difficult. There are at least three excellent reasons:
First, there is the example of our Lord himself. Though he was sinless, he was crucified—and forgave those who crucified him. We are Christians, the imitators of Christ, and we should follow that example.
Next—and it is very blunt—there is absolutely no thought in the New Testament of our forgiveness without forgiving others. At the very least, we should consider it a command of our Lord, and obedience at least our duty.
Finally, there is what might be called the "white glove" principle.
During the time of the Great Revival in England, crime dropped to such an extent that judges often found they had no criminal cases to try in their regular sessions. This goes by the name of "maiden assizes." The sheriff in such an instance presents the judge with a pair of white gloves—the symbol that the judge's hands are not spotted with the blood of a criminal being punished (often hung in those days). The parallel is clear: if we want our Lord to render justice to us, we must appear with clean hands in court. This comes only by repentance—and forgiveness.
It may strike you as curious that most of the great saints understood this passage to mean that genuinely great things can be done by such prayer. But then, they had that kind of faith, and they knew the power of prayer by a man of faith. But one, Bede, gives the ordinary sinner some help here:
If you are a Christian of perfect faith, then you should ask your Lord for great things and miracles—for the sake of his church and its people.
If you are not a Christian of perfect faith, then go to the Father; forgive—and then ask to be forgiven. Then see your faith increase.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Ultimate Choice
John 12:44-50. KJ2000
(44) Jesus cried and said, He that believes on me, believes not on me, but on him that sent me.
(45) And he that sees me sees him that sent me.
(46) I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes on me should not abide in darkness.
(47) And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
(48) He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
(49) For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
(50) And I know that his commandment is life everlasting:
whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Have you ever watched a construction site barricade being assembled?
Workers come out and place those brightly colored sawhorses about. On the top you will usually find a blinking light. That light is designed to blink for a very long time. I know, because I had a college roommate who stole one. Did you know there is no switch to turn them off? It's hard to sleep in a room with a light like that.
That light is designed that way for a purpose: to warn you of danger. It flashes to get your attention so that you will not come to disaster. Note too that we trust these lights because they are put in place by those who know what's going on.
Jesus Christ is telling us the same thing about himself here.
He, personally, is the flashing light warning of danger. By listening to him, you can avoid it.
He is flashing to warn you of the dangers of hell and judgment.
He was put in place by the one who knows best: God. He is in fact God in the flesh.
Even though we might not clearly see what is behind the barricades, we know that those flashing lights are to be taken seriously. It is the same with Christ. We do not really know how things will be when the Lord returns; it is likely enough that the glory and terror of that day are beyond our mortal comprehension. But we know enough to trust the Light set out for our warning.
The Light warns us of judgment to come. Of that judgment we know a few things:
It is a judgment by God—the righteous one, who knows all things (including our thoughts) and who judges justly.
It is a judgment brought through Christ—who now warns us about it.
For those who believe, it is a judgment at which our Lord will intervene for the true believers, on the basis of his Atonement.
For those who believe, we know that our good works on earth will be rewarded then.
For those who do not believe, it will be a day of terror.
A flashing light is a small thing pointing out a big danger. Jesus is the ultimate "flashing light" for the ultimate danger.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Riding the Fence
John 12:37-43. KJ2000.
(37) But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
(38) That the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, Lord, who has believed our report? and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
(39) Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again,
(40) He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, and be converted, and I should heal them.
(41) These things said Isaiah, when he saw his glory, and spoke of him.
(42) Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
(43) For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
The business world has a phrase for it: "what goes around, comes around." By this we mean that by whatever methods you deal with the world, you will suffer the consequences, good or bad. If you are a kind and generous person, you will discover that the world is kind and generous. If you are stingy and rude, the world is full of nasty people who are tight with their money. My father worked in the movie business for many years. The motto there, often given to would-be stars, was: "Be nice to the little people on the way up. They'll be nice to you on the way down."
But what happens if you've been living your life in the stingy and rude way—and then something comes along to tell you that you've been doing it wrong? God arranges his universe that way, you know. He wills that all should repent; so he made his universe such that the ordinary, natural consequences of sin should tend to produce repentance. The question is, how do we react to those consequences?
Those who made up the crowd here reacted by sitting on the fence. "Maybe this Jesus is right; but on the other hand, if I say so, I'll be thrown out." So they tried to have it both ways. We often want to do repentance half way.
The Bible here gives the answer to that. Consider the example of Isaiah:
He saw—and what a sight! He saw the glory of the Lord, a scene in heaven itself. It was a scene of majesty and power, of awesome holiness and righteousness. His reaction?
He spoke—the true words of repentance. He recognized immediately that no half-way measures would do; in fact, he thought this was his death. But by acknowledging his sin, and the sin of his people, God allowed him to be purged and his sin atoned for.
That experience—with the revelations given to him—made him write the words quoted here. Looking into the future he saw this generation, and knew their heart-problem. He knew that all God had to do to secure an appropriate punishment for their evils was to let them go on being what they were.
But see how God brings good out of evil! Out of their failure to see and hear came the spread of the Gospel to all nations. This too is part of how God constructed his universe. Both the consequences of sin and the triumph of good are the will of God.
(37) But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
(38) That the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, Lord, who has believed our report? and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
(39) Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again,
(40) He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, and be converted, and I should heal them.
(41) These things said Isaiah, when he saw his glory, and spoke of him.
(42) Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
(43) For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
The business world has a phrase for it: "what goes around, comes around." By this we mean that by whatever methods you deal with the world, you will suffer the consequences, good or bad. If you are a kind and generous person, you will discover that the world is kind and generous. If you are stingy and rude, the world is full of nasty people who are tight with their money. My father worked in the movie business for many years. The motto there, often given to would-be stars, was: "Be nice to the little people on the way up. They'll be nice to you on the way down."
But what happens if you've been living your life in the stingy and rude way—and then something comes along to tell you that you've been doing it wrong? God arranges his universe that way, you know. He wills that all should repent; so he made his universe such that the ordinary, natural consequences of sin should tend to produce repentance. The question is, how do we react to those consequences?
Those who made up the crowd here reacted by sitting on the fence. "Maybe this Jesus is right; but on the other hand, if I say so, I'll be thrown out." So they tried to have it both ways. We often want to do repentance half way.
The Bible here gives the answer to that. Consider the example of Isaiah:
He saw—and what a sight! He saw the glory of the Lord, a scene in heaven itself. It was a scene of majesty and power, of awesome holiness and righteousness. His reaction?
He spoke—the true words of repentance. He recognized immediately that no half-way measures would do; in fact, he thought this was his death. But by acknowledging his sin, and the sin of his people, God allowed him to be purged and his sin atoned for.
That experience—with the revelations given to him—made him write the words quoted here. Looking into the future he saw this generation, and knew their heart-problem. He knew that all God had to do to secure an appropriate punishment for their evils was to let them go on being what they were.
But see how God brings good out of evil! Out of their failure to see and hear came the spread of the Gospel to all nations. This too is part of how God constructed his universe. Both the consequences of sin and the triumph of good are the will of God.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Urgent Matters
Luke 13-14
"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to" (Luke 13:24).
Overview
Jesus warned, "Repent, or perish" (13:1-5). All deserve punishment (vv. 6-9), but Jesus showed that this is the day of God's grace (vv. 10-17). Though Jesus' kingdom may seem insignificant (vv. 18-21), it is vital to enter now (vv. 22-30). Christ's warning rejected, He wept over Jerusalem (vv. 31-35).At a Pharisee's dinner party Jesus healed (14:1-6), commented on guests' and host's behavior (vv. 7-14), and spoke of God's eschatological kingdom (vv. 15-24). Later He spoke to the crowds about the cost of discipleship (vv. 25-35).
Understanding the Text
"Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners?" Luke 13:1-5 It was common belief that those who were cut off in the prime of life had been guilty of some great sin. When someone asked about some Galileans who were killed by Pilate's soldiers while coming to the temple to offer sacrifice, Jesus rejected the common view. In saying they were no more guilty than all others in Jerusalem, Jesus taught that all were worthy of death!It's useless to compare ourselves with others and think, "I never do things like that." All have sinned. Unless we repent, we will all perish.
Here "repent" is used in its most basic meaning of a change of heart and mind. The listening crowd had to change its mind about Jesus, before it was too late.
"Leave it alone for one more year" Luke 13:6-9. The parable emphasizes how close judgment had come, and how little time was left for repentance and change. If repentance did not come soon, the verdict would be, "Cut it down."
"On the Sabbath Jesus was teaching" Luke 13:10-17. Though all were guilty and deserved punishment, Christ's healing of the crippled woman was an affirmation of grace.
The indignation of the ruler of the synagogue shows how little understood grace was. And how little desired. The woman who experienced grace praised God. But the president of the synagogue rebuked Jesus for helping her!
Many first-century rabbis held that it was valid to untie a farm animal to permit it to drink on the Sabbath, though the strict sect of the Essenes would not permit help to be given even to an injured animal. Christ's contemptuous dismissal of the charge as hypocrisy shamed His opponents. But it delighted the crowds.
How fascinating that no matter how the hypocrite postures and pretends, others see through him.
Or us.
"What is the kingdom of God like?" Luke 13:18-21 The details of Jesus' sayings are irrelevant to His point, which is simply this: Jesus' kingdom appeared insignificant to many onlookers. But ultimately Christ's kingdom will dominate all.
"Make every effort" Luke 13:22-30. Because Christ's kingdom is the ultimate reality, entry becomes an urgent matter. Mere familiarity with Jesus will not do. One must know Him intimately, and be known the same way.
A feast or banquet is a common prophetic image associated with the establishment of God's future and final kingdom. That meaning, clearly defined in verses 28-30, is carried through the next chapter's stories, which are set at or told about banquets.
This was why repentance and faith in Jesus are such urgent matters. Individuals who failed to turn to Him will be shut out of the future kingdom, where "there will be weeping... and gnashing of teeth."
"Leave this place and go somewhere else" Luke 13:31-35. The Pharisees' hypocritical warning symbolized the official rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders. No doubt if Herod had intended to imprison Jesus, these same men would have done all they could to keep Jesus there!
Christ, rather than being angry, expressed anguish and sorrow over the city which must now face desolation and judgment. The house of Israel, having rejected Jesus, became an empty shell. It would remain a mere shell until that future day when God's people acknowledge Christ, and are restored (vv. 34-35; cf. Rom. 11:25-32).
"Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" Luke 14:1-6 This is the fourth reference in Luke to the Sabbath issue, showing how serious it was in the conflict between Jesus and the religious elite (6:1-5, 9-11; 13:10-17). This time it took place at a meal in the home of a "prominent Pharisee." The Greek term is archonton, "ruling," and suggests he was a member of the Sanhedrin.
While Christ seemed to bring the issue up, Luke noted that the man with dropsy had been seated "in front of Him." And that all Jesus did was being "carefully watched." Again, no compassion was shown for the sick man, who was simply a pawn to be used against the Lord.
The rabbis had ruled that a person whose life was threatened might be taken to a doctor on the Sabbath, but one not suffering from a life-threatening disease should wait till the next day for treatment. Jesus healed the man anyway and then, arguing from the lesser to the greater, showed their hypocrisy. Any one of them would pull a son or an ox out of a hole on the Sabbath, even if their life was not in immediate danger. How then could they object to healing a man on God's holy day?
It must have been frustrating, to be an opponent of Jesus. Whenever they attempted to act against Him, they simply injured themselves!
As long as we live in the spirit of Jesus, maintaining His compassion for others, any who criticize us will also expose only their own hardness of heart.
"Do not take the place of honor" Luke 14:7-11. Still at the banquet, Jesus commented on the behavior of the guests, who competed with each other for "places of honor." In the first century banquet seating arrangements reflected the social status of guests. The closer to the host (the "higher" the seat), the greater the honor done a guest.
The scrambling for position Jesus observed reflected the heart attitude of the Pharisee's guests. As Jesus pointed out, it was also foolish, as it exposed a person to the danger of embarrassment if asked to go down lower.
You and I can afford to take the humblest of places here on earth. In time God Himself will say to us, "Move up to a better place."
"When you give a luncheon or dinner" Luke 14:12-14. Jesus also had advice for His host. Don't use your dinners for social advantage, or to seek a quid pro quo. Invite the homeless and hungry when you want to share a meal. Let God repay you.
The advice should not have been needed. Proverbs 19:17 says, "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done." The social life of the religious, who scorned both the poor and those ignorant of the Law's minutia, the am ha eretz, showed that they used religion as well as others for personal ends.
How challenging it is to truly let God's Word shape our lives. The most ordinary actions demand scrutiny. All we do reflects the values of this world—or of the next.
"If anyone comes to Me" Luke 14:25-35. Later, on the road with the same crowds that the Pharisees and teachers of the Law tended to despise, Jesus spoke of discipleship. One of the most urgent issues we must decide is whether we will follow Christ wholly.
What's involved? A commitment to Jesus that places Him even above family (vv. 26-27). A conscious commitment, that looks ahead and counts the cost, and determines to carry discipleship through to completion (vv. 28-33). A continuing commitment, that once begun maintains its fervor, even as salt to be useful must retain its savor (vv. 34-35).
Difficult? Certainly. But how wise we are to make that conscious, continuing commitment to Jesus Christ!
Devotional:
The Streets and Alleys
(Luke 14:15-24)
Banquets in the ancient world were eagerly looked forward to. Life was difficult at best, and festive meals were a time to cast off cares, and enjoy.That's probably why the Old Testament prophets frequently picture the establishment of God's final kingdom as a great feast, overflowing with food and wine and shouts of joy. Here Jesus picked up the familiar Old Testament image, using it in a parable that every listener understood refers to the coming eschatological (future, and final!) kingdom of God on earth.
The parable makes several points that His hearers would understand, but that might escape a modern reader. First of all, the refusal of the invited guests was shocking. It was an honor to be invited. And an obligation to come. Besides, who would ever think of passing up a "great banquet"? All who heard would have understood Jesus to accuse the religious leaders of refusing God because they were consumed with earthly affairs.
A second impression would have been made by Jesus' reference to "streets and alleys."
First-century Jewish cities were bisected by a few broad streets (where the Pharisees liked to come and preen). But they were also warrens of alleys, twisting and turning back to little courts opening out on the hovels occupied by the poor. In Jesus' story, the host sent his servants everywhere, even to the obscure homes of the "poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame."
And when the banquet hall was still not filled, the servants were sent out, beyond the walls that kept outsiders from the city, to distant roads and country lanes, with a compelling invitation that would move even strangers to Israel's God to respond.
The parable, uniquely shaped to Jesus' hearers, still speaks to us. It is still incomprehensible that many who hear God's invitation are too caught up with the affairs of this life to heed. And it is still the glory of the Gospel that its message is for everyone, everywhere.
Personal Application
As servants of God, we are to probe the streets and alleys of our world for guests to God's banquet at history's end.Quotable
"O merciful God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that Thou hast made, nor desirest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; have mercy upon all who know Thee not as Thou art revealed in the Gospel of Thy Son. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of Thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to Thy fold, that they may be made one flock under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end."Monday, August 15, 2016
The God of peace
The God of peace make you perfect in every good work to do his will.
Hebrews 13:20,21
Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. — Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning.
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. — Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. — Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
My brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!
Philippians 3:1-14
- Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them
John 10:27
- My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
- My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Without a gossip a quarrel dies down
Proverbs 26:20
- Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down
Mark Driscoll speaks on gossip and how to properly deal with it.
Welcome to the daily devotional video series. We hope you are truly inspired by these mini sermons. Be sure to subscribe. New videos every day.
- Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down
Mark Driscoll speaks on gossip and how to properly deal with it.
Welcome to the daily devotional video series. We hope you are truly inspired by these mini sermons. Be sure to subscribe. New videos every day.
Saturday, August 6, 2016
It is written
Matthew 4:4
- But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Francis Chan speaks on the importance of reading scripture for yourself.
- But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Francis Chan speaks on the importance of reading scripture for yourself.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
We have passed over out of death into Life
We know that we have passed over out of death into Life by the
fact that we love the brethren (our fellow Christians). He who does not
love abides (remains, is held and kept continually) in [spiritual
death]…
- 1 John 3:14
Life in this verse is the life of God, or "life as God has it." I don't want to be one of what I call "the walking dead"—someone who lives and breathes, but never truly lives as God desires. Loving others is the only way to keep the God kind of life flowing through you. It has been given to us as a gift; it's in us, but we need to release it to others through words and actions. Left dormant, it will stagnate like a pool of water with no outlet.
Are you a part of God's construction crew, or part of Satan's destruc¬tion crew? Do you build people up with your words and action, or tear them down? Do you strengthen or weaken them? If you ask these ques¬tions and get the wrong answers, it is easy to fix. Just simply begin today by making a plan to be a blessing to others. Use your words, facial expressions, and voice tones to lift up others. Smile at people; it will be a sign of approval to them. Live to put smiles on others' faces, and you will always have a smile on yours.
Love Others Today: Look for the needs around you and let God use you to meet those needs. Make sure you're part of God's construction crew!
- 1 John 3:14
Life in this verse is the life of God, or "life as God has it." I don't want to be one of what I call "the walking dead"—someone who lives and breathes, but never truly lives as God desires. Loving others is the only way to keep the God kind of life flowing through you. It has been given to us as a gift; it's in us, but we need to release it to others through words and actions. Left dormant, it will stagnate like a pool of water with no outlet.
Are you a part of God's construction crew, or part of Satan's destruc¬tion crew? Do you build people up with your words and action, or tear them down? Do you strengthen or weaken them? If you ask these ques¬tions and get the wrong answers, it is easy to fix. Just simply begin today by making a plan to be a blessing to others. Use your words, facial expressions, and voice tones to lift up others. Smile at people; it will be a sign of approval to them. Live to put smiles on others' faces, and you will always have a smile on yours.
Love Others Today: Look for the needs around you and let God use you to meet those needs. Make sure you're part of God's construction crew!
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