Be Blessed

Okay, right as I’m leaving the house tonight to go to a lab and type this, I’m tested on what the Holy Spirit had revealed should be my topic for this week’s post.  One of my teenage neighbors is leaning on my car -as if it’s his own- and when one of his friends jokingly suggests he show more respect, he gives a pretty nasty response.  I was put off by his actions, but thank God I chose to pray for him (and myself) instead of thinking badly of him or cursing him, even in my mind.  Now, being honest, this is not to say that it couldn’t have gone the other way -because God is still working on me- but I can thank God I can testify that I’m not where I was.  The Holy Spirit held my tongue.  Because of my yielding to God’s word, it was him who handled the situation, not Michael.  Thank you Lord!

The way we choose to respond to the provocation, snares, plots, schemes, etc. of those who oppose us determines whether, or not, we’re blessed:

1.    Jesus tells us, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Lk 6:27-28; Ro 12:14).  Please keep in mind that this is a command, not a request.  So try to live, so that you can also testify that when you’re cursed, you bless; when you’re persecuted, you endure it; when you’re slandered, you answer kindly. (1 Co 4:12-13)   

2.    Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him (Pr 24:17-18).  First of all, let me point out that it says, ‘when your enemy falls’, not if (2 Pe 3:9-10; Pr 29:6).  But in these verses what’s suggested is that God will give you the punishment reserved for the sinner if you rejoice in his punishment, as he did with Edom (see Ps 137:7; Eze 35:15).  Those of us who know better are held to a higher standard.

3.    God is omniscient.  He already knows about your enemy and all that he’s doing and saying, whether it’s to your face or behind your back (Ps 147:5; Job 28:24; Heb 4:13).  For those of us who trust in God, in the shelter of his presence he hides us from the intrigues of men; in his dwelling he keeps us safe form accusing tongues (Ps 31:20).  But he wants to hear from us too.  He wants us to share all of our thoughts about what we’re dealing with, the good, the bad, and the ugly (Ps 8:3; 62:8).  He’s God.  He can take it!

4.    Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt 5:11-12; Lk 6:22-23).  Things are almost never as they appear to be.  Although it may look like a follower of Christ is cursed, they are indeed blessed.  And it’s not because I say so, but Jesus Christ himself says so!  Notice that it’s the Jesus in a person that guarantees this blessing (see post titled “In Jesus’ Name”).  See to it that when you’re treated poorly that it’s because of Jesus, not because of any wrongdoing on your part. 

…God doesn’t promise any blessing for that.

   

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From Sunday to Sunday

Sunday: (Palm Sunday)

1.    ‘The Triumphal Entry’, in Jerusalem (Mt 21:1-11; Mk 11:1-10; Lk 19:29-44; Jn 12:12-19)

·         This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:  “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ (Mt 21:4-5)

Monday: 

1.    Jesus curses the fruitless fig tree, pronouncing immediate judgment. (Mt 21:19-22; Mk 11:12-14)

·         “…have faith and do not doubt…” (Mt 21:21)

2.    In the temple Jesus drives out the money changers and heals the blind and lame. (Mt 21:12-17; Mk 11:15-18)

·         But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant. (Mt 21:15)

Tuesday:

1.    The authority of Jesus is questioned. (Mt 21:23-27; Mk 12:27-33; Lk 20:1-8)

·         Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question.  If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” (Mt 21:24)

(Jesus continues to teach. Mt 21:28-45; 22-25; Mk 12-13; Lk 20:9-47; 21)

2.    Jesus is anointed by Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, in Bethany (Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9; Lk Jn 12:2-11)

·         Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman?  She has done a beautiful thing to me.” (Mt 26:10)

Wednesday:

1.    Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus. (Mt 26:14—16; Mk 14:10-11; Lk 22:3-6)

·         ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ (Mt 26:15)

Thursday: (Passover observed)

1.    ‘The Last/Lord’s Supper’ (Mt 26:17-30; Mk 14:12-25; Lk 22:7-20: Jn 13:1-38)

·         “I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Mt 26:29)

2.    Jesus comforts and encourages his disciples. (Jn 14-16:33)

·         “All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Jn 14:25-27)

3.    Jesus prays at on the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-46; Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:40-46)

·         “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Mt 26:38)

           “My father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.  Yet not as I     will, but as you will.” (v. 39)  

4.    Jesus is arrested. (Mt 26:47-56; Mk 14:43-52; Lk 22:47-53; Jn 18:1-11)

·         “Friend, do what you came for.” (Mt 26:50)

5.    Jesus is brought to trial (before the Sanhedrin, then Pilate and Herod, form Thursday night to Friday morning). (Mt 26:57-68; 27:11-26; Mk 14:53-65; 15:1-15; Lk 22:66-23:25; Jn 18:19-24, 24-40)

·         “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.  “But I say to you:  In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mt 26:64)   

Friday: (Good Friday)

1.    Jesus is mocked and crucified, at Golgotha (Mt 27:27-44; Mk 15:16-32; Lk 23:26-43; Jn 19:17-27)

·         ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself!  Come down from the cross if you are the Son of God!’ (Mt 27:40)

2.    Jesus gives up his life and dies. (Mt 27:45-56; Mk 15:33-41; Lk 23:44-49; Jn 19:28-37)

·         “Father into your hands I commit my spirit.”  When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Lk 23:46)

3.    Jesus is buried. (Mt 27:57-65; Mk 15:42-47: Lk 50-56; Jn 19:38-42)

·         Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.  He rolled a big stone in front of  the entrance to the tomb and went away. (Mt 27:59-60)

Sunday: (Easter)

1.    Jesus defeats death and is resurrected! (Mt 28:1-20: Mk 16:1-20: Lk 24:1-12; Jn 20:1-31)

·         ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.  He has risen!’ (Mk 16:6)

In Our Own Eyes

This post was inspired form my pastor’s message this past Sunday on the Israelite leader’s report on their Canaan exploration (Nu 13:25-33).  There were some things that stood out to me from that scripture. 

First of all, an overview:  The Lord told Moses to send out men to explore the land of Canaan, which he was giving them.  Moses sent twelve, representatives of the various tribes to report.  He told them what look for:  type of land, strength of the people, whether the towns were walled, check the fertility of the soil and whether there were trees or not.  And they were also to bring back samples of the land’s fruit.  They came back, and told the people how plentiful the land was and showed them all of the fruit they’d collected.  It was flowing with milk and honey!  But they continued with a ‘but’, telling the people that basically the people living there were giants.  Caleb (and Joshua) attempted to put an end to what were clearly expressions intended to frighten and dishearten the people.  It may’ve been inhabited by large people, but Caleb expressed faith in God in saying, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’   

Then the other men continued saying, ‘We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are’.  They even then changed their report about the land saying, ‘The land we explored devours those living in it.’ And exaggerated by adding, ‘we saw Nephilim there...’  The reference to the Nephilim seems deliberately intended to evoke fear (NIV note).  And finally, the truth of the matter, ‘We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.’

·         First of all, the land had already been set aside for them by God (Nu 13:1-2).

·         God didn’t want them to be ignorant of the situation they faced, but faithful enough to trust him.  The land was rich and the people may’ve been giants, but ‘faith never denies reality, but leaves room for God to grant a new reality’. (Jim Cymbala, from ‘Praying God’s Word’ by Beth Moore). It was for them to speak and act based on faith in God.  God always does his part. The question is:  Will we do ours?

·         It was the leadership’s responsibility to instill confidence in the people based on God’s ability, not their own.  Instead they expressed doubt based on their own ability (or inability), which is nothing more than pride.  There own so-called ability had never been a factor in any success they’d experienced in the past, so why should it be then?

·         Caleb and Joshua’s report came from faith in God, which is an expression of love, while the other’s report came from fear.  The two are always in opposition (1 Jn 4:18).

·         Real power is in faith, and faith comes by hearing the word of God (Ro 10:17).  The Canaanites were faithless pagans, so imagine how much more powerful the Israelites would’ve been had they just stood on God’s word?  They would’ve been the real giants (Ro 8:31)!  But since they seemed like grasshoppers in their own eyes, they looked the same to their opposition (v. 33).  

Those Who Wait

As much as I like blogging, starting next week I’ll post only once per week, as I have other priorities that require more of my attention.  But considering I’ve been posting three times a week for about three months, I have quite a few posts in my archive.  So, I’ll encourage readers read them and comment on them still.

There are many benefits to being patient, which is something I’ve been struggling with lately.  My grandmother suggested I write a blog entry on this topic every week.  We have encouragement through scripture in patience, as well as restoration through patience.  And patient people promote peace and enjoy harvest (Pr 15:18; Isa 40:31; Ro 15:4; Jas 5:7-8).

We should be patient because it’s commanded (Mt 22:37-39; 1 Co 13:4; Ro 12:12; 1 Th 5:14).  It shows trust and wisdom (Ps 40:1-4; Pr 19:11).  And God himself demonstrates patience (1 Ti 1:16; Nu 14:18).  Thank you for it Lord!  The hope Christians have is a byproduct of salvation (Ro 8:24-25,NIV note on v. 24).  Although we may experience momentary discouragement, a person who is saved is never hopeless, and doesn’t live a life that is characterized by hopelessness. So patience during suffering must also result.

In Hebrews 6:12, faith, patience, and the inheritance of the promise is juxtaposed with laziness.  Faith and patience are not passive, but active (see also Heb 7; Jas 2:17).  Faith must be proven by action.  Just as the farmer waits for the land to yield its crop, he continues to tend to the land and provide a healthy environment where crops will flourish (Jas 5:7-8).  And see how grumbling and complaining are also counter-productive and not indicative of one who is saved.  Complaining brings about judgment, not a harvest (Jas 5:9).  Bless us Lord!  Patience is also juxtaposed with pride (Ecc 7:8).  Patience says wait on the Lord.  Have wisdom and trust.  Recall past victories.  Surely God has even greater in store!  Pride says, do things your own way.  It ain’t comin’ fast enough.  And don’t you know that God will not reward impatience (Heb 11:6)?   

The things that I believe God want for me require me to be patient and faithful and work as one who is waiting for a promised harvest, not work as one who’s at it all alone.  My promise is in the seed of God’s word, not manmade devices!   

Grace, Pt. 2

I had just a few additional words to add to the topic of grace.  I had too many notes left, and felt I wasn’t quite finished anyway. 

To further elaborate on the definition of grace, Romans 11:6 tells us, ‘And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace’.  We see that grace is directly opposed to works, so that it cannot be earned.  It’s not a wage, but a gift that must be accepted (2 Co 6:1).  And with the gift of grace, specific gifts come with it, the most notable being salvation (Eph 2:6, 8-10).  Justification through Jesus Christ our Savior is a gift imparted by grace (Tit 3:7).  Peace of mind in the presence of religious legalism is a gift of grace (Heb 13:9).  Growing is to be done in grace (2 Pe 3:18).  And although it cannot be earned, we learn that grace is given to the humble (Jas 4:6).

Grace is from God alone, through Christ Jesus (Lk 2:40; 1 Co 1:4; 2 Th 2:16; 2 Ti 1:9).  Paul testified that it was  by grace that he was what he was, and it was the grace of God working in him that brought about all that he’d accomplished (1 Co 15:10).  Jesus -our high priest- has lived this life that we struggle to stay right and get right in.  And he’s not unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but Jesus himself had been tempted in every way just as we are (Remember, temptation isn’t sin; yielding to it is.) –yet was without sin (Heb 4:14-15).  So, we are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (v. 16).  Thank you Lord!              

Grace, Pt.1

First of all, my apologies to anyone who may’ve missed my Friday post.  I wasn’t even able to think straight because I was suffering from a viral infection complete with fever, headache, body aches, and loss of appetite (and if you know me, you know it’s serious then).  But I’m -at least- back to blogging health!

I can’t even put into words yet, how these past five days have been.  I’m still trying to evaluate it myself.  But the Holy Spirit has put in the forefront of my mind the value of grace, which is commonly defined as unmerited favor by Christians.  Merriam-Webster’s definition, in the context of biblical scripture, is unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration and sanctification; a virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace; approval; favor; privilege.

To receive God’s grace is so humbling.  In fact, God gives grace to the humble 9Pr 3:34).  Not the perfect, but the humble.  Paul boasted in God’s wisdom to afflict him with a thorn in his flesh along with the revelations he’d given to keep him humble (2 Co 12:7-10).  The nature of his affliction of the flesh was unknown, so we can find ourselves here.  God gives a better solution than removing the thorn:  for him to show himself strong in people’s lives despite their weaknesses.  The absolute best example is Christ’s sacrificial death on Calvary and resurrection (Lk 22:41-44; 23:26-24:35).

Paul says something so striking in Acts 20:24, and I second it: ‘…I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace’.  Or as the Michael A. Jones version goes, ‘My life wouldn’t have meant nothin’ unless I did as God told me to do, through his Word, by living a life that testifies to the gospel of his grace, which has shown that although I was messed up, God was still able to use me!’  As much as Paul had been blessed with, he also had his weaknesses, which kept him humble and fully aware that it was all God who was working in him, and not himself. 

Without grace there would be no hope.  We’d be subject to the law of sin which results in death (Ro 8:1-2).  The law was given, not to bring about redemption, but to point out the need for it, which is only offered through Jesus Christ (Jn 14:6; Ro 5:20-21, and NIV note).  The Bible tells us to be careful of taking advantage of grace.  Don’t be deceived.  God cannot be mocked.  But grace should be our motivation to obey God in love (Ro 6:1-15; Gal 6:7).

Not to deny the reality and the goodness of justice, but grace is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.  Without it, there is no hope, no faith, no Christianity.  So I conclude with these parting words John wrote until Christ’s return, ‘the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.’ (Rev 22:21)