SHARING BREAD

¹⁵ People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Luke 18:15-17 (NIV)

I love the receptivity of our Savior – none are too young (or old, I might add!) to be brought to the lap of our Jesus.  I love what Moses writes in Deuteronomy:

“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”   Deut 33:12 (NIV)

One very gracious touch from our Lord will make one joyful and whole as He graciously opens His arms and bids us to come and rest between His shoulders.  I am reminded of even the Apostles after Jesus’ death.  Filled with the powerful Holy Spirit, people were clamoring to be even in their shadows – how much more so the lap of our Lord:

¹² The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹³ No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. ¹⁵ As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. ¹⁶ Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.   Acts 5:12-16 (NIV)

It is no strange thing to meet with discouragement and hindrance, however, when one seeks to go to the Master.  In our verse for today the disciples were rebuking those who were bringing their babies to the Lord.  Interestingly, many of those Jesus invited were shunned by the disciples (and many more He called shocked the disciples as well!).  Jesus wanted them to know that the little children were as welcome as anybody.  How precious of Him to be so encouraging to those bringing these young ones and serving also as a mandate for us as parents to disciple and bring up our children in the way of the Lord.  Proverbs tells us:

⁶ Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.  Prov 22:6 (NIV)

The word “train” used here is the Hebrew word “hanak” meaning “to teach, dedicate, consecrate, and inaugurate”.  Hebrew Greek Key Word Study Bible Old Testament Lexical Aids.   It is used only five times in the Old Testament.  The four other times refer to dedicating something to God.  The point is very clear; we are to be dedicating our children to the Lord.  I do not mean just in a church dedication service alone, but in a day by day dedication to training them in the way of the Lord.  We do such a great job in training them in all sorts of extracurricular activities yet often drop the ball regarding the most important – that is, in their training in way of the Lord.  We are to commit the raising of our children to the Lord so that our plans will succeed.  Scripture tells us:

³ Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.   Prov 16:3 (NIV)

The word “succeed” used here means “to be firm, be established, be steadfast, be faithful, be sure, be reliable, be fixed, be certain; to be ready, be prepared; to be determined; signifies the deep satisfaction and sense of well-being which comes from the certainty that one’s heart steadfastly trusts in the Lord, who directs man’s paths.”  Hebrew Greek Key Word Study Bible Old Testament Lexical Aids.  I certainly do not know about you, but I know that I want that said of my children and grandchildren.  As a matter of fact, I greatly desire for that to describe any child that would subsequently come from my lineage.  This is something that is in line with God’s will and that we should certainly put forth our efforts both in prayer and in work to attain.  It will not just happen – it requires a disciplined process, an intentional plan of teaching God’s way through living.  Our life experiences are great classrooms for passing on God’s truth through our application of it.  Remember, we fall into sin but holiness must be a pursuit – one never just falls into holiness.  Holiness rarely (if ever) just happens.  

Lastly, Jesus tells us that we must receive the kingdom of God as a little child if we desire entrance into it.  What does that look like?  It is a faith that shows forth in total trust in God and His love for us even though perhaps for a time we may see only dimly the movement of His hand.  It is approaching God with humility and sincerity; with expectation and excitement.  It is the realization that we are not sufficient in and of ourselves but are dependent upon the One who loves us and gave Himself up for us.            

“God’s kingdom is not gained by human achievement or merit; it must be received as God’s gift through simple trust by those who acknowledge their inability to gain it any other way.”  Bible Knowledge Commentary

What I glean from this:

• My Jesus is receptive – one can never be too young or too old to sit in His lap!
• I should not be surprised in meeting with discouragement and hindrance when bringing others to Jesus.
• I am to be intentional in training the young ones in my sphere in the ways of the Lord.

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SHARING BREAD

¹⁴ ”I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:14 (NIV)

Being just and righteous and upright before God begins with our humility.  True humility is a rare gem is it not?  In our verse for today, Jesus ends the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector with what I am sure was a big surprise O’Henry ending for the Pharisee!  Righteous in his own eyes, the Pharisee fell woefully short of righteousness in God’s.  Scripture tells us:

 ⁶ But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”   James 4:6 (NIV)

Of this verse the Bible Knowledge Commentary states:

“God opposes the proud. The word “opposes,” or “resists,” is antitassetai, a military term meaning “to battle against.” To the humble, however, God gives grace. Whether a believer is called to resist his human spirit which tends toward envy or to rejoice in the Holy Spirit who jealously yearns for each believer’s edification, the call is to shun pride and to submit humbly to God’s authority. The cure for conflict is a humble spirit which is rewarded by God’s unmerited favor.”

The wonderful news is that as we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, He will lift us up. Peter tells us:

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

Trust me; it is so much better for God to exalt than for man (or our own lips by the way!).  What does it really matter what man thinks anyway?  Interestingly, God sees everything that happens to His child – every slight, every hurt, every misunderstanding.  He knows every motive of the heart that prompts each action.  He knows the heart through and through this is why He tells us to leave revenge up to Him.  He takes care of defending His own and He does it perfectly.  We need not worry about our own defense.

“Man sees your actions, but God, your motives.”  Thomas a Kempis

⁴ For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.   Psalms 149:4 (NIV)

Our troubles occur when we take measures into our own hands – making sure all know how right we are!  Beware, pride is an insidious monster!  Paul tells us in Romans:

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.    Romans 12:17-19 (NIV)

Scripture tells us that as followers of Christ we are to walk as He did (and this does not include strutting I might add!).  God’s goal is for us to be like Jesus – conformed to His image:

This is how we know we are in him: ⁶ Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5-6 (NIV)

Jesus even uses the word “humble” to describe Himself.  If the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is gentle and humble, how much more so should we be?  We find His words in Matthew:

²⁸ ”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”   Matt 11:28-30 (NIV)

“This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness; not health, but healing; not being but becoming; not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it. The process is not yet finished, but it is going on. This is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.” Martin Luther, “Defense and Explanation of All the Articles”

What I glean from this:

·       God is pleased when I am humble.  I am to shun pride and submit humbly to God’s authority.

·       As His child, it is God who will defend me.

·       I am to walk as Jesus walked.

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SHARING BREAD

¹³ ”But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

Luke 18:13 (NIV)

I love what Matthew Henry writes regarding this verse:

“Here is the tax collector’s address to God, which was the opposite of the Pharisee’s, as full of humility and humiliation as his was of pride and ostentation; as full of repentance for sin, and desire towards God, as his was of confidence in himself.”

Standing afar, refusing to let his eyes lift and repeatedly striking his breast pleading for mercy, the tax collector in our verse for today sheds light for us on acceptable behavior before our Holy God.  I am reminded of King David and his plea for repentance found in Psalm 51:

¹ Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. ² Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.   Psalms 51:1-4 (NIV)

Of this Psalm the Bible Knowledge Commentary states:

“The message of this psalm is that the vilest offender among God’s people can appeal to God for forgiveness, for moral restoration, and for the resumption of a joyful life of fellowship and service, if he comes with a broken spirit and bases his appeal on God’s compassion and grace.”

We are never to approach the Throne of Grace filled with confidence and boasting of our own merits but rather broken, appealing to the mercy, graciousness and compassion of our loving God.  Remember God desires a humbled spirit fully penitent over sin:

¹⁷ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.   Psalms 51:17 (NIV)

“The only ground on which God can forgive our sin and reinstate us to His favor is through the Cross of Christ.  There is no other way!  Forgiveness, which is so easy for us to accept, cost the agony at Calvary.  We should never take the forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and our sanctification in simple faith, and then forget the enormous cost to God that made all of this ours.  Forgiveness is the divine miracle of grace.  The cost to God was the Cross of Christ.  To forgive sin, while remaining a holy God, this price had to be paid.  Never accept a view of the fatherhood of God if it blots out the atonement.  The revealed truth of God is that without the atonement He cannot forgive – He would contradict His nature if He did.  The only way we can be forgiven is by being brought back to God through the atonement of the Cross.  God’s forgiveness is possible only in the supernatural realm……Once you realize all that it cost God to forgive you, you will be held as in a vise, constrained by the love of God.”  Oswald Chambers

As believers we are to be quickly repentant.  As the Holy Spirit sheds light and convicts us of sin, we are to be ready at all times to acknowledge our failure and confess our short comings seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness:

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.   1 John 1:9 (NIV)

God hates sin.  It cost Him the life of His Son and, I might add, that He mercifully knows that if we delve in it, it will greatly cost us too.

“Sin is the dare of God’s justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love.”   John Bunyan

“In the gospel we discover that we are far more wicked than we ever dared believe, yet more loved than we ever dared hope.”   Tim Keller

¹⁸ ”Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. ¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; ²⁰ but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.   Isaiah 1:18-20 (NIV)

Amen!

What I glean from this:

·       My position before God should be one of humility.

·       My broken and contrite heart God will never despise.

·       My sin destroys my fellowship with God and me!

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SHARING BREAD

¹⁰ “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men–robbers, evildoers, adulterers–or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

Luke 18:10-12 (NIV)

Ever thought about talking “BIG” before our Holy God – giving Him an explanation of our greatness, exclaiming that we are far better than other men?  Not really a good idea (to say the least)!  The Pharisee in today’s parable certainly had an elevated idea of himself.  Comparing oneself with other creatures rather than God will inevitably give one a distorted view of one’s own righteousness.  We need a good dose of Job’s final analysis of himself after coming face to face with Jehovah God:

 ⁶ Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.   Job 42:6 (NIV)

You might be thinking how someone whom God called “blameless” could have such a view of self abhorrence as this.  We all need a deep sense of humility and an awareness of our own vileness before a Holy God apart from Christ.  If we have an elevated opinion of our own righteousness, God is quite capable of stroke by proverbial stroke taking us to the dunghill. 

“Humility chooses to receive what is provided rather than take what is demanded.  Humility never pulls rank, never gloats in victory, never demands its rights.  Humility accepts responsibility for wrongdoing.”  Chuck Swindoll

 We must never assume that we can stand in our own right before our Holy God. Jesus is our only access to His Throne.  We are told in Scripture from the lips of our Savior:

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.   John 14:6 (NIV)

It is not the blood of animals that gives us entry into His presence:

³ But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, ⁴ because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.    Heb 10:3-4 (NIV)

It is not our acts of “righteousness” and “good works” which save us for Scripture tell us they are as filthy rags:

⁶ All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.   Isaiah 64:6 (NIV)

Rather, it is Christ’s blood that cleanses us from all sin:

¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.   1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)

We are redeemed from the empty way of life through the precious blood of Christ.  It was nothing that we did for Scripture states:

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.   Eph 2:8-9 (NIV)

Paul tells us that all such boasting is foolishness and sinful:

⁷ For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?   1 Cor 4:7 (NIV)

God alone is worthy of praise – not man.  We all fall short of God’s glory and righteousness.  The correct attitude in prayer should be:

“‘God be merciful to me a sinner’, is a prayer easy to be said, but hard to be felt.  One eye upon the perfection of God’s laws, and another upon your own heart, may bring you up to it.  But the Spirit’s light is also needful, for which you must pray earnestly.”  K.H. Von Bogatzky

“Our nature struggles fiercely against being saved without our works and tries to deceive us with a grand illusion of our own righteousness. So we may find ourselves attracted to a life that merely appears to be righteous. Or because we know we aren’t righteous, we may be frightened by death or sin.  Therefore, we must learn that we should have nothing to do with any other way of becoming righteous, except through Christ alone.”  Martin Luther

What I glean from this:

• I am never to come before God in prayer full of my own “righteousness”.
• I should humble myself under God’s mighty hand – in assuming this appropriate posture of true humility, God elevates me to stand.
• It is Christ alone who cleanses me from all unrighteousness.

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SHARING BREAD

 ⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:

Luke 18:9 (NIV)

Luke is giving us a heads up in this beginning section of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.  Our position in prayer before a Holy God should always be one of humility.  We are not to approach God’s throne with any confidence of our own righteousness but rather with the knowledge of our own vileness.  The creatures are to come before the Creator in all humility – sans merit or vindication – so as to be the recipients of the abundant grace we all so desperately need.  I am reminded of Jesus’ half-brother James’ words:

⁶ But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”   James 4:6 (NIV)

This is echoed again in Proverbs, Matthew and 1 Peter:

³⁴ He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.   Prov 3:34 (NIV)

¹² For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matt 23:12 (NIV)

⁵ Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.   1 Peter 5:5-7 (NIV)

Clearly, the way up is down.  The correct attire – both day and night – for the child of the King should be humility.  When God mocks arrogant mockers, He causes their actions to boomerang on them yet He tells us that the humble will receive His amazing grace.  It is the Lord who humbles and it is the Lord who exalts.  Hannah’s Prayer in 1 Samuel tells us:

² ”There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. ³ ”Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.  1 Sam 2:2-3 (NIV)

⁷ The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. ⁸ He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.   1 Sam 2:7-8 (NIV)

“There is no true holiness without humility.”  Thomas Fuller

“The work of a true convert is not done. He (and she) finds a great work to do and great wants to be supplied. He (and she) still sees himself/herself to be a poor, empty, helpless creature who still stands in great and continual need of God’s help.  He/she well knows that without God he/she can do nothing. After a true conversion, the soul is increasingly aware of its own impotence and emptiness. It is still aware of its universal dependence on God for everything. A true convert is aware that his grace is very imperfect and that he/she is very far from having all that he/she desires.  Through conversion, new desires are produced in him/her that he/she never had before…So he/she still has plenty of business at the throne of grace: in fact, his/her business there increases rather than diminishes.”    Jonathan Edwards

“Humility is nothing else but a true knowledge and awareness of oneself as one really is.”  The Cloud of Unknowing

Romans chapter 12 is a wonderful chapter in Scripture regarding how we are to consider the “everybody else’s” also mentioned in our verse for today:

 ³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.   Romans 12:3 (NIV)

¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)

¹³ Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.   Romans 12:16 (NIV)

¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Romans 12:18 (NIV)

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.   Romans 12:21 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• I am never to approach the Throne of Grace with any confidence of my own righteousness rather with an acute awareness of my own vileness apart from Christ.
• God opposes the proud yet gives abundant grace to the humble.
• I am to honor others above myself.

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SHARING BREAD

⁶ And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Luke 18:6-8 (NIV)

In our verses for today Jesus states the conclusion to the Parable of the Persistent Widow – namely, if the unjust judge dispenses justice, how much more will God, the just Judge, do so and quickly.  Believer this encouraging Word comes from the lips of our Lord as a gift to us as His praying people.  God bestows justice to His own elect.  God’s people are required to earnestly cry out to Him both day and night.  This is their privilege, this is their duty and for this He has promised much mercy.  We are to wrestle with God in our prayers giving ourselves no respite from our endeavors.  Furthermore, we must not become discouraged if His hand should tarry.  Paul tells us in Galatians:

⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.   Gal 6:9-10 (NIV)

“The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying.
He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion.
He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray.”   Samuel Chadwick

“(Why does God) bother to speak to us?  The truly staggering answer that the Bible gives to this question is that God’s purpose in revelation is to make friends with us.  It was to this end that he created us rational beings, bearing his image, able to think and hear and speak and love; he wanted there to be genuine personal affection and friendship, two-sided, between himself and us—a relation, not like that between a man and his dog, but like that of a father to his child, or a husband to his wife.  Loving friendship between two persons has no ulterior motive; it is an end in itself. And this is God’s end in revelation. He speaks to us simply to fulfill the purpose for which we were made; that is, to bring into being a relationship in which he is a friend to us, and we to him, he finding his joy in giving us gifts and we finding ours in giving him thanks”.  J I Packer, God Has Spoken

God desires for us to believe that He has our best interest at heart.  Our Father wants us to approach Him both humbly and boldly with our requests.  David writes:

² I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. ³ When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.    Psalms 138:2-3 (NIV)

While the widow’s persistence was displeasing to the unjust judge, our persistence in prayer is pleasing to God.  We must not become weary in our wait or in our wailing.  Discouragement and fear displays our lack of faith.  This is perhaps why Jesus closes the parable as He does:

 However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”   Luke 18:8 (NIV)

²⁰ David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.   1 Chron 28:20 (NIV)

Like Solomon, believers are to be about “building our temples”.   So how are we doing in this process?  Peter gives us the “stones” we are to be using:

³ His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.   2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)

Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love are to be made manifest in ever increasing measure in the believer’s life showing us to be true disciples of Jesus.  When He returns may He find us faithful!

“Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ.”   A.W. Tozer

“A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.”   D. L. Moody

What I glean from this:

• God will bring about justice for me as I cry out to Him both day and night.
• I must not become weary in prayer as I will reap a harvest if I do not give up.
• I am to be about building my “temple” the strong foundation of which is faith in Christ.    ¹⁰ By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹² If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³ his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. ¹⁴ If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. ¹⁵ If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.   1 Cor 3:10-15 (NIV)

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SHARING BREAD

² He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. ³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

⁴ ”For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’”

Luke 18:2-5 (NIV)

Here we have the beginning of the Parable of the Persistent Widow – the key of which Jesus hangs on the door in verse one:

¹ Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.    Luke 18:1 (NIV)

Effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much according to James.  God takes great delight in the consistency and perseverance of our prayer life particularly regarding our requests for spiritual mercies.  Are we praying against a certain bondage to sin that is a familial “bent” – one passed from generation to generation?  Are we praying for a wayward child to find their way back to the foot of the cross and the light of home?  How about all of the prayers for our lost loved ones and spheres of influence to find salvation through our Lord Jesus?  What about our prayers for comfort by the greatest Comforter – emotionally, physically, and mentally?  Jesus has a word for us – “Don’t give up!”  I am reminded of a verse in Isaiah:

 You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, ⁷ and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.    Isaiah 62:6-7 (NIV)

The “watchmen” of the city were to hold God to His promises knowing, of course, that is exactly what He Himself desired.  Whenever we pray back God’s Word to Him Scripture tells us:

¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of him.   1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)

Of these verses the Bible Knowledge Commentary states:

“One who believes in the name of Jesus Christ has an assurance (parr¢sia) in approaching God in prayer (cf. 3:21). Requests made in accordance with God’s will are heard by Him and a believer can be certain of receiving answers to them.”

“If six or sixty prayers are past, pray on and never faint; a blessing surely comes at last, to cheer a drooping saint.”  K. H. Von Bogatzky

“God will have me to be faithful; and should not He be so Himself?  Am I to trust in His Word?  Then, surely, He will not forsake me, but be as good as His Word.  Heaven and earth must pass away, but His Word will not; He is ever faithful.  If I do not believe this, I think blasphemously of God, and can have no help or comfort from His Word:  but if I truly believe Him to be faithful, I believe enough.  This is what He only desires; and if I really do, my faith will not be moved even in the hottest trials:  the Word will hold me up, though I receive it even in weakness.  But my faith must be attended with continual prayer.”    K. H. Von Bogatzky

“No sea is deeper than the ocean of His love.  There is no army stronger than His hosts, no force greater than His throne of grace, no enemy who can overcome His direct and indirect work in our lives.”  Robert J. Morgan

“‘Pray without ceasing’”…and here the word ‘pray’ does not mean to beg or to plead as if God were unwilling to give – but simply to expose by faith every situation as it arises, to the all-sufficiency of the One who indwells you by His life.”  Major W. Ian Thomas

²⁰ They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.   1 Chron 5:20 (NIV)

² ”This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it–the LORD is his name: ³ ’Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’   Jer 33:2-3 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• I should always pray and never give up.
• Fervent prayer avails much particularly regarding spiritual mercies.
• I must trust God to be faithful to His Word as I pray His Word back to Him.

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SHARING BREAD

 ¹ Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Luke 18:1 (NIV)

In our verse for today Jesus emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer among His followers.  We are not to become exasperated over our difficulties and vexations in life. We are not to be defeated in our spirits, discouraged, faint hearted or lose heart over our circumstances.  We are to avoid anxious care and distracting thoughts in our hardships turning always our eyes towards the One who has overcome the world.  Jesus tells us:

³³ ”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NIV)

The writer of Hebrews adds these instructions:

¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ² Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ⁴ In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.   Heb 12:1-4 (NIV)

Difficulties are a given in this life.  We should not be surprised when we experience them. Peter tells us:

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

“Their fear set them a praying, and that was a good effect of it.  God brings us into straits that He may bring us to our knees.”  Matthew Henry

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)

“It is the duty and interest of Christians to live without care.  There is a care of diligence which is our duty, but there is a care of distrust which is our sin and folly.”    Matthew Henry

“Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered in anything short of God and His will for us.”  Billy Graham

“Worry is a form of atheism, for it betrays a lack of faith and trust in God.”  Bishop Fulton J. Sheen

Whenever our spirits are burdened we must ease them with persistent prayer.  James tells us:

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.   James 5:16 (NIV)

We are also reminded by Paul in 1 Thessalonians to be consistent in our praying:

 ¹⁶ Be joyful always; ¹⁷ pray continually; ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.   1 Thess 5:16-18 (NIV)

Here Paul stresses maintaining a continuous fellowship with our Lord as we walk along this path called life – turning over every worry that hinders and distracts us from our relationship with Him.  When we continue to fret over circumstances we are placing our trust in our own abilities rather than in God’s all powerful hand.  We must remember the glorious promise of Scripture that He causes all things (yes, all) to work for the good of those who love Him. 

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.   Romans 8:28 (NIV)

“So, take a deep breath and recall this deeper secret of the Christian life:  when you are in a difficult place, realize that the Lord either placed you there or allowed you to be there, for reasons perhaps known for now only to Himself.  The same God who led you in will lead you out.”    Robert J. Morgan 

The prophet Isaiah tells us:

³¹ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.   Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

“There comes a time, in spite of our soft, modern ways, when we must be desperate in prayer, when we must wrestle, when we must be outspoken, shameless and importunate.  Many of the prayers recorded in Scripture are ‘cries,’ and the Hebrew and Greek words are very strong.  Despite opinions to the contrary, the Bible recognizes such a thing as storming heaven- ‘praying through.’  The fervent prayer of a righteous man is mighty in its working.”  Cameron Thompson 

What I glean from this:

• I am always to continue in prayer and not give up.  ¹² “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”   Romans 12:12 (NIV)

• My anxiety points to my lack of faith and trust in God.
• My strength will be renewed as the eagles as I place my hope and trust in the all powerful hands of my faithful Guide.

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SHARING BREAD

³⁷ ”Where, Lord?” they asked.

He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.”

Luke 17:37 (NIV)

In our verses for today Jesus states that just as certain as the vultures will gather over the dead carcass, His return will be as a bolt of lightning in the sky – it is from heaven, it is visible and conspicuous, it is sudden and surprising, and it is spread far and wide.  We find this splendorous, visible event addressed also in Matthew:

²⁶ ”So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. ²⁷ For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ²⁸ Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. ²⁹ ”Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’    Matt 24:26-29 (NIV)

Make no bones about it, when Jesus returns every eye will behold Him.  We find in Acts this report from the mouth of angels to Jesus’ first disciples:

⁹ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. ¹⁰ They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹ ”Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky?  This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”   Acts 1:9-11 (NIV)

“We mustn’t doubt in the darkness what God has shown us in the light.”  Robert J. Morgan

We find this also addressed in Revelation through the pen of the Apostle John:

⁷ Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.   Rev 1:7 (NIV)

Christ second coming will be visible to the entire world including unbelievers in contrast to His first coming as a Babe in Bethlehem.  The Prophet Zechariah also gives us this heads up:

⁴ On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.   Zech 14:4 (NIV)

⁹ The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.    Zech 14:9 (NIV)

Our Messiah will not only reign as King over Israel but also over the entire earth – Praise Jesus!  His Name will be the only Name recognized and worshipped by people.  The first disciples of our Lord comforted each other with these thoughts.  How much more should we?  Our actions as well as our comfort should be influenced by these truths.  Confident of His imminent return, Peter enlightens us as to how this should affect our behavior:

 ⁷ The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.   1 Peter 4:7-10 (NIV)    

¹⁴ So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. ¹⁵ Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 2 Peter 3:14-15 (NIV)

“The fact of Jesus’ coming is the final and unanswerable proof that God cares.”  William Barclay

“The future belongs to those who belong to God.  This is hope.”  W.T. Purkiser

¹⁷ Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. ¹⁸ God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. ¹⁹ We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.   Heb 6:17-19 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Just as sure as vultures gather over a carcass, Jesus’ return will be as visible to all as lightning in the heavens.
• Every eye will see Him upon His return.
• My behavior should reflect my confidence in Jesus’ imminent return. “Ask me not where I live or what I like to eat…Ask me what I am living for and what I think is keeping me from living fully for that.”  Thomas Merton

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SHARING BREAD

³⁴ I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. ³⁵ Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. “

Luke 17:34-35 (NIV)

Matthew renders these verses in this way:

 ³⁶ “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³⁷ As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ³⁸ For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; ³⁹ and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ⁴⁰ Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.   Matt 24:36-41 (NIV)

Of course the logical conclusion to the above passage is found in the very next verses:

 ⁴² ”Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. ⁴³ But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁴ So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  Matt 24:42-44 (NIV)

“Confidence and sensuality are likely to be the epidemic diseases of the latter days.  All are off their watch, and at their ease.  As the flood took away the sinners of the old world, irresistibly and irrecoverably; so shall confident sinners, who mocked at Christ and his coming, be taken away.”    Matthew Henry

¹ But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.  2 Tim 3:1-5 (NIV)

²⁸ Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. ²⁹ They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰ slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹ they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. ³² Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.    Romans 1:28-32 (NIV)

Rejecting the knowledge of God – choosing to put Him out of their minds – leads to God’s judgment of abandonment which, Scripture says and history proves out, will lead to a depraved mind.  Let’s face it; apart from Christ man is depraved.  Those who believe in Jesus, on the other hand, are to be actively pursuing His pleasure, watching and waiting for our Lord’s return so that He will not find us sleeping – senseless or inactive – upon His arrival.  An earthly sensual conduct is not appropriate for the child of the King.  We are to put away the corrupt desires and affections that permeate the affairs of the world. As in the days of Lot and of Noah people were busy going about their business oblivious to the impending doom.  We are told to watch, take care, and be on our guard.  We are also to live with hope and joy.  Peter gives us the following instructions regarding Jesus’ return:

¹¹ Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹² as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. ¹³ But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.    2 Peter 3:11-13 (NIV)

The expectation of Christ’s return should be a strong motivation to us towards holy living.  Paul adds these words in Titus:

¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.  Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)

“If there is one doctrine I have preached more than another, it is the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints even to the end.”   Charles H. Spurgeon

“Our identity as Jesus’ followers should define and dictate our lives.”  Joseph Stowell, III

“Three qualities that distinguish a Godly person – confidence (in Christ), authority (of Christ) and effectiveness (conforming one’s conduct to the principles of Scripture and submitting to the control of the Hoy Spirit) produces results.”  Chuck Swindoll

What I glean from this:

·       I am to keep watch as I do not know when the Lord will return.

·       I should not be surprised over the behavior of those without Christ rather saddened.

·       Christ return should motivate me towards holy living.

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