February_27

SHARING BREAD

38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you.”

39 He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here. 42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.”
Matt 12:38-42 (NIV)

Our passage for today reminds me of our Lord’s lament found later in Matthew where He longed over Jerusalem’s – which represented the entire nation – willing refusal to turn to Him. Their time of opportunity had passed. They were responsible to make a choice – as we all are – and their choice brought them condemnation. This grieved His holy soul. When one gazes into God’s heart of love for mankind it will transform forever. Condemnation and consequences are not His idea of a good time:

37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. 38 Look, your house is left to you desolate.” Matt 23:37-38 (NIV)

“God loves you as though you are the only person in the world, and He loves everyone the way He loves you.” Augustine

Jesus had just miraculously healed a demon possessed blind mute yet these feigned religious characters desired more still. Their request implying they rejected the many signs already given them. They demanded more proof. Jesus did not come to be a circus act nor did He arrive to amuse audiences or cater to their every whim. Our Lord did not gratify corrupt lusts and humors. He knew their hearts and no amount of the miraculous would have changed them. None are as incurably blind as those who staunchly refuse to see. They were a generation unwilling to be reformed. Signs were not necessary for faith though He did them to point to the reality of His Words.

The generation He addressed in these verses had had an unusual privilege afforded to them which no previous generation had been allowed yet they remained firmly unbelieving. On the other hand, those in Nineveh prevented their ruin, Jesus states – under the witnessing of the Prophet Jonah – as pitiful as his message appeared to be – they repented. Indeed, God gave Jonah only eight simple words of warning to get the people of Nineveh to turn:

He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” Jonah 3:4 (NIV)

Does not sound too wooing does it? Seriously, this was a dead culture yet turn they did. From the king all the way to the least in the kingdom they fasted and prayed and covered themselves with sackcloth. They humbled themselves and turned from their evil ways and their violence and God was merciful and relented calamity. Sort of sounds like Abraham, who believed God and God credited his belief as righteousness:

23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. James 2:23 (NIV)

This is why Paul is so adamant about us not missing our time of opportunity when the gospel is presented. There is no present like the Present. He writes in 2 Corinthians:

1 As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor 6:1-2 (NIV)

The Ninevites shamed this generation (and ours) for not repenting while the Queen of Sheba for not believing. The Queen came from a far distance to hear the wisdom of King Solomon – a mere man – yet people refused to be persuaded to come and hear the wisdom of the Lord Jesus. She had had neither invitation nor promise that she would be welcomed yet they were invited by Christ to come and sit at His feet and hear His word – just as Mary did who was commended by Jesus in doing this:

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)

“Luther was right: the root behind all other manifestations of sin is compulsive unbelief—our voluntary darkness concerning God, ourselves, his relationship to the fallen world and his redemption purpose… If the fall occurred through embracing lies, the recovery process of salvation must center on faith in truth, reversing this condition.” Richard Lovelace

What I glean from this:

• God loves me.
• It is a frightening thing to reject the Truth of God’s Word.
• My time of opportunity is now.

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February_25

SHARING BREAD

33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matt 12:33-37 (NIV)

Make no mistake about it; we should not expect regenerate behavior from an unregenerate. The unsaved live totally void of spiritual life and ability – the product of corruption reigns in their hearts and flows through their veins. Also, a believer in the Lord Jesus – who indulges and gives way to his sinful nature – sadly, behaves as the unsaved. Not a very good witness for the Lord Jesus to be sure! I am reminded of the words Paul penned in Romans 8:

7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8:7-8 (NIV)

If the heart of one is sanctified it will appear in the words they speak. The heart is the root and the language the fruit. It is the fountain from which the streams of our words flow. In our verses for today our Lord clearly states: “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” A person’s words reveal from whence they hail – the Lord’s or the adversary’s. Unless the heart is transformed the life will never be thoroughly reformed. Evil words are the natural and genuine product of an evil, sinful heart present from birth on. The salting of grace into this corrupt flowing fountain is the only cure to purify corrupt conversation. Jesus calls these Pharisees a “brood of vipers” – snakes which were poisonous and malignant as well as camouflaged to appear as sticks to trick the unobservant into a deadly bite. Is that not like Satan? When we are not on our toes or not paying attention or wrongly thinking we stand secure, unlikely to fall or unable to be tempted is the very time the adversary likes to strike – catching us off guard and taking us down. It happens far too often.

“The most important thing in life isn’t what we think about ourselves or what others think about us, but what God thinks about us. He is the final Judge. When He examines and evaluates our motives, words, and actions, are we commended, as was Abel, or are we condemned, as was his brother Cain? ‘The Lord does not look at the things man looks at,’ God told the prophet Samuel. ‘Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’ (1 Sam. 16:7).” Warren Wiersbe

We are told over and over again in Scripture that one will be recognized by the fruit they produce and we are called to be on our guard against those who would lead us astray. They often appear to us as sheep – donning cloaks of righteousness – but in reality, inwardly, they are ferocious wolves. Earlier in Matthew Jesus addresses this subject as well:

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matt 7:15-20 (NIV)

“It should be more our care to be good really, than to seem good outwardly.” Matthew Henry

So what are the good things Jesus refers to that a good man is to store up in his heart? Our hearts are to be a treasury of all His graces – encouragements, comforts, exhortations, love and Truth. Our minds and hearts should be in constant preparation for “spiritual exertion”. The Word of God is to be stored in the heart – divine Truths that dwell and rule there – prepared and readied, valuable and suitable – as the occasions arise – a rich storehouse of treasure indeed kept safe and ready for use! Preparation and implementation is essential for the Christian for the “night is coming”- day is our allotted time to do God’s will. Whatever we are going to do for Christ we had better do now. We are all called to make an impact for Jesus in the unique circle of influence in which He has placed us. Also, Jesus states, we are held accountable for the words that flow freely from our mouths. This should cause us to want to wear a muzzle!

4 “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” John 9:4 (NIV)

1 Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand– Joel 2:1 (NIV)

32 And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; Joel 2:32 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• I cannot expect regenerate behavior from an unregenerate. The sinful mind cannot submit to God’s law.
• My heart is the root and my language the fruit.
• I am to prepare my heart to be readied and valuable to myself and to others. I prepare it by storing the Truth of God’s Word within it and setting my heart and mind on things above not on earthly things. What we value we dwell upon.

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February_22

SHARING BREAD

30 “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 31 And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”
Matt 12:30-32 (NIV)

Have you ever noticed how Jesus does not leave us any room to be in the middle of the road regarding our walk with Him? We are either for Him or against Him. He calls for a clear decision. He calls for action. The stakes are high – we are either in or out. There is a holy war going on between Christ and the adversary – Satan – a war which does not permit our neutrality. A war in which the Victor has already been proclaimed – how silly it is for us to choose to side with the adversary. In minor differences among Christians we are to seek peace by counting those not against us to be for us – rejoicing that the power of God is being made manifest by others as well. It has never been about us and our petty differences rather it is all about the Lord Jesus and His mission. We discover His Words to His disciples in Luke:

49 “Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” 50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” Luke 9:49-50 (NIV)

However, in the great quarrel between Jesus and Satan no peace is to be sought. Satan is our adversary. When we remain detached to Jesus’ cause we are as His enemies – we are to ever remain on Christ’s side, serving Him only. He tells us in Matthew:

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Matt 6:24 (NIV)

“If religion is worth anything, it is worth everything. They who do not like Christ on these terms, may leave him at their peril. Whatever we part with for this pearl of price, we may comfort ourselves with this belief, that it is well worth what we give for it. The terms are, that we prefer Christ.” Matthew Henry

Prior to our Lord’s statement today, He had healed a blind and mute demoniac. The Pharisees stated that it was only by the devil’s power that Jesus had made this man clean. In fact, in Mark’s account of this incident, it is recorded that they state our Lord was possessed by Beelzebub – blaspheming both Jesus and the Holy Spirit – big mistake:

22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” Mark 3:22 (NIV)

Jesus will graciously forgive a repentant one if a word is spoken against Him yet our Lord states that guilt will always remain on the person who does not recognize the Holy Spirit as being the power behind the miraculous works of Christ. Mercy will be extended to all sins – even to blasphemy – a sin directly affecting the honor of God, even shown for words spoken against Christ – all sins that is excepting the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit which Jesus stated here as the only unpardonable sin. This sin inevitably leaves the sinner in unfaithfulness and impenitence. Those fearing they have committed such a sin show a good sign that they have not. The Holy Spirit was the source of power which our Lord possessed. By denying this power these Pharisees were guilty of a sin in which there was no forgiveness. The heart was at the root of their words. They possessed such a stronghold of unbelief that could never be beaten out – unpardonable because it hides the need for repentance from the sinner’s eyes. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and there is no one righteous – not even one – every soul is in need of the mercy of God.

28 “I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” Mark 3:28-29 (NIV)

10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Luke 12:10 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Jesus does not leave us any room to be in the middle of the road regarding our walk with Him. 37 “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matt 10:37-39 (NIV)
• There is a great spiritual war raging between Jesus and Satan. As a follower of Christ I am to gather with Him not scatter against Him.
• Mercy is extended to all sins excepting the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

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February_20

SHARING BREAD

22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23 All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”

25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

29 Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.”

Matt 12:22-29 (NIV)

My husband always tells me you can’t make sense out of nonsense unless – of course – you are aware of the motive lurking behind the words or actions. Our Lord knew the thoughts of His adversaries. He was cognizant of their devious schemes – ever looking for ways to trap Him and to convince those following Him that He was up to folly. In our verses for today, Jesus took the Pharisees nonsensical accusations and showed them for the foolishness that they truly were.

“Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Lou Holtz

Jesus had graciously just performed a God sized miracle – a miracle too hard for man to accomplish – restoring sight and sound to the blind mute. The man’s case was a sad one indeed – demonic possession had left him in a miserable state – unable to help himself or even speak to others for help. Satan has a way of making every life miserable he comes into contact with. In mercy, Jesus heals. The viewers of the miraculous were overwhelmed – quite literally beside themselves with amazement and wonder. They knew healings like this had to be the handiwork of God. And so the crowds began to question: “Could this be the Son of David?” In other words: “Is this not the promised Messiah and Savior of the world?” The common people could not miss it. Surely, this had to send these religious leaders into a terrific tizzy. Their pride-fullness had prevented their embracing the Prince of Peace. Therefore, they immediately jumped on trumped up accusations against the Lord as their thoughts were the product of a deep rooted malignity. They should have remembered the Proverb:

30 Do not accuse a man for no reason–when he has done you no harm. Prov 3:30 (NIV)

The Pharisees who loved the praise of men could not bear to hear the applause of the people towards another – particularly the likes of the Lord Jesus. Their pride could not handle favorable words spoken yet not to them. It sent them reeling. Pride is such an insidious monster. They scornfully and blasphemously speak against His miracles which they could not deny. There was no mistaking the demon possessed blind mute was healed. It was a matter of fact – plain as the nose on their faces. And they did not like it one little bit. Pride always looks foolish fleshed out.

13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Prov 8:13 (NIV)

10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Prov 13:10 (NIV)

37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Dan 4:37 (NIV)

(Nebuchadnezzar should know – he was still getting the grass out of his teeth when he said this!)

“We make our choices and then our choices make us. Our everyday choices reveal what we really desire. The essence of sin is pride. The heart of sin is independence and the core of sin is demanding my own way instead of God’s.” Pat Singleterry

“Don’t slack off seeking, striving, and praying for the very same things that we exhort unconverted people to strive for, and a degree of which you have had in conversion. Thus pray that your eyes may be opened, that you may receive sight, that you may know your self and be brought to God’s feet, and that you may see the glory of God and Christ, may be raised from the dead, and have the love of Christ shed abroad in your heart. Those that have most of these things still need to pray for them; for there so much blindness and hardness and pride and death remaining that they still need to have that work of God upon them, further to enlighten and enliven them. This will be a further bringing out of darkness into God’s marvelous light, and a kind of new conversion…” Jonathan Edwards, Advice to Young Converts.

Jesus begins to counter their accusations with Truth – wisdom is proved right by her actions. Our Lord makes the obvious point that kingdoms cannot stand which are divided against themselves. The common end to divisions is desolation. How silly for them to assume Satan would cast his own out and stand with Christ! Also, there were some Jews at this time that drove out evil spirits by calling on the Name of the Most High God. These Pharisees did not condemn them rather imputed what they did to the Spirit of God yet because of envy and spite towards Jesus, they suggest He was in cahoots with Beelzebub. Judgments done in envy are not made by reason rather prejudice.

What I glean from this:

• Jesus graciously performed the miraculous to confirm He was sent by God.
• Pride will blind me to reason.
• The essence of sin is pride.

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February_18

SHARING BREAD

15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, 16 warning them not to tell who he was. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope.”

Matt 12:15-21 (NIV)

Twelve times in his Gospel Matthew reminded his readers of prophecy presented in the Old Testament and now a coming reality in the New. The particular Old Testament passage Matthew is quoting from is found in Isaiah Chapter 42:1-4. Clearly, this proves to be a powerful testimony to the Divine origin of Scripture as well as its accuracy in even the minutest of details. The passage he brings forth today summarizes our Lord’s quiet ministry as well as a ministry which ushers in justice and hope to the nations ending in covering the whole earth with songs of praise and joy – Hallelujah!

The Pharisees were hot on our Lord’s trail with murder looming in their minds. Totally aware of their malicious thoughts, Jesus withdraws from that place. Still, the crowds kept flowing, seeking and pushing forward towards a healing touch from the Master who never broke a “bruised reed”. Mark records they flocked in not only from Galilee but also Judea, Jerusalem, and Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the region of Tyre and Sidon. In a day where travel was done by foot it is impressive that such large numbers of people would come bringing their sick from over 100 miles around – north, south, east and west – for healing. And, Scripture states, Jesus healed them all.

Such compassion and kindness Jesus shows to the helpless and hurting – mending the broken lives in His sphere. Always willing to rise to show compassion, Jesus was and is the broken life mender – just read the testimony of the woman at the well or the woman caught in adultery. Sickness does not always have to be a physical condition it can even include those of collateral damage – damage done incidental to the intended target – damage that can take place in our families when we have been hurt by something or someone else even long ago. Shattered trust or being unloved or negative words in the past can cause collateral damage in the here and now increasing the wake of the sin. Jesus is able to fully heal our pasts. I am reminded of Isaiah’s words:

18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.
11 I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up. 12 See, they will come from afar– some from the north, some from the west, some from the region of Aswan.” 13 Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:10-13 (NIV)

“It is rare that Christians earnestly seek the Lord’s face when things are going swimmingly, when material blessings abound and we seem to be protected from the vicissitudes faced by others. But in the blackness of discouragement, when we are harassed and downcast, we may indeed turn to the Lord and acknowledge our helplessness apart from his grace; we may do so knowing that God is a compassionate God and that Jesus’ compassion was particularly directed toward the harassed and the helpless.” D A Carson

“Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love Thou art.” Charles Wesley

We also discover Jesus withdrawing from His enemies – those “smoldering wicks” He did not come to snuff out at this Advent – those who rejected God’s purpose for themselves. On His second coming our Lord’s enemies will not fare so well – to say the least. I am reminded of our Lord’s Word to His disciples:

26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Luke 9:26 (NIV)

4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” Luke 12:4-5 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• The Bible is Truth. 6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. Psalms 12:6 (NIV)
• Jesus was and is the broken life mender.
• On His Second Advent Jesus will make all things right, ruling in righteousness.

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February_15

SHARING BREAD

9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”

11 He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

Matt 12:9-14 (NIV)

“Let the arrow fly from what quarter it might, He quenched its fiery power. In every corner of the field He was triumphant over evil, and received the homage of delivered captives.” Charles H. Spurgeon

I love the way our Lord cowers to no one – and of course, why should He? The religious elite of His day were just itching to find something to nab Him with – observing Him closely with evil intent. They were always thinking they could trap the King of Kings – as if God could be trapped – silly them. Mark is even clearer of the Pharisees motivation in his account of this healing:

1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Mark 3:1-2 (NIV)

In our verses for today Jesus enters the synagogue on the Sabbath to worship. Never mind it is the synagogue from which this hateful rabble presided over. Jesus resolutely proceeds in righteousness. It is here in the synagogue that they begin to pick yet another quarrel with the Master – under pious pretenses of course.

“We cannot opt to skip life’s difficulties in favor of a quick road to God’s blessings.” Michael Youssef

Our Lord demonstrates to us that we are not to shrink back from public worship even due to personal disputes. Satan is victorious when discord and division is sown between brothers and sisters. In Proverbs we are told of the seven things God hates and a man that stirs up dissension among his brothers is number seven – I have included the whole list as it is always good to be reminded:

16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Prov 6:16-19 (NIV)

Next, our Lord does not flinch by their inane questioning rather demonstrates the rightness of doing good works on the Sabbath. Loving in both action and Truth, He commands the man with the shriveled hand to stretch it out. Our Lord’s weapons of warfare were positive not negative – wooing with love. In Mark’s account, our Lord tells the infirmed one to stand up in front of everyone. Jesus did not come to do the miraculous fingerprints of God in a closet or under a bushel as the song goes:

3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Mark 3:2-3 (NIV)

Interestingly, Mark also records Jesus’ rhetorical question to those seeking to trap Him which only more so demonstrated the foolishness of their accusations and silenced them as well as stating the deep distress Jesus had over their stubborn and hardened hearts:

4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Mark 3:4-5 (NIV)

“Duty is not to be left undone, nor opportunities of doing good neglected, for fear of giving offense.” Matthew Henry

So these Pharisees sought the death of the One who came specifically to give them life – how ironic. What indignities, what injustices was our Lord subjected to – pursued as an outlaw, a plague to His country yet all the while – sadly unbeknownst to them – their greatest blessing, the Glory of His people Israel. May we not miss the mark as well.

What I glean from this:

• Jesus triumphed over evil.
• God hates dissension among brothers and sisters.
• Jesus’ weapons of warfare were positive not negative.

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February_13

SHARING BREAD

1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

3 He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread–which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven’t you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? 6 I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Matt 12:1-8 (NIV)

Inner spiritual vitality and not simply fleshing out mere external formality is what Jesus seeks from His people. Even dogs and dolphins can be trained to act. A broken repentant heart seeking to do what is right trumps legal obedience any day – one is seen by God’s eyes only, the other praised by man. It is not enough for one to simply know the Scriptures but labor to know the meaning of them as well. This is particularly true if one is in the position of teaching others. Our Lord here lays down the works of necessity and mercy as being lawful on the Sabbath.

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

8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NIV)

This is a common theme throughout Scripture. God is not quiet in stating His desires for us. We are also told in Zechariah:

8 And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah: 9 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.’” Zech 7:8-10 (NIV)

Indeed, Jesus had stated this same thing earlier in Matthew – repetition in Scripture should always be a red flag for us:

13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matt 9:13 (NIV)

In our verses for today, Jesus’ guys were getting blasted by the Pharisees because – in their “humble” opinion – the disciples were breaking the Sabbath. The religious elite police strangely figured picking some heads of grain to satisfy hunger fell into the category of unlawful. They considered the plucking and rubbing of the heads of grain as a kind of reaping not as merely satiating hunger pains. The disciples remained quiet to the accusations but Jesus spoke up for His guys justifying their actions – how like our Savior!

Christ responds to the cavil by citing past judgments given on similar cases and the Pharisees taunts do not fare well in our Lords summation. In fact, they appear at best ignorant of the Truth and at worst as foolish blind guides. Labors which are necessary on the Sabbath are lawful not only for the support of life but for the service of the day as well. Sabbath rest was given to promote – not hinder – Sabbath worship. Interestingly, the invitation to come to Him for rest had just issued forth from Jesus’ mouth one verse prior.

“To every toiling, heavy-laden sinner, Jesus says, ‘Come to me and rest’. But there are many toiling, heavy-laden believers, too. For them this same invitation is meant. Note well the words of Jesus, if you are heavy-laden with your service, and do not mistake it. It is not, ‘Go, labor on,’ as perhaps you imagine. On the contrary, it is stop, turn back, ‘Come to me and rest.’ Never, never did Christ send a heavy laden one to work; never, never did He send a hungry one,
a weary one, a sick or sorrowing one, away on any service. For such the Bible only says, ‘Come, come, come.’” Hudson Taylor

Mercy – greatly desired by all yet not often greatly bestowed by all. Considering our state of doom prior to Jesus’ merciful work on the cross how is it that we choose to withhold mercy from others? To those which much has been given, much is expected. We view others’ lives with eyes of scrutiny and far too quickly give a quick glance over our own. We are the losers when we do this. Not one of us is perfect and all of us are to be in the process of conforming ourselves to Jesus. So how are we doing in this?

“It is easier to denounce a thousand sins in others than to slay one of our own.” John Flavel

What I glean from this:

• God desires for me to be just, merciful and humble.
• Christ always intercedes for me.
• I am not to scrutinize others but scrutinize self – that should keep me busy enough!

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February_11

SHARING BREAD

27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

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 11:27-30 (NIV)

Wouldn’t it be lovely – or at the very least realistic and truthful – if in lieu of either Satan or self luring us into sin – armed with the “apples” of enticements and excitements – we would instead be shown the difficulties resulting from bearing the burdens – both the guilt and the power – that that one bite brings. Sin always stings. Just as the cream sold which promises youth in a jar, or the fad diet which promises to melt our thirty pounds of excess in a flash, or the promises we receive in the mail that we are the winner of some major jack, the promises of Satan will always disappoint – to say the very least. Watch out for his traps. He has been a liar from the beginning – no truth has been found in him. Jesus tells us in John:

44 “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 (NIV)

Conversely, all the promises of Scripture are “Yes” in Christ – Hallelujah!

20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Cor 1:20 (NIV)

We would also do well to remember that every sin carries with it a death sentence if one is honest and willing to play it out to the end. Just as there are always blessings in obedience – eventually, there are always consequences to sin – eventually. Paul tells us in Romans that the mind of sinful man is death yet the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace:

5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8 (NIV)

In our verses for today our Lord lavishly woos us to “Come to me”. He makes no distinctions – He includes anyone willing to rid themselves of the way of sin and death to embrace the righteousness and life He so graciously offers. It is a free invitation to every weary sinner made by Him who alone is able to take away the load and guilt of sin. Sounds like a no-brainer to me! Nearness to God one is always the happiest. The only way of rest is the Way of repentance and faith. Repose is offered to every soul who willingly takes Christ’s yoke upon their shoulders ridding themselves of the yoke of sin. Do not be deluded about this fact; humans will always be yoked to something. This invitation that Jesus holds out to us is as a golden scepter that we may touch and live. The rest Christ promises is the relief from the drudgery of sin and its consequences – not a rest from the service of God. It is not a promise that we will never experience trials or tribulations rather it is a promise that He affords us peace and purpose through them.

“Come, therefore, to him, O sinner, with all thy load of sin and misery, and he will in no wise cast thee out, but receive thee gladly.” K. H. Von Bogatzky

Lastly, we must come to Jesus as our Teacher and prepare ourselves to learn from Him at His feet. Christ has invited us to be His scholars. We must enter ourselves and attend the instructions He gives through His Word illumined by His Spirit. We must learn from Him that we may know Him – we must press on to know Him for He is not only our Teacher and Guide but He is our Way as well as our All. Being gentle and humble, Christ stoops to teach us – supplying mere milk for babes as well as solid food for those ready. Understanding finds rest in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus and one is abundantly satisfied as with the richest of fare. Perhaps that is why Paul vehemently proclaimed in Philippians:

10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:10-14 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Satan is the father of lies who seeks to destroy. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
• Jesus is the Way and the Truth and the Life. 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. John 14:6-7 (NIV)
• Every sin carries with it a death sentence.

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February_08

SHARING BREAD

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”
Matt 11:25-26 (NIV)

Our Lord here refreshes Himself from His previous discourse of woe over the unrepentant cities by turning His thoughts and focus towards thanksgiving to His Father for His favor upon those to which the mysteries of God had been revealed. It serves as a great encouragement to look up in thanksgiving particularly when we look all around and see only discouragement. It raises the spirits and sets our thinking aright. It is the antidote for dark and disturbing thoughts. It sets our minds on things above. God always remains faithful and able and good. We can trust Him and it benefits His children to be grateful. Also, a thankful heart is a contented heart.

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)

“Contentment isn’t a state of organization, a weight on the scale, a state of better: better kids, better marriage, better health, better house. Contentment is never a matter of circumstances; contentment is always a state of communion — a daily embracing of God. A thankfulness for all the gifts – and moments and life, just as He gives it. Trying harder may only bring harder trials and contentment, it won’t be found in the resolutions, but in the revolutions – in the turning round to God.” Ann Voskamp

Jesus declares that true discipleship can be enjoyed by only those who come to Him in childlike faith. The world’s wisdom knew not God. It made no difference – whether esteemed Jewish scholar or Greek philosopher – it is not in the brilliance of man that one appreciates the plan of God. This remains true to this day. God bestows honor to those whom the world often shows contempt. The brilliance of man is as foolishness in God’s sight. Remember that it is in Christ that are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians:

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 1 Cor 1:18-25 (NIV)

“It is not self-confident erudition but self-effacing faith that allows one to enter the narrow way.” Bible Knowledge Commentary

“His wisdom’s vast, and knows no bounds, a deep where all our thoughts are drowned.” Isaac Watts

Jesus makes mention of this later in Matthew as well. Greatness in God’s Kingdom is not based upon our great words or our difficult works or our brilliant wisdom rather our childlike humility of the Spirit:

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matt 18:1-6 (NIV)

“True wisdom is gazing at God.” Isaac the Syrian

“God alone knows the depth and riches of His Godhead, and divine wisdom alone can declare His secrets.” Thomas Aquinas

What I glean from this:

• I am to possess an attitude of gratefulness to the Father – the Giver of every good and perfect gift.
• The wisdom of the world is as foolishness to God.
• In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

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February_06

SHARING BREAD

20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

Matt 11:20-24 (NIV)

Certainly not sounding too good for Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum is it? Something tells me this should be a heads for us as well. Evidence after evidence of the miraculous was provided for these towns yet they staunchly remained unrepentant – unwilling to turn to the only One able to save. Some of Christ’s most significant miracles had occurred in these cities yet for the most part their residents remained unchanged. Not a good thing to be sure – particularly in light of our Lord’s comparison of them to the cities of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom. These ancient cities had a long-standing reputation for wickedness and each was destroyed by God for its evil. Yet, Jesus states, that even these wicked Gentile cities would in the end fare better as they no doubt would have repented if the same miracles had been done in them that had been performed in the cities He is now denouncing.

The cities of Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum had been privy to see much of the workings of the Master firsthand. They were eyewitness of His majesty. They were given much and therefore much was expected of them. Therefore, Jesus states that because they remained in unbelief, they would suffer even greater than the wicked cities that had not experienced the same privileges. Jesus tells us in Luke:

47 “That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:47-48 (NIV)

“Willful unrepentance is the great damning sin of multitudes that enjoy the gospel.” Matthew Henry

Sounds eerily like our country does it not? We are inundated with every resource to know and grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. We not only have a Bible, we have many and in all sorts of versions. We are loaded down with books and commentaries, CD’s, Christian music, expository teaching in churches, Bible studies etc. It is certainly not for lack of materials that one in this country is not deep in their faith; it is for lack of desire. We would be hard pressed to think of any other resource we need but our will which we seem to staunchly hold on to. I am reminded of our Lord’s Word to the lukewarm church of Laodicea in Revelation as they could serve as a warning to us as well:

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Rev 3:14-20 (NIV)

Sadly, the cities of Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum today remain in ruins because they did not receive the Light sent to them. They refused to embrace the time of God’s favor choosing rather to reject the Messiah. The Baptist, Jesus and His apostles all came preaching repentance – a change of mind which ultimately changes behavior – but they refused to leave their sins and turn to God.

“What do I need more than His love and what do I want more than His will and when I am my own master, don’t I have a fool for a master?” Ann Voskamp

“Sin is the sickness of the soul. It is deforming, weakening, disturbing, wasting, and killing, but, we bless God, not incurable. Jesus Christ is the great Physician of souls. Wise and good people should be like physicians to everyone around them; Christ was so. Souls that are sick with sin need this Physician, for their disease is dangerous; nature will not help itself. No mortal can help us; we have such need of Christ that we are eternally ruined without Him.” Matthew Henry

What I glean from this:

• From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more is demanded.
• Willful unrepentance is the great damning sin of all who have been privy to the gospel of Christ.
• We all need Jesus as we are eternally ruined without Him.

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