April_29

SHARING BREAD

32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?”

34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.

“Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”

35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children. 39 After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.

Matt 15:32-39 (NIV)

Our Lord felt deep sympathy for the crowds He was ministering to in our verses for today. Being fully aware His audience was both helpless and harassed like sheep without a shepherd, Jesus sought further than simply healing their diseases to meeting their need of hunger as well. His desire was to come to their aid – providing for their weakened frames with sustenance. Isaiah tells us our Lord is a tender Shepherd who gently and carefully leads and carries the weakest and helpless members of His flock:

11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

Human reason dictated the disciple’s response to their Master’s desire to feed the crowd of four thousand plus. How easy it is for flesh to resort to human abilities and reasoning. God is looking for servants who are willing to believe that He desires to do “pala” things – wondrously great things, things beyond the bounds of human expectations, reasoning or powers – and all through our jars of clay btw.

“All the resources of the Godhead are at our disposal!” Jonathan Goforth

It is His desire for us to depend on Him alone – content with His provision. Relying solely on Him – on His sure sufficiency – this is the way of rich blessing even though it may lead us down difficult paths we perhaps would not have chosen. Being content with His provision for us will keep us from being plagued with fear and anxiety which is so prevalent in our day. This does not mean we do not work with all our hearts as unto the Lord but it does mean we leave the results in His very capable hands. King David writes:

15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. Psalms 145:15-20 (NIV)

Jesus is the lover of our souls and desires our focus to remain upon Him. He wants us to break free from being preoccupied with self – with our lame abilities – soaking in His presence, power and love. It is His desire for us to cease striving and know that He is God. When Jesus relates to His guys that He wants them to feed these throngs of hungry stomachs they immediately balk. That is so human nature. Jesus was going to teach them yet again the lesson of His sufficiency if they would but rely on His leading and power ever preparing them to be worthy of His use – just as He prepares each obedient soul who loves Him. He is to be our sustaining strength and His peace is to ever garrison our minds. He desires to do the miraculous – the finger marks of God – through our vessels – are always for our good and His glory.

Christ takes the meager portion of food that was available, blesses it and satisfies all. There is always enough mercy and grace with Christ to fill our largest desires with abundant satisfaction. We are never at a loss in our Master’s company. It behooves us to remember our past experiences with Him to keep us from present doubting.

10 I am the LORD your God who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. Psalms 81:10 (NIV)

To demonstrate that He not only provides but overflows our cups, there were seven basketfuls of food left over. Never desirous of wasting anything, Jesus has the disciples pick up the broken pieces. Isn’t it great that God can use the broken pieces of our lives for our good?

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)

“Faith in God will always be crowned.” William S. Plummer

What I glean from this:

• Jesus is my sufficiency – Jesus is my strength.
• Jesus has compassion on my frail flesh.
• I am to remember His past workings in my life to keep me from present doubting’s.

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April_26

SHARING BREAD

29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Matt 15:29-31 (NIV)

Hurting humanity constantly sought the Healer for healing. The signs of Christ’s power and of His goodness were neither scarce nor scanty – they still are not. In our verses for today we discover our Lord sitting on a mountainside so that He was both visible and accessible to all – so like Jesus. Christ received all kinds of people – the poor as well as the rich, the ordinary as well as the opulent, those in bondage physically as well as those in bondage emotionally and spiritually – the souls of the lowly, the outcast, the “undesirables” being as precious to Him as the souls of the highest and greatest in the social strata. We are all the same at the foot of the cross are we not? It was as if Jesus settled in to do His gracious and good works. Isaiah tells us:

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)

“Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed, finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest.” Frances Havergal

We also discover in our passage for today the sick coming forth seeking Him like flies to honey. People were continually bringing their infirmed relatives and friends and laying them at Jesus’ feet as objects of pity for His healing touch. Their illnesses spoke for them much more eloquently and clearly than mere words could have ever accomplish. Certainly, the only way to find peace and relief to all problems plaguing humanity is to lay them at Christ’s feet. The physically sick being normally more eager to seek His healing than those trapped in spiritual diseases – those in bondage to sin and death. Now, just as then, the Lord Jesus eagerly desires to heal all.

2 When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? Isaiah 50:2 (NIV)

Yet we all desire wholeness – peace like the river and righteousness like the waves of the sea. If we are honest with ourselves we will agree that our dreaded rebellious streak – our persistence in going our own ways – paths which are against God and His ways have caused us much harm and futility. Yet He holds out His arms to us ever wooing and drawing us back.

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)

“There are no disappointments to those whose wills are buried in the will of God.” Frederick William Faber

17 This is what the LORD says–your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)

Faith comes in believing what God says is true – that He has our best interest at heart and that His ways work out to our advantage in the end – not that they will be easy or painless but they will be for our best. He always has our best interest at heart. We can trust Him. Similar to these physically sick people who were clamoring for His touch – obviously they believed He could and would help them. The scene described today is very reminiscent of the one described just prior to the Sermon on the Mount. Earlier in Matthew we are told:

23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. Matt 4:23-24 (NIV)

The work of our Savior was not limited to His merely preaching the Truth. His miraculous deeds pointed to the fact that He was Who He claimed to be – His Words authenticated by His actions. Indeed, Jesus came teaching, preaching and healing:

35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. Matt 9:35 (NIV)

“His love in times past forbids me to think, He’ll leave me at last in trouble to sink.” John Newton

“And they praised the God of Israel.”

What I glean from this:

• Christ’s power and goodness are neither scarce nor scanty.
• I desire wholeness in Him Who is the dispenser of peace like the river and righteousness like the waves of the sea.
• Jesus put action to His Words – He not only preached Truth, He healed every disease and sickness.

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April_24

SHARING BREAD

21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.”

23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

28 Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Matt 15:21-28 (NIV)

Never underestimate the power of humble persistent prayer by those who approach in faith. This Canaanite woman’s actions clearly demonstrate to us the faithful and continuous seeking of the Master until obtaining the joy for which our soul longs for (which is to be smack dab in the center of God’s will btw). Fervent prayer avails much. James tells us:

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

Addressing the Lord Jesus with a Messianic title, she begs for mercy for her demonically possessed daughter. Boldly, without pleading any merit in herself, she cries out to Christ as one deeply serious in her petition. The devil had her daughter in dire and dreadful straights and she comes humbly and persistently seeking the Master’s mercy for her child’s relief.

She first meets with our Lord’s silence – He answers her not a Word. When the answers of prayer are deferred, God is teaching us to pray all the more. The more we feel the burden the more we should resolutely pray for its removal. Evidently, she faithfully remains undeterred in her request by His silence as our Lord’s guys encourage Him to simply get rid of her – send her away for her continuous crying out to Him. They were more concerned with their own comfort ready to silence her troublesome constant pleas rather than considering this poor woman’s difficult circumstances. Thankfully, our Lord never turns any away who willingly seek Him. I am reminded of the Prophet Jeremiah’s words:

12 “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.” Jer 29:12-14 (NIV)

Next, Jesus responds to His disciples – yet within the Canaanite woman’s hearing – that His mission at that time was to the lost sheep of Israel. While the sun and rain and fruitful seasons were and are given to all nations – even those permitted to walk in their own ways – there were special favors allowed for His distinctive people, the Israelites. Now, however, praise Jesus, there remains no distinction for those who believe as He gave His life as a ransom for many. Paul states in Colossians:

11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Col 3:11 (NIV)

Our protagonist breaks through this discouragement and kneels before Jesus yet again requesting His helping hand. His response this time is not what we are used to hearing from His kind lips – “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” All who approach Christ must first realize their standing (or lack of it) before Him. The reality remains – if He were to present Himself to us in all His glory, no flesh could raise their face from the ground. Again, this woman argues not against the Truth of His statement of her standing rather considers that while she is not a child around his table of great grace and blessings she is His dog under it and even His dog is treated with kindness and mercy. Any crumbs falling from our Lord’s precious bread will sustain.

“Christianity is one beggar telling another beggar where he found bread.” D. T. Niles

In her humility, she was glad to receive the “crumbs”. Nothing is gained by contradicting any Word from Christ – Who is Truth – even if His Word seems harsh to our hearing. Wounds from a friend can be trusted the Proverb tells us. A living and active faith will turn what appears to be against us, for us.

“The one sole thing in myself in which I glory, is that I see in myself nothing in which I can glory.” Catherine of Genoa

Amazed at her great faith, the Lord Jesus commends her and further, grants her request. The writer of Hebrews tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God and that He rewards those humbly and earnestly seeking Him:

6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Heb 11:6 (NIV)

“It was her faith that he commended. Several other graces shone brightly in her conduct here – wisdom, humility, meekness, patience, perseverance in prayer – but these were the results of her faith. Because faith, of all graces, honors Christ the most, he honors faith more than any other grace.” Matthew Henry

What I glean from this:

• Fervent prayer of the faithful avails much.
• When silence is the answer to my prayer I must continue praying.
• Faith in Him pleases God.

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April_22

SHARING BREAD

15 Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.”

16 “Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them. 17 “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20 These are what make a man ‘unclean’; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him ‘unclean.’”

Matt 15:15-20 (NIV)

Confused over Jesus’ Words – though clear – the spokesman for the group – Peter – asks the Master to explain the parable. Surprised by their dullness – their lack of ability to get it – Jesus tells them plainly Words similar to those He spoke to the Pharisees earlier in Matthew as well as those He spoke in Luke. What comes out of the mouth comes directly from the heart. What makes a man unclean, common, polluted or defiled is not found outside of him – external hand washing rituals never make one clean or unclean – rather it is found inside of him, in the condition of his inner being. In reality, the mouth is merely the heart’s microphone.

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 12:34-37 (NIV)

45 “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 (NIV)

Paul tells us clearly in Romans that it is impossible for those who are controlled by the sinful nature to please God. The unbelieving heart cares only for his sinful interests with no regard for God and His ways of life and peace. When our mindsets and aspirations are of the sinful nature it leads to death in all its forms – physical and spiritual. There is no defilement in the products of God’s goodness only in the products of our corrupted hearts. Every word or deed flowing from the mouth and hands – whether good or evil – finds their source from within the spring of the heart:

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 8:6-8 (NIV)

“A baptism of holiness, a demonstration of godly living is the crying need of our day.” Duncan Campbell

Further, Paul warns us in Galatians that those who consistently choose to live according to the sinful nature will not inherit the kingdom of God. These are the things which defile a person. Paul’s list is much akin to our Lord’s in our verses for today which Jesus states makes a man unclean:

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal 5:19-21 (NIV)

Yet, praise God, we no longer have to be enslaved in these ways – held captive in this death sentence of our own choosing. Out of love, Jesus came to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and heal us of all our transgressions – saving us, as King David states, from being ensnared by the work of our hands. He came to set the captives free from the death of these actions – purifying us by His blood and giving us life in abundance through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians:

9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor 6:9-11 (NIV)

“The heart is constituted such that the only way to dispossess it of an old affection is by the expulsive power of a new one…and when God stands revealed as an object of confidence to sinners—and where our desire after Him is not chilled into apathy by that barrier of human guilt which intercepts every approach that is not made to Him through the appointed Mediator…it is when released from the spirit of bondage…and admitted into the number of God’s children, through the faith that is in Christ Jesus, the Spirit of adoption is poured upon us—it is then that the heart, brought under the mastery of one great and predominant affection, is delivered from the tyranny of its former desires and the only way in which deliverance is possible”. Scottish Pastor, Thomas Chalmers, 1780-1847

“Make and keep me pure within.” Charles Wesley

What I glean from this:

• What comes out of my mouth is directly from my heart.
• The sinful nature cannot please God.
• Jesus came to set the captive free.

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April_19

SHARING BREAD

12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”

13 He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14 Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Matt 15:12-14 (NIV)

We must give careful thought to our ways – put our hearts upon our conduct – have a firm resolve regarding who is our guide or whose words we choose to follow? It can make a difference between being an “oak of righteousness” or being “pulled up by the roots.” Sinfulness can spread and increases in one’s life unless it is effectively combated by conscious effort. Jesus alone has the Words of eternal life:

66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:66-69 (NIV)

5 This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.” Jer 17:5-6 (NIV)

“The words of Jesus shall stand when heaven and earth shall pass away. If you grasp only half of a promise, you shall still find it true….His lips are most sweet, and drop with honey still.” Charles H. Spurgeon

35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matt 24:34-35 (NIV)

Isaiah prophesizes regarding the coming Savior who came seeking to make all oaks for His glory:

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion–to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)

In our verses for today the disciples were perplexed over Jesus’ offensive Words towards the Pharisees. They thought it strange that their Master would say things that would cause rife. While Jesus ever demonstrated care in His Words towards others – always sensitive in giving the right Word at the right time being fully aware of what every heart needed to hear, He never evaded Truth and duty for fear of offence either. Truth must always be acknowledged and duty done and if Truth is offensive it is the fault of the hearer not the speaker of the Truth.

The disciples did not want the Pharisees to go away angry or displeased with Christ’s Words and sought to have Him modify or at least explain them. Weak believers are sometimes more concerned than they should be not to see unbelievers offended by Truth. In this fallen world, Truth will always offend. Believers are not called to offend, but we are called to get God’s Word – true Truth – out. In our day of tolerance, this of course is not readily embraced – to say the least. Like Jeremiah, it should weary us when we hold God’s Word in:

“I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. 8 Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long. 9 But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” Jer 20:7-9 (NIV)

God gives Jeremiah (and us) the following Word:

28 “Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the LORD. 29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” Jer 23:28-29 (NIV)

“Scripture is like a lion. Who ever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose; it will defend itself.” Charles H. Spurgeon

Do we want to follow a blind guide or do we want to follow God?

What I glean from this:
• God’s Word is True Truth – never changing – and is eternal.
• I must not water down Truth to make it more palatable to hearing ears. Jesus did not do this.
• Scripture can defend itself.

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April_17

SHARING BREAD

10 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. 11 What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean,’ but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him ‘unclean.’”
Matt 15:10-11 (NIV)

Silly Pharisees, no amount of washing of the hands will ever clean the heart – no matter what religious soap is used and – for that matter – no kind or quality of food will pollute the person or defile the soul either. What we eat does not render a person repugnant to God nor does it disqualify them from His fellowship. Paul tells us in Romans:

17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17 (NIV)

Remember, too, Peter was told not to call anything common or unclean that God had made clean in Acts:

13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” 14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” 15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Acts 10:13-15 (NIV)

Paul also writes in First Timothy:

4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 1 Tim 4:4-5 (NIV)

In our verses for today, our Lord gives us a – hear, heed, think and reason – to the Truth He is about to set forth. In other words, pay attention, listen up and do it! The intellectually elite are not the only ones He is speaking to here (hallelujah); indeed, the ordinary and common folk are also to apply their minds to understanding – heeding Jesus’ Words as well. It is profitable for one to simply chew on the Word of God – mull it over in our minds – to use reason – to pray for wisdom and discernment – to seek and search for the Truth and apply it. Let’s not be willy-nilly about this – the benefits are far too great for us to cavalierly pass up our responsibilities in this so great an endeavor. Proverbs tells us:

1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, 3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Prov 2:1-8 (NIV)

The Pharisees had issues with the Lord’s disciples over their lack of adhering to the manmade rules they had staunchly set forth. Particularly in this case, the washing of the hands or rather the lack of washing was brought to Jesus’ attention (as if anything goes unnoticed by the Lord Jesus). Foolishly thinking hearts were set right by mere observance of outward rituals, these religious leaders were about to be set straight by Christ. Cleansing of the heart is an inside to outside job not vice versa. Clean hands cannot make a clean heart rather a clean heart makes for clean hands. When our hearts are right with the Lord Jesus our actions will follow suit. God always starts with the heart being the seat of all desires. The heart prompts the motives which prompts the action.

“It is a blessed thing when you can bring all your desires into focus so that they all center on one object. When one has fifty different desires, one’s heart resembles a small pool of stagnant water, spread out into a marsh, breeding miasma and pestilence; but when all of one’s desires are brought into one channel, one’s heart becomes like a river of pure water, running swiftly to fertilize the fields.” Charles H. Spurgeon

Surely, these religious leaders were divided in heart. Jesus calls them later in Matthew “whitewashed tombs” appearing beautiful on the outside but on the inside filled with all sorts of wickedness:

25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” 27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” Matt 23:25-28 (NIV)

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye….
But the eyes are blind. One must look with the heart…” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

What I glean from this:

• No amount of religious ritual soap will wash away my sins – nothing but the blood of Jesus.
• I am not to call anything unclean that God has made clean.
• My heart is the seat of all by affections and desires. Blessed am I if they all center on Jesus.

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April_15

SHARING BREAD

1 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 2 “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”

3 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ 5 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ 6 he is not to ‘honor his father’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:

8 ‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.

9 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.’”

Matt 15:1-9 (NIV)

We discover in our verses for today our Lord chastising the Pharisees and teachers of the law for basing their religion on tradition and mere laws made by men rather than a relationship and a love for God. They practiced their own laws and imposed them with great stress as religious rites and ceremony. These religious leaders were pregnant with pride in their positions – their cavil pointed at Christ’s disciples was intended to merely elevate themselves. They sought to spy the speck in the disciple’s eye while neglecting the plank in their own.

“Pride is utter poverty of soul disguised as riches.” John Climacus

The religion of these Pharisees and teachers was one of action and manmade rules mixed with a feigned piety to appear spiritual but were in all reality supremely hypocritical. Their hearts were far from God and consequently their worship was futile, vain, and fruitless. Those who are most zealous for their own rules are commonly most careless with God’s. When man’s delusional inventions are tacked on to God’s Law and imposed accordingly it makes for a mere human religion – gets you nowhere fast! They had failed to realize God was aware of their hearts, motives and deeds. They honored Him with lip labor while their hearts remained far from Him. We might fool others – perhaps even ourselves – but we will never fool God who weighs our motives and judges the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts.

“It is the prerogative of him who searches the heart, and knows what is in man, to pronounce who are hypocrites. The eye of man can perceive open profaneness, but it is only the eye of Christ that can discern hypocrisy. And as it is a sin which his eye discovers, so it is a sin which of all others his soul hates.” Matthew Henry

15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.” Luke 16:15 (NIV)

These religious leaders are not too dissimilar to the hypocritical Israelites Jeremiah penned about and God’s opinion of them:

9 “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, 10 and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, ‘We are safe’–safe to do all these detestable things? 11 Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the LORD.” Jer 7:9-11 (NIV)

21 “‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go ahead, add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves! 22 For when I brought your forefathers out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, 23 but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you. 24 But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. 25 From the time your forefathers left Egypt until now, day after day, again and again I sent you my servants the prophets. 26 But they did not listen to me or pay attention. They were stiff-necked and did more evil than their forefathers.’” Jer 7:21-26 (NIV)

“How many observe Christ’s birthday, how few His precepts!” Benjamin Franklin

The worship of these religious elite ended in vanity. It did not attain the end for which it was appointed nor did it please God. If we do not worship God in spirit and truth it is for naught. Pretense and lip labor is lost labor.

What I glean from this:

• God hates pride.
• Worshipping and adhering to manmade rules over God’s Law is vanity.
• Hypocrisy is worthless.

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April_12

SHARING BREAD

34 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him 36 and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

Matt 14:34-36 (NIV)

Wherever Christ went, healing was always present – spiritually, physically and emotionally. Jesus heals wholly either in the now or in the blessed future. He was ever about doing good works, saying good Words. The psalmist tells us God sent forth His Word and healed – rescuing from death – that is exactly what He did in Christ Jesus:

20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Psalms 107:20 (NIV)

Certainly, that was the Messiah’s job descriptions prophesized by Isaiah – Jesus was the Word made flesh sent forth to heal and make whole:

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)

Further, it honors Christ when we show our need for Him. And who isn’t in need of the healing touch from the Master? The miracle of walking on water had just recently occurred – perhaps the news of this may have ushered in the way for Him to have been more welcomed, more sought after. There is always purpose in all that Jesus does. Those who realize Who Christ is will turn to Him – if Jesus were better known, He certainly would not be neglected as He is – for He is trusted as much as He is known.

“You cannot be your own Saviour, either in whole or in part.” Hudson Taylor

“You cannot imagine how great is people’s foolishness…..by hoping in themselves and putting trust in their own knowledge.” St. Catherine

The actions taken by the men of Gennesaret are not too dissimilar to the actions of the Samaritan woman at the well who went back into her town to tell others about the Savior. When people have good news they want to share it. Those who know Christ should do all they can to bring others to come to know Him as well. John records the incident:

28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him. John 4:28-30 (NIV)

39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” John 4:39-42 (NIV)

“And we do well to remember that this gracious God, who has condescended to place His almighty power at the command of believing prayer looks not lightly on the blood guiltiness of those who neglect to avail themselves of it for the benefit of the perishing….” Hudson Taylor

Lastly, we see people bringing their infirmed to the Healer humbly begging Him to let their sick but touch His hem for healing. This suggests they thought themselves unworthy that He should even be bothered with their cases as well as showing they had an awareness of an overflowing fullness of His healing power that they would receive if they but touch His clothing – similar to the woman with the issue of blood. The greatest favors and blessings are obtained by those who seek and petition. Jesus tells us earlier in Matthew:

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matt 7:7-8 (NIV)

The fruit of seeking Christ is never found wanting. One never seeks Him in vain. Those He heals, He heals wholly and perfectly – presently or eternally. Yet He always fills and satisfies in the here and now if we will allow Him. He gives us grace sufficient to meet every need. Remember, child of the King, earth is not your home – heaven is. For all who turn to Him in a true and living faith, there is an abundance of healing power available – spiritually, physically and emotionally – an overflowing fullness of His comfort, mercy and grace.

“Grace is love that cares and stoops and rescues.” John Stott

3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, save me!” 5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. 7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. Psalms 116:3-7 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Jesus saves. He is all powerful.
• I honor Christ when I show my need for Him.
• Jesus overflows with compassion, kindness, mercy and grace.

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April_10

SHARING BREAD

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matt 14:22-33 (NIV)

The multitudes had been fed and were now even desirous of making the Master their king by force (not part of the plan) therefore Jesus breaks up the assembly – first sending His guys ahead of Him by boat to the other side and then dismissing the crowd. Our Lord retreats up the mountainside to be with His Dad – communing in private prayer – and there He stayed until early morning. Even when the tempest began to blow He remained steady, focused and fervent in prayer. He sets the example for us according to own His rule regarding private prayer earlier in Matthew:

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matt 6:6 (NIV)

While Jesus was praying, the disciples discover themselves paddling in a terrific tempest in the middle of the billowing sea and, by the way, they were exactly where Christ had sent them – they had been obedient to His Word. Just because we are smack dab in the middle of a great turbulence does not for one second mean that we are not smack dab in the center His will. Indeed, the disciples seemed always to be going from the fire into the frying pan and ever in the center of God’s perfect and pleasing will. And we think it’s going to be different for us?

“Jesus promised His disciples three things: that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.” F.R. Maltby

Knowing their dire situation, sweet Jesus sets out in mercy – walking on the water to rescue – hastening to their help. Terrified that He was an apparition, they cry out in fear. I guess so! Here they are in the middle of a raging sea, pre-dawn darkness and all of a sudden they see someone in the distance walking on water – not a usual sight to be sure! He gives the Word: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” He makes Himself known and therein lays their and our sufficiency. It was enough to put them at ease – encouraging them against their fright. In those Words It was as if He tells them – just like He tells every other believer in Him – “Don’t be afraid of the tempests and the waves of your circumstances – do not fear them – I am with you.” Nothing must be a terror to those whom Christ is with.

“Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you: everything passes away except God; God alone is sufficient.” St. Theresa

27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)

Lastly, we discover Peter desirous of walking on the water to the Lord Jesus. Pete asks permission and it’s granted by the One who created and can calm the sea. To Peter’s credit, he gets out of the boat – you obviously cannot walk on water unless you get out of the boat! Through the strength of Christ, Peter was born up above the world – kept from sinking into it or being overwhelmed by it or wallowing hopelessly in it. He was upheld by Christ’s power. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus offers to all of us as well? There is no danger in sinking when underneath are His everlasting arms of strength.

This begs the question for us all – does our focus remain on the wind and turbulence of our circumstances or on the wisdom and Truth of our Christ? To answer that, perhaps we should assess our present situations – are we walking on water – even amidst our trials or are we sinking like a brick? If we truly stay focused on Jesus – maintaining a complete reliance upon Him and not ourselves, we need not be concerned about how and where He engineers our circumstances – we need only remain looking up. I am reminded of the writer of Hebrew’s admonition:

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. Heb 12:1-3 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Jesus made private prayer a priority and so must I.
• I should not be surprised if I find myself in “turbulent waters” even in the center of God’s perfect and pleasing will.
• Jesus takes away my fear.

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April_08

SHARING BREAD

13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Matt 14:13-21 (NIV)

Upon hearing about the death of His cousin, John the Baptist, our Lord withdraws with His guys to a solitary place. The thoughts Herod held concerning Jesus had reached our Lord’s ear and since His time of departure from this earth had not fully arrived, He and His disciples retreat from Herod’s jurisdiction. This also begins a change of direction in Jesus’ ministry from the masses to a focus primarily of pouring out and into His disciples.

In our verses for today we read of the only miracle recorded in all four gospels – an indication of its importance – and its primary significance was intended for the disciples. After His physical departure from earth it would be these guys who would be involved in the feeding of spiritual food to the people and the source of their feeding would be the Lord Himself. The miracle took place, Luke tells us, in the town of Bethsaida just prior to the Passover, which John records in his account of this miracle. I am reminded of Jesus’ reinstatement of Peter after our Lord’s resurrection which indicates the priority the Master places on feeding and taking care of His sheep – flowing out of our love for Him:

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17 (NIV)

Next, we see the crowds are undeterred by His retreat and multitudes continued to follow after Jesus in great eagerness. When Christ and His Word withdraw from us it is in our best interest to follow. Jesus sees the crowds and does not turn away rather has compassion on them and heals their sick. How like Jesus! Tired and weary He continues to pour out His life like a drink offering – willing to toil and expose Himself for the good of men’s souls. He sets the supreme example for every believer to follow through His power. Jesus’ compassion and kindness towards mankind remind me of Jeremiah’s words in Lamentations:

21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lam 3:21-26 (NIV)

Believers are called to clothe ourselves in compassion and kindness as well. We are to look more and more like the Lord Jesus – not the world around us. Our Lord’s compassion was particularly directed towards the helpless and harassed. Paul states in Colossians:

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col 3:12-14 (NIV)

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

It begins to get late and as they were in a remote place the disciples want to send the crowds away to purchase food. Yet Jesus has another idea. He tells His guys to give the crowds something to eat. Can you only imagine them thinking this had to be some kind of joke. There were five thousand men and who knows how many women and children – all with hunger pains – and the most the disciples could come up with was five small loaves of bread and a couple of meager fish. Yet these were an abundant feast in our Lord’s hands. He is ever turning the meager into much. Such a pittance to feed a multitude yet out of this Christ will have the multitudes fed. He gives thanks, He breaks bread and He distributes and all are satisfied. What we willingly place in the hands of Jesus – small as it may be – to use as He pleases – He can multiply and prosper. Praise Him!

After everyone is satisfied, Jesus has His guys pick up the broken pieces so that none would be wasted. Isn’t that just like Jesus too? He never wastes our broken pieces – our pains and trials He uses to grow us up in Him – building our character one brick at a time. What a blessed thought that our suffering in this broken world is not for naught. He is the Master at making beauty from ashes. Paul tells us in Romans:

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)

What I glean from this:

• Out of love for the Savior I am to feed and care for His sheep.
• Christ set the example of compassion and kindness that I am to follow.
• Jesus uses the broken pieces of my life so that none will be wasted.

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