August_28

SHARING BREAD

16 “Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17 You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18 You also say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ 19 You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22 And he who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it.”

Matt 23:16-22 (NIV)

“Blind guides!”, “Blind fools!”, “Blind men!” – not sounding too good for these religious leaders of Jesus’ day. In God’s estimation, those in leadership and teaching positions are held in higher accountability for the truth they profess as well as for their walk to match their talk. Having professed to have a clearer knowledge of Truth, these teachers were all the more bound to obey it. James tells us:

1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. James 3:1 (NIV)
In our verses for today Jesus exposes the duplicitous character of the religious elite who tricked their following by making fine lines of distinction that could possibly invalidate oaths. They were forever allowing mental reservations within their vows. Bottom line, they were not truly seeking to abide by their word. In God’s estimation, oaths are not something to tinker with or taken lightly – FYI. God detests any breach of faith whatever the case may be. We are to be honest before our Creator and His creation and careful of every verbal commitment we utter. God never looks lightly upon unfulfilled vows freely falling from our lips – our words and actions matter very much to Him. He sees all and judges even the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. We are told in Deuteronomy to be sure to do whatever our lips utter because we make our vows freely with our own mouths:

21 If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. 22 But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. 23 Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth. Deut 23:21-23 (NIV)

Jesus took this a step further in the Sermon on the Mount by stating we are not to even vow at all, simply let our “yes” be “yes” and our “no’s” “no”. We are to be a people so well known for living Truth and not deception that our word is our bond making vows unnecessary. Our lives should back up our words. All oaths tend to do is emphasize the wickedness in a man’s heart.

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matt 5:33-37 (NIV)

“When you read God’s Word, you must constantly be saying to yourself, ‘It is talking to me, and about me.’” Soren Kierkegaard

“Every time we resist the slightest temptation, we honor God. Every time we overcome even the smallest problem by trusting and obeying our Lord Jesus, God is glorified in our lives. Whenever we choose character over convenience, faithfulness over ease, or honesty over deceit, we bring honor to the Lord Himself.” Robert J. Morgan

However we do find in Scripture both Jesus and Paul submitting to the world’s standards regarding vows yet it is not to be our regular practice. Later in Matthew we discover the Lord Jesus finally stating under oath to the high priest that He was indeed the Christ after a period of silence. This serves as an indication that it is not a sin to be forced to state an oath. Sometimes it is necessary for Truth’s sake to submit to this practice as a confirmation to the world of the truthfulness of our word:

62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matt 26:62-64 (NIV)

Paul stated to the church in Corinth:

23 I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. 2 Cor 1:23 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• God calls teachers to a higher accountability.
• It is important to God that I do what I say.
• I honor God (or dishonor God) before others by my life and words therefore I am to be very careful. It is important to Him how I live my life.

Read Full Post »

August_26

SHARING BREAD

13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.”

15 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.”

Matt 23:13-15 (NIV)

In our verses for today Jesus begins shooting His arrows of “Woes” – hitting the bull’s eye, so to speak, of His “prominent” targets. Those “high-browed” teachers of the law and Pharisees were no doubt standing there shell shocked – wide eyed and open mouthed – over our Lord’s rebuking Words. Jesus came to earth to bless and furthermore He loved to bless making these “Woes” all the more remarkably standout. Jesus’ language of “Woes” was particularly amazing given the gentleness and meekness of His character. His pronouncing them over the religious elite must have surely taken His rural followers by surprise as well. Over and over in the Gospels we are told of the compassion of our Lord Jesus:

36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matt 9:36 (NIV)

40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. Mark 1:40-42 (NIV)

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

Yet, we see here His anger kindled over the actions of those who were to be the leaders of His people. These “Woes” stand in opposition to the beatitudes given earlier in Matthew by our Lord. Actually in mercy, this was Jesus’ warning to the religious elite of their ultimate destruction if they continued on in their present path. It is not wrong to yell “fire” when the house is burning down. These “Woes” also denounce false religion as being totally abhorrent to God. Those who lead others astray through feigned faith – according to Jesus – are headed for sure destruction unless they turn in repentance. I am reminded of Jesus’ Word in Mark:

42 “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.” Mark 9:42 (NIV)

These leaders were not only failing to enter the Kingdom of God they were also preventing others from entering by their poor example. I am reminded of Paul’s earnest desire never to cause anyone to stumble:

31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God– 33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Cor 10:31-11:1 (NIV)

These religious elite were hypocritical to the core. They were mere stage players in religion acting out the part with no changed heart. Their works and words were for mere men to see and applaud. They were staunch enemies to the Gospel of Christ and consequently to the souls of men. While in their positions they could have helped many to heaven they instead shut the kingdom’s gate to them – loving to lord their authority over them. Being the big dog floated their boats. They made it their business to prejudice many against the Lord Jesus and His doctrine through prideful bullying. I am reminded of an incident in John clearly showing these leaders despicable ways:

45 Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” 46 “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards declared. 47 “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. 48 “Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law–there is a curse on them.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, 51 “Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?” 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.” John 7:45-52 (NIV)

Finding humility distasteful, these religious leaders could not put up with a religion that demanded so much of it. They were much too proud to stoop so low. Also, repentance is the door leading to salvation and of course these great imposters were not thinking of turning from their wicked ways – nothing would have been more disagreeable to them. But that was not all of Jesus’ fury with them. They were not only forfeiting their souls by their refusal to enter the kingdom of heaven, they blocked those who were trying to. Multitudes rejected the Savior following their religious leader’s leads. They used all their wit and power against Him to serve their malice. It is no wonder Jesus gives them a “Woe”, “Woe” for their deeply rooted enmity to the kingdom of heaven.

“The man who has been born again, and who has the divine nature within him, is a man who is righteous and his righteousness does exceed that of the …Pharisees. He is no longer living for self and his own attainments, he is no longer self-righteous and self satisfied. He has become poor in spirit, meek and merciful. He hungers and thirsts after righteousness…He loves God, yes, unworthily, alas, but he loves Him and longs for His glory…(this) is a righteousness that far exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.” D. Martin Lloyd-Jones

What I glean from this:

• Jesus came to earth to bless and He love to bless as well. He was known for His compassion, gentleness and mercy.
• The well-deserved “Woes” Jesus gave the religious elite directly resulted from their religious hypocrisy and their prideful heart’s desire to take others down the same path they trod.
• Jesus’ humility was more than the Pharisees could stand.

Read Full Post »

August_23

SHARING BREAD

11 “The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Matt 23:11-12 (NIV)

True humility of heart is definitely the brightest star on the “Christian’s tree” – topping our lives as the shining fruit which reflects upon all the others. Indeed, the Prophet Micah tells us it is one of the three things God requires of His people:

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)

“Love and humility are the highest attainments in the school of Christ.” John Newton

In God’s eyes, he who advances to any place of dignity is through the door of humble service. He who stands the highest in God’s favor is most submissively serviceable or in more common vernacular, he is the one who willingly stops the lowest – just like our Jesus. Nothing is beneath the humble – no person, no service. Paul tells us in Philippians:

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross! Phil 2:2-8 (NIV)

“The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time.” Tim Keller

The Lord Jesus goes on to say in our verses for today that there is sure punishment pending for those who are proud in heart – those ever eager for their own exaltation. In lieu of a crown they are so desirous to receive they are humbled instead – forced to bend the knee. These that are proud in heart are much akin to our adversary Satan whose greatest desire is to be worshipped. But silly Satan, there is only One God and no other – it is He alone Who is to be worshipped. The Prophet Isaiah pens God’s Words to us regarding this for our knowledge and safety:

11 “I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.” Isaiah 43:11 (NIV)

6 “This is what the LORD says–Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.” Isaiah 44:6 (NIV)

5 “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, 6 so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:5-6 (NIV)

18 For this is what the LORD says–he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited–he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:18 (NIV)

9 “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:9-10 (NIV)

At the very least, I think we should be beginning to get the picture here! Jesus goes on to say in our verses for today that quite the opposite is true for those who willingly choose to humble themselves – they, in turn, will be exalted. Interestingly, honor is like a shadow which flees from those who pursue it and grasp after it yet follows those who flee from it. The way up is down. The one bowed low becomes the lifted one. There is a marked advantage to humility in God’s Kingdom economy – it will eventually bring honor.

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 (NIV)

“Christians who are real saints and the greatest in the Kingdom…humble themselves as a little child…They look upon themselves as children in grace…” Jonathan Edwards

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

What I glean from this:

• God desires for me to be humble.
• My role model is to be Jesus Who did not grasp equality with God rather took on the nature of a servant and humbled Himself even to death on the cross – for my sake.
• In God’s eyes humility brings honor.

Read Full Post »

August_21

SHARING BREAD

1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.”

5 “Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’”

8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ.”

Matt 23:1-10 (NIV)

Practice what you preach. Walk the talk. One demonstrates what they believe by how they behave. Words are cheap actions costly. Whatever your mantra of choice, Jesus sizzles these teachers of the law and the Pharisees for spouting Truth yet living anything but that. Their faith was all for show and nothing for substance. Indeed, their secret life was their true life. Their Delilah of pride sunk them like the Titanic. They zealously guarded their reputations – masking them behind their lofty words – but inside they remained hypocritical to the core. These feigned characters indulged their pride in the giving of the law to others yet leaned on ease when it came to their own practice of the same. Jesus here exposes their shenanigans. God is never fooled. Neither will He be mocked. Paul tells us in Galatians:

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal 6:7-9 (NIV)

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

God sees all – judging even the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts – it is who we are before Him that truly (and only) matters. If we could come to terms with that, our lives would be so much simpler – not to mention more peaceful and joyful. We are to live our lives for an audience of One. What difference does it make what flesh thinks anyway? I am reminded of the words in 2 Chronicles and Hebrews:

9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chron 16:9 (NIV)

13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Heb 4:13 (NIV)

“All the commandments of God are commandments of love tending to our real good and great happiness; far from being grievous to those who have faith and love, the practice thereof is life and peace. The world may think it a grievous burden; but this is a great mistake indeed. Sin is grievous. In hatred, envy, anger, revenge, pride, there is nothing but torment and slavery; but in love there is a sweet rest and pleasure. Thus a sinner always punishes himself, and is robbed of great peace and blessing, by transgressing the commandments of God.” K. H. Von Bogatzky

Fallen flesh has a tendency to be more concerned with what man thinks than what God thinks. We hide our innermost thoughts and secrets before men yet seem to have no embarrassment about them before Almighty God Who cannot be fooled by our silliness. It is all too easy to fall into a prideful pattern – even among the religious as the Pharisees in our verses for today. Nothing is more repugnant to God than to see His people puffed up and looking down on others. The insidious nature of this deadly disease of pride will get us into a strong choking neck hold before we even realize it taking us down fast. This is particularly true if we continually shut our eyes to its ways and choose not to keep our lives in check – refusing accountability.

“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

“Pride is an insidious disease of the soul because it can turn even justice and kindness into self-righteous deeds.” Chuck Swindoll

What I glean from this:

• I live what I believe to be true.
• God will not be mocked.
• Religious pride is repugnant to God.

Read Full Post »

August_19

SHARING BREAD

41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”

“The son of David,” they replied.

43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
under your feet.”’

45 If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” 46 No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Matt 22:41-46 (NIV)

Having silenced the crowds – astonishing all with His Words – the Lord Jesus now takes the offense posing questions to His adversaries ending up silencing them yet again. They had questioned Him one after another regarding the law and now He puts a question to them about the Promise. He seeks to solicit their views regarding the coming Christ. Many are so full of the works of the law that they seem to forget the Savior. Some think demeaning thoughts of Him, while others harsh and still others do not think of Him at all. Yet for those who do, for those who dwell on His compassion and love our thoughts remain joyfully precious of Him. Christ rules by the force of love and the energy of all goodness and mercy. Peter rightly states:

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)

“He who stands today representing the interests of His people is very God of very God, to whom every knee shall bow. Happy are we who belong to such a Shepherd, whose humanity communes with us, and whose divinity protects us. Let us worship and bow down before Him as the people of His pasture.” Charles H. Spurgeon

Being well trained in the law, these Pharisees were all too aware that the Messiah’s lineage would come through King David therefore the question Jesus posed was an easy one for them to answer. Yet the Lord here presents a difficulty with their response for which they could not easily solve. Many who are puffed up with knowledge – when called on to confirm Truth – ashamedly show their ignorance. The Lord’s reply was not meant to ensnare them rather instruct them. Christ then quotes the verse from the Messianic Psalm 110 which showed the Redeemer in His exaltation of Prophet, Priest and King – depicted as siting at the right hand of God subduing His enemies under His feet. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Church at Philippi:

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2:9-11 (NIV)

The Prophet Isaiah records God’s solemn oath as well:

22 “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
23 By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. 24 They will say of me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’ All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame.” Isaiah 45:22-24 (NIV)

Indeed, the One Who makes known the end from the beginning has stated – “every knee will bow” – whether willingly or forced – even His enemies. We can take that to the bank. Jesus, the Messiah, fully God and fully man – claimed His divinity:

30 “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30 (NIV)

Additionally, the Gospel writers repeatedly pointed out the way Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Yet His divinity was most of all demonstrated by His resurrection from the dead and His ascension into Heaven – events witnessed by hundreds. Only a sinless divine Savior could save us – only He could become the perfect and final sacrifice for our sins.

What I glean from this:

• I should not be so full of the works of the law that I should forget the Savior.
• As I dwell on Christ’s compassion, love and mercy towards me, my thoughts remain joyfully precious of Him.
• If I do not know Truth at the heart level it remains only head knowledge which serves only to puff up yet leave flat.

Read Full Post »

August_16

SHARING BREAD

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matt 22:34-40 (NIV)

Have you ever wondered, like me, what the Father really desires from us? Here we have His concise answer – love God, love others. There you have it. This sounds simple enough until we start fleshing it out – where the rubber meets the road so to speak. First of all, to love the Creator or the created rightly – as God would have us love – is impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling within us. It is perhaps easier for us to imagine ourselves loving God rightly and wholeheartedly – perhaps (and only perhaps) – but man? Seriously……the mean ones – the dirty ones – the obnoxious ones – those who make fun of us or spit in our faces or nail us to a tree – it is those we are supposed to love – readily, entirely, wholeheartedly? Are you kidding me? Supernatural power is a necessity to be sure!

In our verses for today, the expert in the law who posed the question to the Master was in agreement with His answer. Mark records that Jesus stated this Pharisees was not far from the kingdom of God:

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions. Mark 12:32-34 (NIV)

6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 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 6:6-8 (NIV)

“Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved.” Thomas Merton

Jesus came to fulfill – and did fulfill – all the righteous requirements of the old law. The law the Lord came to usher in and which continues to remain in effect is simply the law of love. All law is fulfilled in this one word – love. All obedience is to begin with affection and nothing is done properly that is not begun there first. Love is to be the motivating factor of our actions. Paul tells is in Romans:

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:8-10 (NIV)

God wants us to love as He loves – selflessly, freely, graciously, compassionately, kindly, gently, humbly and patiently. A tall order to be sure and one which definitely requires the work of the Spirit! Those controlled by the Holy Spirit are evidenced by their love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

“Spirit-filled souls are ablaze for God.” Samuel Chadwick

Love is not the paste gem variety of Hollywood nor is it fueled from the lust of the flesh or the greed of the eye. The Bible teaches of the love God requires in I Corinthians. Paul gives us fourteen predications defining the way of love ending with eternal aspect of it as love never fails:

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:4-8 (NIV)

The motivation behind our actions is paramount. For instance, we can be obedient to God’s Word – motivated by love – and it is a sweet smelling sacrifice to the Father as well as an experience of a bit of heaven on earth for us. On the other hand, we can dutifully and laboriously fulfill our call to obedience – as the religious hypocrites of Jesus’ day – and be nauseating in His sight. The motive makes the difference. Remember, we love Him because He first loved us. Biblical love – Jesus – will always woo His suitor.

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

“The way to disengage the heart from the love of one object is to fasten it in positive love to another. It is not by exposing the worthlessness of the former, but by addressing the worth and excellence of the latter that all old things are to be done away and all things are to become new. The only way to dispossess the heart of an old affection is by the expulsive power of a new one. Thomas Chalmers

“To love God, to serve Him because we love Him, is…our highest happiness…Love makes all labor light. We serve with enthusiasm where we love with sincerity.” Hannah More

“For the love of God is broader than the measures of man’s mind; and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.” Frederick William Faber

What I glean from this:

• I am to love God and love others.
• My actions are to be motivated by love.
• Jesus loves me this I know.

Read Full Post »

August_14

SHARING BREAD

23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 24 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him. 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. 27 Finally, the woman died. 28 Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?”

29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. 30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 31 But about the resurrection of the dead–have you not read what God said to you, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”

33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.

Matt 22:23-33 (NIV)

In our verses for today Jesus gives a strong denunciation to the religious liberals of His day – the Sadducees – for neither knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. They certainly should have been readily familiar with both. It appears ignorance to God’s Word and His achieving power is a common malady among men in many generations including our own – shame on them, shame on us. Scripture tells us of Scripture:

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV)

12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb 4:12 (NIV)

89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Psalms 119:89 (NIV)

165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalms 119:165 (NIV)

“Our claim is that God has revealed Himself by speaking; that this divine (or God-breathed) speech has been written down and preserved in Scripture; and that Scripture is, in fact, God’s Word written, which therefore is true and reliable and has divine authority over men.” John Stott

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

“If you wish to know God, you must know his Word. If you wish to perceive His power, you must see how He works by his Word. If you wish to know His purpose before it comes to pass, you can only discover it by His Word.” C.H. Spurgeon

Scripture also tells us to do our best to understand its Truth:

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 (NIV)

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119:105 (NIV)

“Every sermon, every Bible lesson, every word of testimony, and every verse of Scripture is a warning, calling us to repentance and revival. Our God is a consuming fire, and a day of judgment is coming. We must not neglect the warning, and today’s church must not forget that our message includes the ministry of warning.” Robert J. Morgan

The Sadducees believed there was no resurrection or angels or spirits therefore their question to the Mater purposely centered on the doctrine of resurrection and its implications. They sought to make the resurrection appear ridiculous. God’s Word teaches resurrection and that His power can certainly bring people back to life. The Sadducees supposed Heaven to be an extension of the pleasures enjoyed here on earth as in marriage. Yet Jesus tells us in our glorified eternal bodies there will be no need for marriage as there will be no need for procreation – one of marriages basic purposes. He states we will be as angels (not become angels) in that regard as angels do not reproduce themselves. In His great economy of Words, our Lord did not answer all the questions regarding the eternal state of those married in this life – now we see but a poor reflection yet one day we will see clearly – yet He did answer the immediate question raised by the Sadducees.

The most important issue, however, brought up by these religious liberals regarded the resurrection. If they had read and understood the Old Testament Scriptures – “have you not read what God said to you” – they would have clearly seen there is a future life when a person dies – they believing death ended man’s existence. Jesus quotes to them a statement God made to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus stating He is the “I AM” God not the “I was” God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who are still as much alive with God today as they were when their feet walked this earth and will ultimately share in the resurrection of the righteous. Our God is not the God of the dead but of the living – praise Him!

What I glean from this:

• I am to know what God’s Word states and share it as it is profitable to me and to everyone.
• Scripture can defend Itself.
• God is the God of the living not the dead.

Read Full Post »

August_12

SHARING BREAD

18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?”

21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Matt 22:18-22 (NIV)

How foolish for these pretenders to seek to outwit the Master! In their puffed up and cunning mindset they sought to trap Jesus in His Words. Simply not going to happen! God’s Word penned in Isaiah come to mind keeping us from ever thinking we are going to somehow outsmart the Creator:

8 “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:8-10 (NIV)

In His discourse with blameless Job God sets the record straight as well:

1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” Job 38:1-3 (NIV)

God then proceeds to ask Job a litany of questions of which, of course, he had not a clue how to answer bringing Job to his knees – overwhelmed in awe of His majesty. It is much better for us to begin our posture in His presence in pure humility. King David’s words in Psalm Eight come to mind:

4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalms 8:4 (NIV)

“Pride not only withdraws the heart from God, but lifts it up against God.” Thomas Manton

In brilliant fashion, our Lord responds to these hypocritical religious leaders in our verses for today in such a way as to silence them and leave them amazed. So like the Lord Jesus! He was constantly amazing His hearers when His feet walked this dusty earth. Here, He clearly states that government has a rightful place in everyone’s life and that one can be in subjection to both God and the government at the same time. Hence He tells them the taxes must be paid to Caesar -“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s”. Yet at the same time He also reminds them that they are to be subject to God’s authority as well – “and to God what is God’s.” Man has both political and spiritual responsibilities. Paul tells us in Romans and in Titus as well our responsibility towards governing authorities as they have been established by God:

1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. Romans 13:1-3 (NIV)

1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Titus 3:1-2 (NIV)

“Let us never forget that the message of the Bible is addressed primarily to the mind, to the understanding.” Martyn Lloyd Jones

While the Bible does not condone tyranny or oppression believers are to respect those in positions of authority. Christians are to abide by governmental laws our motivation being for the Lord’s sake not merely to avoid punishment. This brings honor to God Who ordained human government. Christians are to observe man-made laws unless they come into conflict with the clear teaching of Scripture. We are to be givers of self and love at all times as this behavior mirrors our Master. Peter tells us:

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17 (NIV)

“It’s an ethos and conviction underscored by so many I’ve met since being here — men and women placed by God in the portals of power. In education, government, the military or entertainment, they’re there, holding sway and affecting for good. I keep meeting them — nuclear physicists, university presidents, business moguls; social entrepreneurs. Others are advisors, entertainers, journalists, and yes, even politicians. From across the globe, they are power-holders and influencers; living for God, risking all, spicing our world with His precepts, His standards, and with His grace, Amazing Grace. These invigorating experiences have so broadened my perspective of God and the canny, brilliant ways He works. His people are everywhere — His “sent ones” who wear not the vestments of religion nor hoist the banner of traditional “missionary”. Yet they are equally dedicated to the purposes of Jesus — to the death if need be. Paula Kirby

What I glean from this:

• The created cannot outwit the Creator.
• Believers can be in subjection to both God and the government at the same time.
• My motivation for obedience to man-made laws is for Christ’s honor as I bear His Name.

Read Full Post »

August_09

SHARING BREAD

15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

Matt 22:15-17 (NIV)

Isn’t it wonderfully refreshing that the Lord Jesus is not swayed by men and pays no attention to who they are? Very few, if any of us, could say we are totally free from the opinions of others. Even on our best days we often find ourselves comparing our work, our bodies, and our “things” to other peoples. Be it from pride or people pleasing or popularity, be it from martyrdom or manipulation or menacing envy and rivalry – whatever our motivation, whatever our insecurity, we often sadly give more attention to the opinions and acceptance of others over Gods – making very little if no attempt to obtain His praise.

“All people are born originals, but most die a copy.” Howard G. Hendricks

These very subtle competitions propel and drive our actions further. It is not only God’s glory at stake here – it becomes ours. Our actions end up demonstrating work done for our own name rather than His. Continually seeking to compare ourselves to others out of rivalry is a lot like chasing after the wind. It gets us nowhere fast! If we are not careful, we end up serving the opinions of the created rather than those of the Creator. Big mistake! In God’s kingdom there is no rivalry for a child of the King. We are all equal at the foot of the cross. Jesus tells us in John:

41 “I do not accept praise from men, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” John 5:41-44 (NIV)

“One of the best ways to discover a Christian’s chief anxieties and ambitions is to study the content of his prayers and the intensity with which he prays them. We all pray about what concerns us and are evidently not concerned about matters we do not include in our prayers. Prayer expresses desire. Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire…Paul pours out his soul to God….The basis of Paul’s prayer was the knowledge of God’s purpose.” John Stott

“The Gospel is a message about God. It tells us who he is, what his character is, what his standards are and what he requires of us, his creatures. It tells us that we owe our very existence to him…the gospel starts by teaching us that we, as creatures, are absolutely dependent on God, and that he as Creator, has an absolute claim on us. The gospel is a message about sin. It tells us how we have fallen short of God’s standard; how we have become guilty, filthy and helpless in sin, and now stand under the wrath of God…the gospel is a message about Christ. Christ is the Son of God incarnate; Christ is the Lamb of God, who died for sin; Christ is the risen Lord; Christ is the perfect Savior…The gospel is a summons to faith and repentance. All who hear the gospel are summoned by God to repent and believe”. J.I. Packer

“He who knows himself best esteems himself least.” Henry G. Brown

In our verses for today a plan was made to trap the Lord Jesus in His words. The Pharisees and the Herodians – who were, by the way, normally at odds with each other, were one together in their menacing actions to cause Jesus to fall. Here they hoped to get an advantage over Christ by catching Him in His Words. It is an old trick of the adversary and his agents to pervert a man’s words by strained innuendos. His enemies were seeking to bring Him into a dilemma whereby the Lord Jesus would either make Himself offensive to His Jewish following or to the Roman magistrates – they cared not which. They wanted His own tongue to speak against Him. Though duplicitously seeking to trap Him, their words rang so true. Jesus did walk in integrity, He did not embrace man’s opinions and He taught the Truth of God. He came to earth showing people the right way. They could not have expressed it better. He was the Truth for Heaven’s sakes!

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. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7 (NIV)

Yet these feigned characters only pretended respect but intended harm. They insulted His wisdom as well as wrongly imagining they could deceive Him with their pretenses.

13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Heb 4:13 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Jesus was not swayed by the opinions of men.
• Prayer demonstrates the desire of my soul.
• Satan and his agents love to trick me with my words through strained innuendos.

Read Full Post »

August_07

SHARING BREAD

1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.”

4 “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’”

5 “But they paid no attention and went off–one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.”

8 “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. 9 Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ 10 So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.”

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless.”

13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Matt 22:1-14 (NIV)

In the parable presented today Jesus sets forth examples of the rejection of faith and the hypocrisy of faith both ending with the same sad results. Clearly, salvation is offered to all – Jesus tells of God’s invitation extended to everyone. The very well-known verse in John comes to mind:

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 (NIV)

Christ is the Bridegroom and His Church, the bride. Preparations were (and continue to be) in process for the marriage banquet given by the Father. The favor of God, the fullness and promise of the Gospel, the Fruit and the comfort of the Spirit all serve to prepare the saints for this grand fete. We must be readied here for our eternity there. The Gospel calls are represented by the invitations to the wedding banquet. Amazingly, God stoops to elevate man to be a guest at His celebration:

4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalms 8:4-5 (NIV)

God goes first to the Jews with His gracious invitation – the chosen people to carry His light to the world of darkness. Interestingly, none are excluded but those who chose to exclude themselves – one declined the invitation to work in the field, another goes off to his business and still others mistreat and even kill those bringing the good news. Hmmm…….sounds a bit like our day and age does it not? Busy, distracted, in love with the world and in love with self, flatly not interested and often furious if confronted with the Truth because it brings conviction and demands a verdict – these are all signs of our times as well. The Gospel is also often received with cold treatment from the children of men – those having no direct aversion to it yet maintaining a prevailing indifference regarding the matters of their souls. Jesus tells us this enrages God and rightly so. Heaven is readied and waiting – shall we be unready? God delights in no one perishing. The busy and indifferent forfeit their eternal opportunity.

“The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, one that is soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” C.S. Lewis

Next God sends His servants to the streets to gather all they could find – both universal and undistinguishing – all invited without exception to fill the King’s halls with guests. It is thankfully the bringing in of the Gentiles – those grafted in through faith in the work of Christ. These are all gathered to partake of the privileges of the new covenant the Lord Jesus came to usher in. We are told the guests were a mixed multitude – good and bad – genuine and hypocrite. Ministers preaching the Good News by casting the net of the Gospel catch both good and bad fish. The hypocrites who were in the church but not of the church (the faith) are represented here by Jesus as not wearing wedding clothes. Interestingly, in Revelation the Bride of Christ has made herself ready in fine linen bright and clean representing the righteous acts of the saints. Righteous acts can only be done through the righteousness of Christ and His power alone. Good acts flesh can accomplish but not righteous. The saved are clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus. Notice the fine linen “was given her to wear”:

7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Rev 19:7-8 (NIV)

Let this be a warning to us against hypocrisy and encouragement towards our sincerity as all disguises will shortly be stripped off before the all seeing eye of God. Men may deceive men but they will never deceive the Father. Those who walk unworthy of their faith will forfeit the happiness they presumably lay claim to.

What I glean from this:

• God’s invitation is for all. He delights for none to perish but all to turn to Him in repentance.
• Amazingly, God in His mercy rises to show me compassion and stoops to elevate me.
• Hypocrisy has no place in God’s Kingdom.

Read Full Post »