May_31

SHARING BREAD

5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Matt 18:5-6 (NIV)

To be sure, the age of childhood is the age of learning – the time of training. It is the golden opportunity for teaching Truth and for leading and guiding these young ones by our conversation as well as by our example towards God’s Word and ways. This statement from our Lord Jesus should be a red flag to all regarding the treatment of our precious young ones. True, they are innocent and vulnerable yet they are also born broken – each with a sinful nature – and in dire need of being taught and directed. It is not necessary to teach little ones to demand their own way or to lie or to be selfish – that comes natural for them. We are to train them in God’s ways of Truth, righteousness, selflessness, kindness, goodness, gentleness and peace through continuous direction and discipline – things which do not come natural. Those left unattended to go their own way more often than not suffer greatly. Many a pitfall could be avoided in a child’s life with a proper upbringing. Proverbs tells us:

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

Those with small children in their spheres are to use each opportunity presented to train a child’s conduct away from evil and point them towards Christ-likeness – the proper path, the path of the wise, the path of peace. Scripture tells us the way of wisdom is far better than riches. It is to be sought at all costs. Again, we discover in Proverbs the result of gaining wisdom is a life marked by tranquility and confidence:

13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed. Prov 3:13-18 (NIV)

5 “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.” Prov 4:5-9 (NIV)

One of the most important passages of Scripture for the Hebrew is the Shema found in Deuteronomy. It speaks of training our children throughout each day – making the most of every opportunity:

4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deut 6:4-9 (NIV)

In our verses for today we see our Lord’s reaction to those who cause “these little ones who believe in me to sin.” He does not look too favorably upon it – to say the least. Interestingly, we can sin in this way either through omission by failing to follow through on Truth commanded in Scripture such as shown through the passage in Deuteronomy above – leaving these young ones floundering by neglecting our opportunities presented or we can sin through commission by teaching and leading them into evil – down destructive paths in lieu of paths of righteousness. Most of us fall into the first category through the tyranny of the urgent of our day. We are so busy doing life we miss it. We neglect our God given responsibilities. It would do us well to remember that Jesus takes these opportunities presented to us very seriously. He does not look lightly upon our disregarding His commands and neither should we.

“The majority of children acquire the characteristics and habits of their parents. What are they learning from us?” Billy Graham

What I glean from this:

• Childhood is the opportune time of training.
• I am commanded in Scripture to teach and train young ones in my sphere through my words and example.
• Jesus takes this command seriously.

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May_29

SHARING BREAD

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matt 18:1-4 (NIV)

Humans, we seem to constantly seek to elevate self. We can depend upon it, where self begins, sorrow begins. It was no different for Jesus’ guys either. They were dreaming of a temporal earthly kingdom with all the enticing worldly glam emanating from external pomp and power. Believing that Christ’s kingdom on earth was about to be ushered in, they were each clamoring for their places – the higher, of course, the better. In fact, both Mark and Luke’s accounts of this incident record the disciple’s unbecoming contest for precedence -arguing over which one of them was the greatest – so very human nature:
33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:33-35 (NIV)

46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Luke 9:46 (NIV)

Our Lord’s teaching turned human nature’s desires upside down. While we all clamor for the top Jesus says stoop low. You want to be great, serve. You want to be first, be last. You want to be the big lead dog, humble yourself – take the back row seat. Humility – God’s standard for greatness. Let’s each consider for a moment ourselves. We bring nothing into this world – what do we have that we did not receive? And seriously, all we bring to the table is our will – as vacillating as it is. We are way too enamored with self! If we need an attitude adjustment regarding pride/humility a quick read of the last five chapters of Job will quickly sober us up.

“Here is the divine antidote against the pride and restless ambition of the men of this world. Nothing is more sad than to witness a pushing, bustling, forward, self-confident spirit and style in those who profess to be followers of Him who was meek and lowly in heart. It is such a flagrant contradiction of the spirit and precepts of Christianity, and is a sure accompaniment of an unbroken condition of the soul. It is utterly impossible for anyone to indulge in a boastful, pretentious, self-confident spirit, if ever he has really measured himself in the presence of God. To be much alone with God is the sovereign remedy for pride and self-complacency. May we know the reality of this in the secret of our own souls. May the good Lord keep us truly humble, in all our ways, simply leaning on Himself and his grace…” C H Macintosh, Notes on Deuteronomy, 1869

There was never a better pattern set for us of humility than our great Example. He took all occasions to command it, commend it and walk in it. Humility is a necessity and a requirement insisted upon by God. We are most like the Savior when we are humble. Paul writes in Philippians regarding Jesus’ model for us to follow:

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! 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 2:3-11 (NIV)

No doubt about it, in God’s way of thinking – in His perfect economy of scale which He clearly presents in His Word – humility precedes greatness. Indeed, He opposes the proud yet gives grace to the humble.

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

“Christ is with the humble, not with those who set themselves up over His flock.” Clement of Rome

“In the Kingdom, there are no great men of God, just humble men whom God has chosen to use greatly. How do we know when we are humble? When God speaks, we tremble. God is looking for a man who trembles at His word. Such a man will find the Spirit of God resting upon him; he will become a dwelling place for the Almighty. God asks for nothing but ourselves.” Francis Frangipane

What I glean from this:

• I should not seek to elevate self.
• God opposes the proud yet gives grace to the humble.
• I am to clothe myself with humility.

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May_24

SHARING BREAD

22 When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

Matt 17:22-23 (NIV)

Reading these verses, it might come as a surprise to us – as I am sure it did to the disciples after hearing the Lord’s Words in our Scripture today – that God is the inventor of pleasure, the source of pleasure, the secret of pleasure and at His right hand, we are told in His Word, are pleasures forevermore – eternal pleasures. King David pens:

11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalms 16:11 (NIV)

This calls for clarity in our vision – eyes set on things above and not earthly things as Paul tells us in Colossians:

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col 3:1-4 (NIV)

While presently, as we sojourn here on earth, we live in pleasure while we live/abide in Him. We abide in Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. The disciples – ignorant of the coming indwelling of the Holy Spirit within believers in Christ – were clueless. What they heard was the Son of Man was going to be killed – taken away from their presence – and doubtful they dwelt on His being “raised to life.” His Words to them were like daggers cutting through their hearts as a hot knife in butter. They were exceedingly sorrowful over His conversation. This was not news their ears wanted to hear. Yet, Jesus knew, soon their grief would turn to joy. John records Jesus’ Words regarding this Truth:

20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. John 16:20 (NIV)

If they perhaps would have but sought to have seen the big picture or at least sought to have understood what His Words had meant – the purpose behind what was about to occur – they would have known His actions were for the saving of their scrawny necks and ours as well. We as humans can become so anxious, discontent, grief stricken and without joy when our constant focus remains on the tyranny of the temporal – things that will surely be burned up. Things which our eyes can see and our minds can make sense of and our fingers can touch. This habit is both consuming and robing of our present peace and joy. Yet God’s ways are not man’s ways – never have been, never will be. He will not be placed into boxes of our own making.

“We need to stop trying to domesticate God or confine Him to tidy categories and compartments that reflect our human sentiments rather than His inexplicable ways.” Francis Chan

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

When we have what we don’t want or when we want what we don’t have we are disgruntled and dissatisfied. We become whiners and complainers, grief stricken or emotionally paralyzed. Rather than daring to delve deeper into the sureness of God’s constant love for us – trusting He has our best interest at heart even when we do not comprehend His ways – we become like His guys in our verses for today – exceedingly sorrowful. We should have the Prophet Jeremiah’s words inscribed on our minds and on our hearts:

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 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. Jer 29:11-13 (NIV)

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

“You see, we all have what Paul Tripp calls ‘Gospel amnesia.’ We (probably) know the truth; we just don’t allow the truth to set us free, to quote Jesus. We have to remember that every hardship in life and ministry—marriage conflicts, parenting questions, financial struggles, fear of the future, loss of vision or focus, divisiveness in leadership, etc.—is an opportunity to apply the gospel. Even saying it like that is wrong. We don’t “apply the gospel” to the issues of life, as if it was a mathematical formula. The gospel is not a principle to master or a procedure to follow. The gospel is life. It is how we live life as a believer. It is how we relate to ourselves, to God, and to each other. The Scriptures put it like this: “The just shall live by faith” (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). The just, the righteous, the people of God, live only by faith. We don’t live by effort or insight or emotion; we live by faith in the work of Another, and his name is Jesus.” Dr. Tom Wood

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me– 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father–and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• God is the inventor and sustainer of pure pleasure.
• I am to set my heart on things above – not on the tyranny of the temporal.
• God loves me and has a plan for my life.

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May_22

SHARING BREAD

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matt 17:19-20 (NIV)

Jesus states like Words a few chapters later after the remarkable withering fig tree miracle of which the disciples marveled over:

20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. 21 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matt 21:20-22 (NIV)

It is just as important to state what these verses do not mean as it is to state what they do mean. These are not to be thought of as sitting on Santa’s lap verses where we name and claim our every desire and whim and expect God to bring it forth – pronto! God is not a genie – ever desirous of fulfilling our every wants – things outside of His perfect will for our lives. No matter if we have the greatest faith going. Many received a “No” from earnest prayer in Scripture – our Lord Jesus included – yet it was always for a far greater “Yes”. I am reminded of Paul’s words to us in 2 Corinthians:

7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:7-10 (NIV)

Paul learned the lesson from his experience that the brightness of Divine power is best displayed against the backdrop of the blackness of human weakness – the darker the backdrop, the brighter the shine. Like a diamond on black velvet. This, of course, brings glory to God alone. The One Who gives the power gets the glory. Rather than taking Paul’s problem away – which as humans we long for Him to do – Paul included – God gave him the grace sufficient to meet his need. He will do this for every other believer as well. We need never worry – His promise is that His grace is always sufficient – actually, it is more than sufficient. We must never doubt the power and promises of God. What He has promised, He must certainly bring about. As certain as the promise is, our faith should be as confident. It pleases the Father when His children stand up for Him when circumstances in their lives appear to belie Him. We are not to be double-minded or vacillating people – ever wondering if He is going to pull through for us or not. James tells us:

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8 (NIV)

The last statement from Jesus in our verses for today – “Nothing will be impossible for you” – impacts me. I have always considered it in a positive light – the “Yes” answers. But what about the “No’s”? Wouldn’t they be included in the “Nothing” as well? Meaning, whatever He bids me to go through, for my good and His glory, will not be impossible for me through His strength to accomplish – no sickness, no loss, no loneliness, no financial setback, no death – whatever mountain He calls me to move. You get my drift – through His love, grace and power nothing will be impossible for the believer in Jesus – though the world may crumble and fall apart the believer stands. Why? Because the God of all creation suffers right along with us – He is a “with us” God. He is not only the Lord of our harvests but He is the Lord of our storms as well.

“He shares the grief with us and reasoning is cold and His embrace is warm.” Ann Voskamp

“God wants us to be victors, not victims….to overcome, not to be overwhelmed.” William Arthur Word

“Faith is a living and unshakeable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.” Martin Luther

12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Tim 1:12 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• God is not a genie in the sky desirous of fulfilling my every want and whim.
• God’s grace is always sufficient for my every need.
• Jesus strengthens me in my trials and grief’s so that I can stand.

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May_20

SHARING BREAD

14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”

17 “O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

Matt 17:14-18 (NIV)

In our verses for today we discover a Daddy humbly approaching the Lord Jesus on his knees interceding with pleas of mercy for relief of his son’s suffering. The child’s condition was dire. The father draws near to the Healer empty handed save humility – the perfect way of achieving prayer. Christ delights to be thus wrestled with. None has anything to offer “I AM” but our wills and the knowledge of our lack of anything. Indeed, the Word translated “mercy” is from the Greek Word “Eleeo” meaning “to relieve affliction, alleviate suffering or distress, ease misery. It is the concrete expression of pity and compassion for the destitute or those in misery which undertakes to mollify or remove their suffering. It is used especially to signify God’s salvation in which He acts to reverse the adverse effects of sin and to relieve sinners of their moral and spiritual wretchedness, all that He accomplishes in delivering them from the miserable and pitiful (though deserved) condition of sin, guilt, and death.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids.

22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalms 55:22 (NIV)

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14 (NIV)

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

“The foundational principle of grace is that God’s kingdom priorities are completely inverted from those of the world. God’s plan is to magnify His saving mercy and grace not through human strength but rather through its weakness…The gospel of grace would remind us that we can’t be used until we operate not out of our own strength but in weakness, as we depend on Christ’s Spirit to show the reality of the cross.” Paul Kooistra

Seriously, what parent can’t relate to this Dad in our verses today? When our “biddies” are “broken” it is no trouble for us to cry out on their behalf – pleading for the Maker to move His merciful hand. Parents are doubly concerned to pray for their children. This incident occurs immediately upon the Lord’s return from His mountaintop glory transfiguration yet thankfully we discover Jesus’ glories do not make Him unmindful of our miseries and needs – thankfully! As Satan would have it, the effects of this child’s disease were deplorable casting him into the fire or the water. Mark tells us in his Gospel that this child would also foam at the mouth, gnash his teeth and become rigid – a frightening sight for any parent to behold.

Christ had previously granted His power to His disciples earlier to cast out demons and they had been successful yet here they failed in this attempt and there were nine of them present – the other three had been with the Lord Jesus. We discover earlier in Matthew:

1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. Matt 10:1 (NIV)

8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Matt 10:8 (NIV)

Thankfully, the failure of human instrument does not hinder the operation of Christ’s grace. We see Him chiding those around Him for their unbelief. Our Lord’s address was not to His guys rather to the people and perhaps especially to the teachers of the Law in His hearing. Christ Himself could not do many mighty miracles among those with whom unbelief reigned. The blessings were withheld because of their faithlessness.

57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.” 58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. Matt 13:57-58 (NIV)

Lastly, we see Jesus break the power of Satan with the mere rebuke of His Word. All power in heaven and on earth and under the earth belongs to Him. He is the One with all authority. The adversary cannot stand before the rebuke of Christ no matter how long his possession. And, as the touch of the Healer always demonstrates – an immediate and perfect cure occurred. Such is the kindness of our Lord.

What I glean from this:

• I am to approach Christ humbly as I bring nothing but my will and my lack.
• Human instrument does not hinder the operation of Jesus’ grace.
• All power belongs to Jesus.

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May_17

SHARING BREAD

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

Matt 17:9-13 (NIV)

As these original followers of Christ, we must come down from our mountaintop experiences with Him and as these first disciples also demonstrated, we must take Jesus’ instructions with us. I am reminded of God’s command to the Israelites in Haggai regarding the rebuilding of the earthly temple – give careful thought, go up, bring down and build:

7 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the LORD. Hag 1:7-8 (NIV)

As the Israelites were building the physical temple, modern day believers are building our spiritual temples – our bodies –progressively becoming more and more conformed into the image of Jesus. We grow in Christlikeness when we spend time with Him (go up on the mountain), take down what we learn and subsequently apply the Truth to our lives. Paul tells us in Romans:

29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 (NIV)

In our verses for today, Jesus gives His guys a charge – keep this vision private for the present. The time would come when they would speak but this was not the time. Solomon tells us:

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: Eccl 3:1 (NIV)

……a time to be silent and a time to speak, Eccl 3:7 (NIV)

If they had proclaimed this miraculous event of their taste of the coming kingdom perhaps people who were already inclined would seek to make Jesus King by force – which, of course, was not part of God’s plan of redemption. Perhaps as well, if prematurely proclaimed, the credibility of it would have been rocked by His sufferings and death which were hastening on. After our Lord’s resurrection, the speaking of this event would be a great confirmation of it.

Next we discover His inner circle seeking clarity from Scripture from the Source setting forth the proper example for all followers of Christ. When we lack wisdom – when we are to ask for it and in faith believe we will receive it as James tells us:

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8 (NIV)

Our Lord had already spoken regarding the Baptist coming to fulfill the prophecies of being the Elijah who was to come recorded earlier in Matthew yet it was clear these guys now needed reminding. Isn’t it refreshingly kind of our Lord to continue to repeat Truth to our dull ears day after day?

11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear. Matt 11:11-15 (NIV)

“God often uses the repetitive events and themes in daily life to get my attention and draw me closer to Himself. Now instead of just listening for God’s whisper, I am trying to recognize the sacred echoes- those moments when God speaks the same message to my heart again and again. I call them sacred echoes because I’ve noticed that throughout my relationships, daily life, and study, the same scripturally sound idea or phrase or word will keep reappearing until I can no longer avoid its presence. Is this mere coincidence or is it something more? When it comes to hearing from God, I firmly believe the Bible is our source and authority. God’s Word is like a megaphone to His people. Throughout Scripture God speaks through kings and queens, princes and prophets, poets and pilgrims. He speaks through weather patterns, barnyard animals and even the stars in the sky. God is not only creative, but He is persistent in getting our attention and communicating with us.” The Sacred Echo by Margaret Feinberg

What I glean from this:

• I must come down from my mountain top experience with Jesus – my time with Him in His Word – further equipped to grow in Christlikeness as the Truth taught is applied.
• There is a time for everything.
• If I lack wisdom (which is daily), I need only to ask believingly.

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May_15

SHARING BREAD

1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters–one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

Matt 17:1-8 (NIV)

I think if Peter were with us today he would tell us it is sometimes better to simply not say anything – let our words be few – zip the lips – particularly in light of what Luke adds in his writings of this Divine encounter:

33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters–one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) Luke 9:33 (NIV)

Pete didn’t know what he was saying – of course he didn’t! When the world spouts silly, the wise stand silent. Scripture tells us when words are many, sin is not far off and holding the tongue is a very wise gesture:

19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Prov 10:19 (NIV)

I am kind of with Peter. I can certainly see why he wanted to stay up on that mountaintop. It was so much more peaceful and pleasant up there than dealing with all those frustratingly annoying sheep (like him) below. It’s pure peace at the feet of the Master. But it was not God’s plan for him to merely set up residence there – it still isn’t. Earth is not our home, heaven is. Peter was permitted that glorious encounter for me and for you. The same is true for us. Our “encounters” – Truths taught, God’s faithfulness demonstrated in our lives – are not for us alone but they are to be used to help strengthen the faith of others as well. Sit, soak and sour is sadly the plight of our day.

In our verses for today, Jesus takes His inner circle – Peter, James and John – up a high mountain for an encounter with God that would never leave them – a mountain top experience to say the least. Christ gave them a foretaste of heaven with a glorious demonstration they would never forget. Indeed, Peter records in his second epistle as being an eyewitness to this incredible encounter:

16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 2 Peter 1:16-18 (NIV)

I think it extraordinarily interesting as well that in verse two it tells us that Jesus was “transfigured” before them. The word translated “transfigured” is from the Greek word “Metamorphoo” meaning “To transform, change one’s form; to alter fundamentally. Used of Jesus’ transfiguration which involved the miracle of transformation from an earthly form into a supernatural one….Used of spiritual transformation, an invisible process in Christians which takes place during their life in this age.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, New Testament Lexical Aids. This same word is found in Romans 12:2 when Paul admonishes us to be different from the world rather transformed by the renewing of our minds:

2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians believers are being transformed into Christ’s likeness with ever-increasing glory – from one stage of glory to another – which comes from the Holy Spirit as we willingly allow Him access:

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:17-18 (NIV)

As believers manifest the fruit of the Spirit in their lives they are progressively being transformed into Christ’s likeness. Christlikeness is the goal of the Christian walk:

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:22-24 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Sometimes it is best for me to remain silent instead of wagging the tongue.
• Truths in my heart – God’s faithfulness demonstrated over and over in my life – are not merely for me but are to be used to strengthen others faith as well.
• Christlikeness is the goal of my Christian walk.

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May_13

SHARING BREAD

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. 28 I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Matt 16:24-28 (NIV)

The Lord Jesus states similar Words presented in our verses for today earlier in Matthew – red flagging us of their importance. Indeed, these Words are included in like fashion by Him in all four Gospels:

37 “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matt 10:37-39 (NIV)

Jesus is to be first in our lives and we as His followers are to be cross-bearers. Our Lord could not be clearer: a true disciple of Christ must take up his/her cross and follow in the Master’s footsteps. He set forth the example of faith for us to follow and we are to fix our eyes upon Him. 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! 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 2:3-11 (NIV)

So how are we doing in this highly important endeavor? Do we even know what that entails? I have found in my studies of God’s Word that He does not mindlessly throw Words out for us to simply disregard and ignore. It does us much harm as all He requires of us is always for our good. Remember as well, His Word is alive, active, perfect and penetrating. Scripture tells us:

5 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” Prov 30:5-6 (NIV)

In Jesus’ time Roman criminals were forced to carry their own cross as a tacit admission that the Roman Empire was correct in executing the death sentence on him. In like fashion, disciples were to take up their cross as an indication of admission to Jesus’ right over their lives. In so doing, the believer swaps the empty dead way of life for the life of fullness and abundance Christ came to give. Sounds like a no-brainer to me!

10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV)

Self-denial is a difficult lesson and cuts across the grain of flesh and blood. We are often affronted by and bow up at the very thought of it. We are all about us – gratifying our own natures, seeking our own ways. Yet, self-denial is the fundamental law of admission into Christ’s school. We must not be admirers of our own shadows seeking only our own end. We do so to our own ruin. Many a soul has ruined their eternal interest by a preposterous and inordinate care of the temporary – the tyranny of the tangible. The loss of a soul is such a great loss that the gain of the whole world does not make up for it. A soul is worth more than all the wealth, honor and pleasures of this day. The winning of the world is oftentimes the loosing of the soul. The great encouragement of steadfastness to faith is to dwell on the Lord’s inevitable return in all His glory.

“Costly grace is the Gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son. ‘Ye were bought at a price,’ and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the incarnation of God.” Dietrich Bonheoffer “The Cost of Discipleship”

What I glean from this:

• Jesus calls me to deny self, take up my cross and follow Him.
• I am to fix my eyes on Jesus the Author and Perfecter of my faith.
• I am not my own, I have been bought by an extraordinarily high price.

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May_10

SHARING BREAD

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Matt 16:21-23 (NIV)

Ever been on the highest high and immediately fall to the lowest low? If so, we can certainly relate to Peter in our verses for today. He was just coming off of receiving grand kudos from the Master over his correct confession of Christ and now – perhaps smug and confident of himself and of his knowledge – he not only seeks to correct but begins to rebuke the Lord Jesus’ prophetic statements over what was certain to occur. It is super easy to fall into the wrong thought pattern of presumption that if we understand one thing in spiritual matters we comprehend all things. Human pride…..hmmm….it is such an insidious monster and drops us flat quick!

2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Prov 11:2 (NIV)

18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Prov 16:18 (NIV)

It serves us well to rid ourselves of this stubborn fleshly confidence –trusting and depending upon God with all our hearts rather than our own faulty understanding. Scripture tells us:

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Prov 3:5-8 (NIV)

Remember, apart from Jesus we can do nothing of eternal value – we are simply not capable:

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

In our verses for today, Jesus was lovingly preparing His guys with His Words so as to not allow the certain future events to take them by surprise, to ensnare them and weaken their faith. Jesus wanted them for-warned and for-armed. He had hinted at them prior but now He began to clearly explain to them and they weren’t too interested in hearing it. Humans have a very difficult time hearing future events contrary to their plans or desires. Surely, the disciples thought Jesus was there to usher in His heavenly kingdom – at present – sans suffering. Their thoughts did not include His persecutions and death. They preferred to simply skip over that very necessary part. How like us – our plans do not normally consist of choosing the suffering, the selfless service, the cost of the cross. Like Peter, we prefer skipping that part. Jesus seeks to rectify their wrong thinking of external pomp and power of His coming kingdom apart from cross. Thankfully, for all of us including Pete, Jesus had no intention of skipping that part of the plan. Indeed, earlier in Matthew, when Jesus was being tempted by Satan to forgo the cross and make for Himself some earthly kingdom, Jesus states His resolute intentions and tells the adversary to get away from Him:

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Matt 4:8-10 (NIV)

Lastly we see the Lord’s strong displeasure of and offense to Peter’s rebuke. Pete, who was in Jesus’ inner circle of three, was used by Satan to dissuade the Lord from accomplishing the very purposes for which He came. It is so subtle of our adversary to send temptations to us by the unsuspecting hands of our nearest and dearest. We should learn to hear Satan’s voice when he speaks through the saint as well as the serpent.

“The devil does not sleep, but seeks our ruin in a thousand ways.” Angela Merici

Peter was sharply reproved for seeking to thwart Jesus’ plans much more so than his denying of Him. Thankfully, our Lord preferred our salvation over His ease and comfort. We must learn that it is better that we silently acquiesce rather than prescribe counsel when our poor understanding of God’s perfect will appears cross to us. God knows what He must do apart from human counsel – surprise, surprise. Blameless Job’s conversation with the Most High God certainly fills us in on that. Just read the last five chapters of the Book that bears his name if you are desirous of a proper perspective of the created compared to the Creator. I am reminded of Isaiah’s words:

13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? 14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? Isaiah 40:13-14 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Pride is an insidious monster.
• Apart from Jesus, I can do nothing of eternal value.
• Satan can even use those nearest and dearest to me.

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May_08

SHARING BREAD

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Matt 16:17-20 (NIV)

Here the Lord Jesus gives a high five to Pete for rightly responding to the question of exactly Who Christ was. Peter’s response brought forth a commendation from His Master’s lips and he was blessed for having stated this correct conclusion. Those are blessed indeed whom Christ pronounces blessed. Jesus adds, however, that this right response of the knowledge of this Truth came not from Peter’s great astute ability rather it was revealed to him by God Who is the Author of all things nevertheless it remained a mighty thing for him to believe it. Christ reminds Peter of his origin – “Simon son of Jonah” – in order to see he was not born into this dignity rather it was bestowed through Divine favor and free grace. Peter showed himself to be “a” rock but not “the” Rock on which the Church was to be built. Christ was introducing the work of building the Church on Himself – the Cornerstone. Later Peter writes:

4 As you come to him, the living Stone–rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him– 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, 8 and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message–which is also what they were destined for. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:4-10 (NIV)

Paul also writes regarding this sure Foundation in 1 Corinthians:

10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 3:10-11 (NIV)

In our verses for today Christ is filling His guys in on the future work of building His Church for the process had not yet begun. Even His death would not prevent this plan – “the gates of Hades will not overcome it” – the Jewish hearers would have understood this to mean physical death. This Church would begin to build on the Day of Pentecost and Peter as well as the other disciples would have important roles in it. A “key” was a sign of authority as a trusted steward would keep the keys to his master’s possessions and dispense them according to his master’s orders. A steward is a caretaker who holds something in trust for the behalf of others – upholding what is best for others. In similar fashion, Peter was given the “keys” to implement the directives given from God. He, as well as the others, would be dispensers of the precious Truths from God. The building of the Church would be a progressive work built on the strong, firm and lasting foundation of Christ which time would waste nor storms nor death overcome.

“Privilege accepted should be responsibility accepted.” Madeleine L’Engle

Remember, Peter had the privilege to proclaim the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost and to announce to all who responded in saving faith that their sins were forgiven:

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:38-41 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• One is blessed indeed whom Christ pronounces blessed.
• Jesus is the sure foundation of His Church – the precious cornerstone.
• Privilege carries with it responsibility.

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