September_30

SHARING BREAD

⁴⁴ He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Luke 24:44-45 (NIV)

As the disciples sat there gapping at Jesus in amazement – both wide eyed and wide mouthed – He proceeds to remind them to “Remember!”  Several verses Jesus had previously spoken to them are popping into my mind pointing to the Truth of His words in our verses for today:

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. ¹⁴ But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”  ¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.   Matt 3:13-15 (NIV)

 

¹⁷ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸ I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.   Matt 5:17-18 (NIV)

 

Whatever was written in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah was fulfilled in Christ – things written concerning His sufferings as well as those concerning His kingdom.  Everything had to be fulfilled.  God’s will is shown throughout all of Scripture whether we are able to grasp it or not.  Furthermore, Jesus came to live a perfect life – to fulfill all righteousness, something no one ever was or is capable of doing – so that He could be the perfect sacrifice for us.  Paul puts it so beautifully in 2 Corinthians:

 

²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.   2 Cor 5:21 (NIV)

 

The cross epitomizes both the love of God and the love of Jesus.  The sinless Savior took upon Himself all the sins of the world so that in turn His righteousness would be imputed to those who would believe on His name – who trust in Him and are thus in Him.  This gift of righteousness is obtainable only through faith.  Yet, the disciples just were not getting it.  Scripture tells us no matter how many times Jesus had previously warned them of what must take place they remained clueless:

 

⁴³ And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, ⁴⁴ “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.” ⁴⁵ But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.   Luke 9:43-45 (NIV)

 

³¹ Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. ³² He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. ³³ On the third day he will rise again.” ³⁴ The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.   Luke 18:31-34 (NIV)

 

The meaning of His words, hidden from their sight, they remained clueless of what Jesus was even talking about.  Interestingly, His words still did not come into their minds even after His resurrection.  Spiritual discernment is not academic rather it is from God.  It is He who opens our eyes and our ears to the understanding of the Truth.  That is why we are always to approach the Scriptures prayerfully as one being taught.  If the Holy Spirit does not teach us, we will not be taught.  Moses stated as such to the Israelites:
² Moses summoned all the Israelites and said to them: Your eyes have seen all that the LORD did in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials and to all his land. ³ With your own eyes you saw those great trials, those miraculous signs and great wonders. ⁴ But to this day the LORD has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear.   Deut 29:2-4 (NIV)

 

The Israelites had seen with their own eyes the hand of God move on their behalf but God had yet not given them minds or eyes or ears to understand the meaning of what they saw.  Like our disciples, they simply did not grasp it. It took Jesus removing the veil off of the hearts of His guys by opening their minds to the Truth for them to understand.  

 

“Jesus Christ by His Spirit operates on the minds of men.  He has access to our Spirits and can immediately influence them.  Even good men need to have their minds opened; for though they are not darkness, yet in many things they are in the dark.  Christ’s way of working faith in the soul is by opening the mind.  Thus He comes into the soul of the door.  The intention of opening the understanding is that we may understand the Scriptures; not that we may be wise beyond what is written, but that we may be wiser in what is written.  Christ’s scholars never learn beyond their Bibles in this world; but they need to be learning still more and more out of their Bibles.”   Matthew Henry

 

“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

What I glean from this:

• Jesus came to fulfill all righteousness.  He lived a perfect life so that He could be a perfect sacrifice for my sins.  Through faith in Him, I now stand in His righteousness.  When God looks at my life He sees Jesus’ (Hallelujah!).
• The cross demonstrated the love of God and the love of Jesus for me, a sinner.
•  It is God who removes the veil of my heart, by opening my mind to the grasping of His Truth.

***********************************************************************

Read Full Post »

September_28

SHARING BREAD

 ⁴⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. ⁴¹ And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² They gave him a piece of broiled fish, ⁴³ and he took it and ate it in their presence.

Luke 24:40-43 (NIV)

Jesus was continually amazing His disciples.  In our verses for today we see our Savior presenting convincing proofs – over and over again – to His guys, desirous of waking them up to the Truth and subsequently having them abundantly satisfied concerning it.  Scripture tells us they still did not believe because of their joy and their amazement.  Ever been there?  Ever seen the work of Jesus’ hand in our lives and in our amazement been so overwhelmed we missed who it was from and the implications of it all?  We can be ever so quick to beseech the Lord in prayer and when the answer comes we oftentimes write it off as something accomplished by man or luck or whatever.  How quickly we forget where the credit is due.  I am reminded of the ten lepers Jesus healed – only one of which came back to bestow his gratitude – and he a foreigner.  We find in Luke:

¹¹ Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. ¹² As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance ¹³ and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” ¹⁴ When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.   ⁵ One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. ¹⁶ He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him–and he was a Samaritan.   ¹⁷ Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? ¹⁸ Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”   Luke 17:11-19 (NIV)

 

Before we came to Jesus we were not too dissimilar to these ten lepers – ousted from their communities, forced to live on the outskirts of the town, constantly crying out “Unclean!”, “Unclean!”  In like fashion, we were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, unclean, without hope and without God in the world.  Yet, Paul goes on to say in Ephesians:

 

¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace.    Eph 2:13-14 (NIV)

 

Joy and grateful hearts are to be the hallmark of every believer’s life – even in the midst of our amazement.  Prior to the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in those who belong to our Lord, Jesus gave seventy-two of His disciples a foretaste of what was to come.   We find their amazement also at His power dwelling within them.  Luke tells us:

 

¹ After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. ² He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. ³ Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. ⁴ Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.   Luke 10:1-4 (NIV)

 ¹⁶ “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”  ¹⁷ The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” ¹⁸ He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. ²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”  Luke 10:16-20 (NIV)

 

The believer’s reason for rejoicing lies in the fact that our names are written in heaven.  The disciples had not quite gotten that in our verses today!  Oftentimes, we don’t quite have it either!  They were in process just as we are in process.  In fact, their initial slowness to believe very much helps to collaborate the truth of Jesus’ resurrection:

“Instead of stealing the body and saying ‘He has risen’ when he has not, as the chief priests suggested the disciples would, they are prepared to say again and again ‘He has not risen’ when he has.  When, afterwards, they did believe it and risked everything for it, it was only after the most comprehensive demonstration possible of the matter.”   Matthew Henry

Remember, their lack of belief was not one of contempt but rather but one of joy and amazement – it was not only too good to be true, but too great to be true!

“Heritors of joy forever, we have foretastes of our portion.  There are streaks of the light of joy to herald our eternal sun rising.  Our riches are beyond the sea; our city with firm foundations lies on the other side of the river; gleams of glory from the spirit-world cheer our hearts, and urge us onward.  Truly is it said of us, ‘Happy are thou, O Israel; who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord?’”  C. H. Spurgeon

What I glean from this:

• In my joy and amazement I can attribute the movement of God’s hand to the workings of lower objects of nature.
• Joy in the Lord and having a grateful heart are to be the hallmark of my life.
• My joy derives from my name written in heaven.

 

*************************************************************************

 

Read Full Post »

September_25

SHARING BREAD

³⁹ Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

Luke 24:39 (NIV)

Assuming they were seeing a spirit not clothed with a real body, the disciples were unfortunately allowing their troubled and frightened thinking to open the door of their minds to harmful doubts.  We should likewise be aware of such foolishness.  When we are troubled by our circumstances we begin to have doubts about Jesus – His love for us, His goodness to us, His sufficiency to meet our needs and on and on. 

“That many of the troublesome thoughts with which our minds are disquieted arise from our mistakes concerning Christ.  They here thought that they had seen a ghost, when they saw Christ.  When Christ is by his Spirit convicting and humbling us, we mistake him, as if he intended our harm, and this troubles us.”     Matthew Henry

We tend to forget the promises found throughout all of Scripture which state quite the contrary:

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.    Jer 29:11 (NIV)

 

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

 

“For Jesus, however, the disciples’ lack of faith was a deep disappointment, and I know that my own lack of faith at times surely must grieve the heart of my Lord.  Yet, I know he understands my struggle, and I know he understands my prayer that reiterates the plea of another who struggled with unbelief when he cried out, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’ (Mark 9:24).    Ruth A. Tucker

“Doubt not His grace because of thy tribulation, but believe that He loveth thee as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness.”  Charles Spurgeon

Certainly, all the troublesome thoughts arising in our hearts and minds are clearly known to our Lord Jesus.  In our verse for today, He silences the disciples’ fears and strengthens their faith by convincing proofs of His resurrection.  He first shows them His hands and feet – showing forth a real body – the nail marks of which were convincing hallmarks of His identity.  This was the Body crucified not a borrowed one.  It was Jesus’ desire for them to both touch Him and to experience a revelation and be affected by it through seeing His presence.  Through touch and sight His desire was for them to obtain an accurate view to understand its meaning.  How like Jesus to offer up such convincing proofs to those He loves.  He stoops to where we are and meets us at that point.            

 

“What makes God so dear to us is not so much His big blessings to us, but the tiny things, because they show His amazing intimacy with us – He knows every detail of each of our individual lives.”    Oswald Chambers

 

²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.   Matt 10:29-31 (NIV)

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?   Matt 6:25-30 (NIV)

 

Peter was able to walk on water when he kept his focus on our Lord yet when his eyes began to shift to his circumstances of the winds and waves he began to sink like a load of bricks.  Jesus is to be our “True North” as well – fixing our eyes upon Him in lieu of our circumstances is the first step in overcoming our doubts and our fears.  Just as the writer of Hebrews tells us:

 

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

What I glean from this:

• My mind can become disquieted when I mistake things concerning Jesus’ care and love for me.
• At times of doubt I should dwell on the promises of His Word.
• Jesus is to be my “True North” – looking ever to Him for direction.

 

*************************************************************************

Read Full Post »

September_23

SHARING BREAD

³⁶ While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

³⁷ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. ³⁸ He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?

Luke 24:36-38 (NIV)

We have already been told in Scripture that at this time the disciples had had at least three reports of the Resurrection:  the women, Peter and Cleopas and his companion not to mention Jesus’ own prophetic words to them prior to His death warning them of the things that must take place.  Yet, they remained befuddled –startled and frightened – in a state of confusion over all the happenings.  In a twisted way, this brings me a bit of hope about my own self!  If the disciples were slow to grasp truth – those whose feet actually walked the dust alongside our Master – those who communed with Him and heard His literal voice – it should come as no surprise to me  that I can find myself in that same state of confusion – baffled over Truth.  I am reminded of a verse in Deuteronomy:

 ²⁹ The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.   Deut 29:29 (NIV)

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

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror” Paul tells us yet what God reveals belongs to us and encourages us to continue to follow.  We do not know all, but we know enough.  Our partial knowledge will one day be displaced by the perfect knowledge of God.

¹² Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.   1 Cor 13:12 (NIV)

 

I find it very interesting that the word translated “talking” in verse thirty-six of our verses for today is from the Greek word “Laleo” meaning to talk, speak and utter; it is especially used of children meaning to talk much contrasted with the Greek word “Lego” which involves the intellectual part of man, his reason.  Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible New Testament Lexical Aids.  I find that when I am nervous and baffled I can certainly talk too much too and, I might add, very childlike!  It is easy to relate to the disciples is it not?  They are just as human as we are!  Huddled together talking child talk enter Jesus on the scene bringing peace – how like Him!  Indeed the word peace carries with it the meaning of tranquility, repose, calm, harmony, accord, well being, prosperity – it denotes a state of untroubled, undisturbed, well-being – such a state of peace is the object of divine promise brought about by God’s mercy granting deliverance and freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as a result of sin – hence the message of salvation is called the gospel of peace for this peace can only be the result of reconciliation with God.  Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible New Testament Lexical Aids.

“More spiritual progress can be made in one short moment of speechless silence in the awesome presence of God than in years of mere study.”   A.W. Tozer

Just as we find Jesus bringing peace to His disciples’ confusion and terror, His desire is to do the same for us as well.  Scripture affirms this over and over again.  Jesus tells us in John:

 

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

 

Paul also affirms this peace in Philippians:

 

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

 

“When we can’t see His hand we can trace His heart.”   C. H. Spurgeon

 

Prayer and thanksgiving are our antidotes to anxiety as is setting our minds and hearts upon things above rather than earthly things.  Furthermore, Paul also tells us in Ephesians:

 

¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.  ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace     Eph 2:13-14 (NIV)

 

“All the way my Savior leads me; what have I to ask beside?  Can I doubt His tender mercy, who through life has been mu guide?  Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell!  For I know whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.”    Fanny Crosby

 

What I glean from this:

 

• Like the disciples, in fear I can resort to child-like gibberish.
• My peace comes through reconciliation with God through Jesus’ work on the cross.
• Jesus does not want me to be anxious about anything.

 

 

*************************************************************************

Read Full Post »

September_21

SHARING BREAD

³³ They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together ³⁴ and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” ³⁵ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Luke 24:33-35 (NIV)

Is it not true that when we have wonderful news to tell our feet become swift enroute to share the glad tidings with those we love?  We are so filled with joy that we can hardly wait to pronounce the good news to those we are closest to.  Not too dissimilar to our two disciples in our verses for today, when their eyes were opened by Jesus, they could not get back to the other disciples fast enough!  Their desire was to rekindle the inner flame of their distraught and defeated companions with the truth of Jesus’ resurrection.

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.  It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.  We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”  Albert Schweitzer

“Now that they had seen Christ they could not rest until they had brought the good news to the disciples, both for the confirmation of their trembling faith and for the comfort of their sorrowful spirits.  It is the duty of those to whom Christ has shown himself to let others know what he has done for their souls.  These disciples were full of this matter themselves, and must go to their brothers, to give vent to their joys.”   Matthew Henry

“It is an important thing to know, assuredly, that the Scripture has such a witness as experience, and that there is a real correspondence between the saints and the word, between the believer and Christ.  What an empty thing would religion be, without a heart-felt knowledge of its truth!  Experience is the sure and secret mark whereby the Christian knows that the Scripture is of God, and feels his own interest in Christ; he has been raised from the depths of gloom by the application of the word to his heart.  O what an excellent interpreter is experience!”  C. H. Von Bogatzky

⁷ How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

I am quite confident that in all of their excitement, the seven miles to Jerusalem seemed as seven steps to them.  Prior to His death, Jesus had predicted that their grief would turn to joy.  We find in John:

 ¹⁹ Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? 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. ²¹ A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ²² So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.   John 16:19-22 (NIV)

In their joy, it was their desire to acknowledge the truth of the report of Jesus’ resurrection to the others for they had themselves recognized the Savior.  They had been privileged to be “eye witnesses of His majesty” as Peter tells us:

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.   2 Peter 1:16 (NIV)

Our faith is not founded on clever stories and myths rather it is founded upon sound historical facts corroborated by eyewitness accounts.  Three reports had now been given on this first day – the women, Peter, and our two disciples in the verses for today – Cleopas and his companion.   On a side note, I think that it was ever so sweet of Jesus to appear privately with Peter.  Certainly Peter had to have been downtrodden after denying his Savior three times – particularly after boasting that he would never do that (sadly, I can so relate – I try hard not to say that I will never do something or conversely that I will always do something – it seems that just as quickly as those words leave my big fat mouth I find myself doing what I would have never predicted!)!  Paul also affirms to us this restorative visit between Peter and Jesus and passes on to us the truth of “first importance”:

³ For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵ and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.   1 Cor 15:3-5 (NIV)

 

What I glean from this:

 

• It is important for me to share with others what Christ has shown me through His Word and through my experiences perhaps rekindling the inner spirit of the downtrodden.
• My experiences bring Scripture to life and enable me to make God’s Word applicable to others as well.
• How sweet of Jesus to restore Peter so personally – it gives me hope!

 

 

 

 *************************************************************************

 

 

Read Full Post »

September_18

SHARING BREAD

³² They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:32 (NIV)

Here we have our two disciples not comparing their notes but rather their hearts as they discussed the sermon Christ had presented them.  They found His preaching both plain and powerful igniting a flame within their hearts.  I am reminded of the prophet Jeremiah’s words regarding God’s Word within his heart:

⁹ But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.  I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.   Jer 20:9 (NIV)

 

“When we are much affected with the things of God, especially with the love of Christ in dying for us, and have our hearts thus drawn out in love for him, and drawn up in holy desires and devotions, then our hearts burn within us.”    Matthew Henry

The intensity of God’s Word within the heart of Jeremiah was so great that he was not able to contain it.  Not too dissimilar to the disciples we find in our verses for today who, through the teaching of Jesus, albeit His identity being unbeknownst to them, received a divine heat coupled with a divine light into their souls.  Would it not be wonderful to be privy to receive such revelation from the lips of our Savior?  Just as Jesus’ teaching demonstrated, God’s Word should be the fountain of our knowledge and the foundation of our faith.  God Himself declares the following regarding His Word again through the pen of Jeremiah:

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

 

God’s Word is as penetrating as a blazing fire and as powerfully effective as a hammer that breaks a rock into pieces.  There is nothing that will keep God’s Word from being fulfilled – nothing.  Isaiah tells us:

 

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)

 

God’s Word is not given to us to be harbored in our hearts rather to be faithfully shared and highly exalted.  We were never meant to sit, soak and sour in regards to His revelations we have receivedis H.  Indeed, we are to be a conduit through which the power of God’s Word flows into the lives of others after it has first been made manifest in our own.  We find in Deuteronomy:

 

⁴⁵ When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, ⁴⁶ he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. ⁴⁷ They are not just idle words for you–they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”   Deut 32:45-47 (NIV)

Lastly, we find in the Book of Acts a perfect demonstration of our topic for today.  Peter and John were commanded not to speak again in the name of Jesus by the authorities of their day after the resurrection and ascension of the Lord.  The following is the response they gave:

 

¹⁸ Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. ²⁰ For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”   Acts 4:18-20 (NIV)

 

They were simply being a witness, boldly speaking with courage as Christ had commanded and His power in their lives did not go unnoticed for we also find the following in Acts regarding Peter and John:

 

 ¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (NIV)

The fire of God’s Word, ignited in our hearts through the power of the precious Holy Spirit, will change our world for Christ just as it did in the days of Peter and John.  Nothing has changed.  The Word is still as powerful.  Believer, pray that God ignites a fire in our hearts to powerfully, unashamedly proclaim His Word to a needy and hurting world.    

 

What I glean from this:

 

• God’s Word is like a fire in my heart – placed there to share.
• God’s Word is penetrating and powerful and effective.
• God’s Word is alive and active.   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. 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 4:12-13 (NIV)

 

 

 

 

*************************************************************************

 

 

Read Full Post »

September_16

SHARING BREAD

³⁰ When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

Luke 24:30-31 (NIV)

In our verses for today we have the Bread of Life taking bread, blessing it, breaking it and bestowing it – so very much like Jesus!  I am reminded of the first verse of a song of which, unfortunately, I cannot remember the title yet the words ring in my head even as I read our Scripture for today – it goes somewhat like this:  “This is my body broken for you; for all your sins and all you’ve been through.  This is my blood, and when you’ve reached the end, I offer you again the body and the blood.” When the Bread of Life offers the broken Bread of His body, blinded eyes become open.  Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians come to mind:

⁴ The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.   2 Cor 4:4-6 (NIV)

 

It is God’s desire for our eyes to be open to the “light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God”.  We find in Jeremiah:

 

⁶ My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. ⁷ I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.   Jer 24:6-7 (NIV)

The disciples we read about in our verses today had the veils of their eyes removed and the mists lifted so that they knew without question that they were in the presence of the Master.

“He might put on the shape of another, but no other could put on his; and therefore it must be he.  See how Christ by his Spirit and grace makes himself known.  The work is completed by the opening of the eyes of their mind.  If he who gives the revelation does not give the understanding, we are in the dark still.”  Matthew Henry   

I am reminded of the patience and of the sweetness of Jesus towards the doubting disciple Thomas:

 ²⁴ Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” ²⁶ A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” ²⁸ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”   John 20:24-29 (NIV)

“Jesus then pronounced a blessing on all who would come to faith without the help of a visible, bodily manifestation to them. This blessing comes to all who believe on the basis of the proclaimed gospel and the evidences for its validity. Believers living today are not deprived by not seeing Him physically; instead, they are the recipients of His special blessing: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”   Bible Knowledge Commentary

Paul encourages us with the following words:

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.   2 Cor 4:16-18 (NIV)

 

Make no mistake about it; the temporal will give way to the eternal.  For the believer, the material temporal world will be replaced by an eternal glory in Christ that will never fade away. 

We find in Titus:

 

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

 

Therefore, Paul tells us:

 

And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage each other with these words. 1 Thess 4:17-18 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

 

• Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers “so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ”.  2 Corinthians 4:4
• It is God’s desire for our eyes to be open.
• We are blessed who have not seen yet believe.

 

*************************************************************************

 

Read Full Post »

September_14

SHARING BREAD

²⁸ As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. ²⁹ But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

Luke 24:28-29 (NIV)

Unbeknownst to these disciples that they were even in the presence of the Master, their unobservant minds betrayed the longing and understanding of their hearts preventing them from acknowledging His identity even as Jesus spoke the Truth to them.  Nonetheless, every true encounter with Jesus will leave us begging Him to stay.

“In His presence, and in communion with Him, the believer finds safety, strength, and the most exalted joy.”  C. H. Von Bogatzky

⁸ I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalms 16:8 (NIV)

 

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)

I am reminded of Peter’s encounter of the glorified Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration – His desire was to put up shelters and remain right there on the mountain in the presence of Christ and the likes of Moses and Elijah.  Can’t say that I much blame him!  Who wouldn’t want to sojourn permanently with Jesus, Moses and Elijah?  We find in Matthew:

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)

 

In Luke’s account of this passage, he adds that a discussion occurred between Jesus, Moses and Elijah regarding Jesus’ soon departure:

 

²⁹ As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. ³⁰ Two men, Moses and Elijah, ³¹ appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.    Luke 9:29-31 (NIV)

 

It is no wonder Peter wanted to stay close by!  In similar fashion, the disciples represented in our verses for today were also hanging on the sweetness of Jesus’ words; they had no desire to part company – even if His identity was masked.  At the very least, it was a confirmation of the following Proverb:

 

⁹ Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel.    Prov 27:9 (NIV)

The Master expounded the Old Testament scriptures to them showing them fulfilled through Jesus of Nazareth. 

“One would have given a great deal for a copy of the sermon Christ preached to them by the way, of that exposition of the Bible which he gave them.  The disciples are so charmed with it, that they think they are come too soon to their journey’s end.”   Matthew Henry 

Believer, we should take note that Jesus would have continued on His journey had not these disciples urged Him strongly to stay.  Ever the Gentlemen, Jesus comes where He is entreated and welcomed.  Those who would have Christ dwell with them must invite Him with persistence – if He should appear to draw away from us it is only to demonstrate to us our intense need and longing for His presence.      im to ourselves.

“Those who have experienced the pleasure and profit of communion with Christ cannot but covet more of His company, and beg him, not only to walk with them all day, but to stay with them at night.”   Matthew Henry

²⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.    Rev 3:20 (NIV)

 

What I glean from this:

 

• Every true encounter with Jesus leaves me longing for more.
• I find both joy and peace in the presence of Jesus.
• Jesus comes where He is welcomed.

 

  ***********************************************************************

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Full Post »

September_11

SHARING BREAD

²⁵ He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Luke 24:25-27 (NIV)

Clueless that they were even talking to Jesus, these disciples were getting ready to receive a lesson from Him on the Scriptures that they were certain never to forget!  This “Visitor” begins by telling them how foolish they were and how slow of heart to believe.  Strong wording is used here by the Master.  Indeed, the word translated “foolish” is from the Greek word “Anoetos” meaning without comprehension; “foolish, ignorant, mindless, stupid.  The word has a distinct moral connotation emphasizing the culpability of the subject.  It describes one as thoughtless, intellectually negligent or reckless, failing to think responsibly about a matter, having no sense, implying that one should have known better.  It is not so much a lack of education, intelligence, or mental capacity, but the lack of mental concentration, a failure to engage the mind and think through the implications of something; blocks out better judgment.”  Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible New Testament Lexical Aids.  The word translated “slow” is from the Greek word “Bradys” meaning “reluctant, dull and unresponsive”.   Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible New Testament Lexical Aids.  Sounds like Cleopas and the other disciple with him needed to put their thinking caps on!  Sounds like something modern day believers need to do so as well!

“The future of civilization depends on our overcoming the meaninglessness and hopelessness that characterizes the thoughts of men today.”  Albert Schweitzer

 We would be far less entangled with perplexities if we would but search the Scriptures seeking divine counsel.  Much like the Bereans in Paul’s day who diligently studied the Word to see if what Paul was saying was true – and, I might add, received a commendation for their efforts – likewise, we too are to engage and saturate our minds with the Truths of Scripture in order to keep from being swayed by false doctrines:

¹¹ Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.    Acts 17:11 (NIV)

 

Paul gives his beloved Timothy these instructions that we should take to heart as well:

 

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)

“The best protection against Satan’s lies is to know God’s truth.”  Anonymous

Clearly, God desires for His children to use their minds.  Christianity is not a mindless, emotional faith rather one in which the mind is to be totally engaged and active.  We are to be concentrating our concerns on the eternal rather than the temporal.  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)

 

“He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God’s providence to lead him aright.”   Blaise Pascal

“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.”  C. S. Lewis

In our verses for today, these two disciples were taught by the Word the Scriptures of the Old Testament showing them how they were all fulfilled in Jesus. He is the golden Thread woven throughout all of Scripture. Of course they did not realize at that time that they were being taught by Jesus Himself.  What could they have been thinking as this “Visitor” starts from the beginning of the Old Testament with Moses and goes through all the Prophets explaining and expounding that Jesus was indeed the fulfillment of all of them?   The Word was explaining the Word and I have no doubt that it was nothing short of truly amazing!  Scripture tells us He desires to teach us as well:

 ⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.  ⁹ Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. ¹⁰ Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.    Psalms 32:8-10 (NIV)

“Scripture is the royal chariot in which Jesus rides, and it is paved with love for the daughters of Jerusalem.  The Scriptures are the swaddling bands of the holy child Jesus; unroll them and you will find your Savior.  The quintessence of the word of God is Christ.”    C. H. Spurgeon  

³⁹ You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, ⁴⁰ yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:39-40 (NIV)

What I glean from this:

• Jesus calls me foolish and dull when I do not engage or occupy my mind with the Truth of God’s Word.
• I am kept in perfect peace when my thoughts are steadfast, trusting in Him.  ³ You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
• Jesus is the golden Thread woven throughout all of Scripture.  All of Scripture points to the Savior.

 

***********************************************************************

Read Full Post »

September_09

SHARING BREAD

²² In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning ²³ but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. ²⁴ Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”

Luke 24:22-24 (NIV)

Astonished and bewildered by the women’s account regarding their experience earlier that morning, these two disciples seem to speak of the report they gave very disparagingly – attributing it to fantasy rather than fact and remained unconvinced – slow to believe – that Jesus was alive.  Their story seemed to them as nonsense.  The ladies stated that the tomb was empty.  Not only that, they claimed that they had both distinctly and unmistakably perceived with their eyes – angels – whose clothes gleamed like lightening – and heard with their ears the message from the angels mouths that Jesus was indeed alive.  Earlier in this same chapter Luke tells us:

 ⁵ In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? ⁶ He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ⁷ ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'” ⁸ Then they remembered his words.   Luke 24:5-8 (NIV)

In fact, we are told that Peter and John raced to the tomb upon hearing the women’s words yet remained baffled because “him they did not see”.   Surely if Jesus had risen He would have shown Himself to these disciples therefore their hopes and dreams remained nailed to the cross and buried in His grave.  As Reba sings, “the heart is a lonely hunter when there is no sign of love in sight”- more appropriately written – sign of Love in sight!

Over and over again in Scripture we are admonished to remember.  Just as the angels told these women – “Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee” – we are to remember His words.  It certainly would make our lives much easier if we would but remember.  One of the most important texts in the Old Testament for the Jews is found in Deuteronomy which they refer to as the “Shema” meaning to heed, listen and obey.  The precept presented in this passage speaks to the importance of remembering – not only for ourselves but for subsequent generations:

 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)

One may ask why?  What’s the point?  God goes on to say:

 ¹⁰ When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you–a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, ¹¹ houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant–then when you eat and are satisfied, ¹² be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.   Deut 6:10-12 (NIV)

Basically, flawed flesh forgets – particularly in crisis.  It is so easy for us not to remember how He provided before.  It is so easy for us not to remember how He walked with us through our valleys.  It is so easy for us not to remember how He answered our prayers.  It is so easy for us not to remember His promises.  It is just so easy to forget.  We delve into self absorption and pity parties – depressed and disillusioned.  During these seasons of despair we often feel abandoned and deserted – failing in our faith.  It would do us well to dwell on the “weeping” Prophet Jeremiah’s words in Lamentations:

¹⁹ I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. ²⁰ I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. ²¹ Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: ²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³ They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”   Lam 3:19-24 (NIV)

 

“We may often forget to meditate upon the perfections of our Lord, but He never ceases to remember us.  Let us chide ourselves for past forgetfulness, and pray for grace ever to bear Him in fondest remembrance.  Lord, paint upon the eyeballs of my soul the image of thy Son.”   C.H. Spurgeon

 

¹ Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. ² Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– ³ who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, ⁴ who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, ⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.   Psalms 103:1-5 (NIV)

 

What I glean from this:

 

• My faith can flounder when my sight has become dim.
• God tells me to remember His past faithfulness.
• Remembering restores my faith and hope.

 

 

 

 

***********************************************************************

Read Full Post »