Thursday Thought -- September 1, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’” (Luke 24:45-49)

First, there is the miracle of atonement. The atonement happened on the cross – “the Christ will suffer,” Jesus said. That suffering was necessary. It was the payment made by God Himself to cover the penalty of our sins.

Second, there is the astounding declaration that the payment had been accepted by God. That is what God declared when He raised Jesus from the dead. There is no clearer proof imaginable that there was something unique and powerful about the death of Jesus. Death took Him, but could not hold Him.

Third, there is the message that is to be preached – repentance and forgiveness of sins. The means by which we accept the payment that Jesus has made on our behalf is by our repentance – by our turning away from ruling our own lives and trusting our own ability to provide for ourselves – to allowing Jesus to rule our lives and trusting His work to provide for all that we need.  That’s repentance – and the result of repentance is forgiveness – a clean slate, sins forgiven.

Fourth, there is the scope of the preaching – to all nations. The Jews couldn’t keep the message for themselves – it was meant for more than just God’s favored nation. It was not to be restricted to just that day and age – all nations includes the nations that would come in the thousands of years that would follow. Not just good nations and good people, but all nations and all people. Not just democratic nations, by dictatorships and kingdoms and every other kind of nation.  All nations are to hear the message of Jesus.

Finally, there is the power – “clothed with power from on high.” The followers of Jesus don’t have to rely on our own strength and abilities – we can’t rely on those because they will never be enough. God provides the power – He promised it – He gave it on that first Pentecost – and He keeps giving it today.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- August 31, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

"While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.'  They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.  He said to them, 'Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?  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.'  When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.  And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, 'Do you have anything here to eat?'  They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence." (Luke 24:36-43)

They saw Jesus crucified.  They watched as He died.  Their hopes were dashed.  They had put so much hope in Him.  Then these strange reports began to come back to them.  The tomb was empty.  Some women had seen Him alive.  He had appeared to Peter.  He walked with two disciples to Emmaus and they didn't even recognize Him until they sat down to eat with Him.  And now, it seems that He is standing in their midst.

It can't be true.  This must be a ghost or a vision they were receiving.  Jesus is dead.  To think that He has come back to life is just too good to be true.  They did not believe "because of joy and amazement."  They had never seen anything like this before or heard about anything like this happening.  Surely it was just their own minds that were willing it to happen and creating a vision.

But then Jesus asked for something to eat and took fish and ate it.  And in something as simple as sharing a meal with them, they realized it was no dream, no vision they were seeing.  Visions don't eat supper!  Jesus was really with them.  He had come back from the dead.  What they had hoped for had come true.  Their wildest imagination had actually happened!

And they were changed men.  Frightened and hiding in the upper room before they realized He had come alive again.  When they were convinced they started preaching to everyone who would listen.  Running away when they came to arrest Jesus, now they'd be arrested themselves and wouldn't back down.  Denying Jesus during His trials, now they'd testify about Him right in front of the ruling council that sentenced Jesus to die.  Something changed them!  He really is alive!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- August 30, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ ‘What things?’ he asked. ‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.’ He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:15-27)

For their whole lives the Jews had been studying the scriptures. They knew what the prophets said about the coming of the Messiah. Those who were devout were hoping for the Messiah, praying for the Messiah and waiting faithfully for the Messiah.

These two disciples of Jesus on the road to Emmaus had even greater advantage than the usual devout Jew. They had heard Jesus teach. They had walked with Jesus through Galilee and Judea as He talked with the crowds, explained the scriptures and worked miracles. They had placed their faith in Him. They believed that He was the Messiah.

Yet, here they are, after Jesus’ death. It’s also after Jesus’ resurrection and even after the report of the resurrection from the women and from a couple of the disciples who had gone to the tomb to see for themselves. Yet still they did not believe. Still they did not understand.

They had heard the word of the prophets and studied the word of the prophets – but they didn’t believe the word of the prophets. They couldn’t fathom that the Messiah would be killed and that the having been killed, He would come to life again. That was too much for them to embrace without having witnessed it.

And Jesus said to them, “How foolish are you, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”

We are surprised by the hesitancy and unbelief of the disciples. And yet, we, too, have heard the word of the prophets and studied the word of the prophets and met Jesus and embraced faith in Him, yet, we are also slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Slow to believe that Jesus really has conquered death. Slow to believe that heaven really does await. Slow to believe that Jesus really is coming again.

All that the prophets have spoken will come to pass – the resurrection proves it.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- August 29, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 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? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”’ Then they remembered his words.” (Luke 24:1-8)

When the women arrived at the tomb on that Sunday morning they did not find things as they expected to find them!

They came with spices. The spices were a way to show respect to someone who had died. The women were planning to use them on the body of Jesus. They expected to find His body in the tomb where it had been laid on Friday. They expected Jesus to still be dead.

Instead they found the stone rolled from in front of the tomb. That solved a problem they were concerned about. They had no idea how they were going to get into the tomb of the Jesus because of the large stone that protected its entrance. The stone being rolled away solved one problem, but it was what they didn’t find inside the tomb and what they did find that changed all their plans!

The women didn’t find the body of Jesus. It wasn’t there. It wasn’t in the tomb anymore. They had seen Jesus’ body placed in tomb. In some way and for some reason the body of Jesus was no longer there. The women didn’t understand. They wondered what it meant.

What the women did find in the tomb were two men who suddenly appeared. They had already looked into the tomb and didn’t see the men. Now, there they were right inside the tomb. And they weren’t ordinary men – their clothes gleaned like lightning. And the men spoke and what they spoke was astounding, “Jesus is alive, He has risen!”

Luke’s account is a simple one. And the other Gospel writers don’t paint a much more complicated picture. All of their accounts are simple and straight-forward. And yet, what they report in such simple terms is the most profound miracle in the history of the world – God raised Jesus from the dead.

That means that everything Jesus said about Himself was true. That means everything Jesus said about us was true. That means everything Jesus said about the future was true. Everything Jesus said was true. God proved it by raising to life again.

A simple account. A straight-forward miracle. Salvation offering – eternity ensuring – life-changing!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- August 26, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.” (Luke 23:50-54)

There is a detail Joseph of Arimathea that Luke does not mention. To find it you have to read this same account in the Gospel of John. “Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews.” (John 19:38)

Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus. That is, he was a secret disciple until Jesus died and then he exposed his secret by going to Pilate and asking for the body of Jesus and then he put Jesus’ body in his own tomb. His secret was out. It was out to Pilate. It was out to the Jewish leaders. They knew whose tomb it was in which Jesus had been laid.

I don’t know when Joseph because a disciple of Jesus, the Bible doesn’t tell us that. But the whole time he was a disciple of Jesus while Jesus lived, he kept it to himself. It took Jesus’ death to bring the news out into the public. That seems incredibly sad to me. Jesus knew that Joseph was a disciple because Jesus saw into men’s hearts. But Joseph never had the chance to tell Jesus and never had the chance to express his love and devotion to Jesus – not until He was gone.

Joseph was afraid he would be rejected or afraid he would be ridiculed. There is always a risk in loving someone else – but it is a risk worth taking.

Gandhi said, “A coward cannot exhibit love, it is the prerogative of the brave.” Joseph was a coward – at least until Jesus was dead. Fortunately, Jesus is still alive and Joseph has now had ample opportunity to show his love for Jesus. It’s too bad he didn’t show his love while Jesus was on earth.

There are ways in which it is frightening to love Jesus. We may be rejected by others because of our love for Him. We may be ridiculed for loving Him. But it’s a risk worth taking. Jesus is worth loving. It’s worth letting Him know it. It’s worth letting others know it, too.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- August 25, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, ‘Surely this was a righteous man.’ When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.” (Luke 23:44-49)

Luke mentions two miracles that happened around the death of Jesus: darkness covered the land and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Both are astounding acts of God’s power and authority.

It was an act of God that caused darkness to cover the land. In the middle of a spring day in Israel that just doesn’t happen naturally. Rains don’t come often and even when they do the clouds don’t block out the rays of the sun. This was some unnatural – something supernatural. It was God’s way of saying that heaven didn’t want to see what was happening on earth. Darkness was having its day.

The second miracle Luke mentions is even more astounding. The huge curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies in the temple was torn in two. Some of the Gospel accounts mention that it happened from top to bottom. It wasn’t like something fell against the curtain and caused a tear to rise from the floor to the ceiling. Something – or Someone – grabbed the curtain at the ceiling and ripped it to the floor. It was a thick curtain – too thick for a human to rip in two – and impossible for a human to rip from top to bottom. This was an act of God. It was God’s way of saying that the way into His presence – barred to all except the High Priest on the Day of Atonement – was now opened to all. A new Day of Atonement had happened and it had ripped the way to God completely open.

These two aren’t the only miracles that surrounded the death of Jesus, just the only two that Luke mentions. They are enough to show that something astounding was happening and God was involved. Something supernatural occurred when Jesus died.

Darkness prevailed for a short time – but darkness would not prevail for long. Light would win. What darkness thought would be the end of Jesus turned out to be His greatest hour – atonement was purchased – the way to God was opened to all.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- August 24, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him:  'Aren't you the Christ?  Save yourself and us!'  But the other criminal rebuked him.  'Don't you fear God,' he said, 'since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.  But this man has done nothing wrong.'  Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'  Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:39-43)

I'm amazed at how two people can respond so differently to Jesus.  Both thieves were in the same situation, they were being executed.  They would soon be facing God.  Yet, even in that kind of dire situation they responded differently to Jesus.  One mocked Jesus.  The other turned to Jesus for help.

The thieves provide an illustration of two different responses to Jesus that are still seen among people today.  There are those in dire situations, who deeply need help, yet who hurl insults at Jesus instead of asking Him for help.  They refuse to admit their need.  They refuse to acknowledge that God might be able to help them.  And there are others who see in Jesus the only One who can help them and turn to Him for mercy.

What these two thieves had to offer God was the same.  Both of them had absolutely nothing to offer God.  The spiritual condition of the two thieves was also the same.  Both were convicted criminals, obvious sinners who deserved punishment by man and condemnation by God.  Yet, one left this world to face what he deserved from God.  The other left this world with the promise of paradise awaiting him.  The only difference between the two is that one turned away from Jesus and the other turned toward Him.

Ultimately, our eternal destiny hangs on the same choice.  Turn away from Jesus and we face the eternity we deserve.  Simply turn toward Him and paradise awaits us, too.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- August 23, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.’ With one voice they cried out, ‘Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!’ (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’ For the third time he spoke to them: ‘Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.’ But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.” (Luke 23:13-24)

Who was responsible for the death of Jesus?

It was Pilate. He had the authority to release Jesus. He knew Jesus was innocent of the charges against Him. But Pilate didn’t have the strength of character to do what was right. He gave in to the demands of others – demands he knew were not right. Pilate was responsible for Jesus’ death.

It was the chief priests and rulers. They are the ones who found someone to betray Jesus. They are the ones who had Him arrested in secret. They are the ones who put Him on trial. They are the ones who found false witnesses to testify against Him. They are the ones who sentenced Him to death. They are the ones who brought Him to Pilate so He could be crucified. The chief priests and rulers were responsible for Jesus’ death.

It was the people. The people were with Jesus just a few days earlier. When Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on the colt, they praised Him. They lifted branches to wave in His honor. They laid their coats on the road in tribute. A few days later and they are going along with the chief priests and the rulers and asking for His death. The people were responsible for Jesus’ death.

It was Satan. He entered Judas and got him to betray Jesus. He incited the leaders of the Jews against Jesus. He influenced the crowd to cry out for Jesus’ death. He worked in Pilate’s heart to take advantage of his weakness. Satan was responsible for Jesus’ death.

It was you and me. We are the ones whose sins needed atonement. A price had to be paid to cover our sins. It was the death of Jesus by which that price was paid – and only the death of Jesus could accomplish that. You and I are responsible for Jesus’ death. You are guilty – aren’t you!

It was Jesus Himself. He willingly gave His life for us. He knew the price that had to be paid and He offered to pay it. He wasn’t forced – no power could do that to Jesus without His consent. Jesus was responsible for His own death. You are grateful – aren’t you!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- August 22, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“The people said to Pilate, ‘He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.’ On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends — before this they had been enemies.” (Luke 23:5-12)

Herod wanted Jesus to be entertainment. Herod was hoping Jesus would dazzle him with the performance of some miracle. Jesus refused.

Not only did Jesus refuse the miracle that Herod wanted, He refused to even speak to Herod. He answered none of Herod’s questions. He kept silent despite all the accusations that were brought to Herod by the Jewish leaders. This wasn’t a serious trial. This wasn’t a serious attempt on Herod’s part to seek answers and find truth. This was a sideshow – it was entertainment for Herod.

What Jesus says and what Jesus does is never about entertainment. He would not be caught up in providing Herod entertainment and He won’t get caught up in providing us with entertainment, either. Honest and sincere questions – those Jesus will answer. Questions posed just for fun or to get the focus off of a person’s problems – those Jesus will leave unanswered. Honest and sincere prayers – Jesus will hear and answer. Requests for something to dazzle – Jesus remains silent and unmoved.

The lack of interest Jesus has in the entertainment of people makes me wonder what He thinks about some of what we call worship in American churches. How much is honest and sincere praise – and how much is for our pleasure? How much is real worship – and how much is about entertaining the crowds? I don’t have answers to those questions – just questions to ponder. After all, it’s not so much about what goes on in the churches – it’s about what is going on in the hearts of worshipers! It’s about what goes in your heart and my heart when we come before God with our praise.

Jesus isn’t interested in entertaining us – He is interested in changing us!

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- August 19, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. ‘If you are the Christ,’ they said, ‘tell us.’ Jesus answered, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.’ They all asked, ‘Are you then the Son of God?’ He replied, ‘You are right in saying I am.’ Then they said, ‘Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.’” (Luke 22:66-71)

What is the objective and authoritative standard by which the identity of the Messiah should be judged?

If you answered – God’s revelation in the Old Testament, then you are right. If you gave any other answer, then you are wrong. God’s Word is the objective and authoritative standard that should have helped the people who heard Jesus then and should help us today to determine if He is the Messiah.

In this passage, Jesus is on trial before the chief priests and teachers of the law. These men made up the Sanhedrin, the leading council among the Jews. They should have been the most spiritual among all the people of Israel. They should have known God’s Word better than anyone else. They should have more quickly turned to the Word than anyone else.

Yet – where is the probing of the scriptures to find its answers? Where is the question put to Jesus to ask Him to prove from God’s Word that He is the Messiah? You won’t find those things because they aren’t there. There was no turning to God’s Word among the men of the council. They relied instead on their own opinions and what they thought the Messiah would be like – and they missed the true Messiah by doing so.

Do you have questions about Jesus? Turn to God’s Word. Do you have questions about theology? Turn to God’s Word. Do you have questions about life? Turn to God’s Word. Do you have questions about eternity? Turn to God’s Word.

There is an objective and authoritative standard for all of those questions and many more. That standard isn’t our own opinion. It’s not wrapped up in what we think is right or what ought to be right. The standard is the revealed Word of God – the Bible.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- August 18, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, ‘This man was with him.’ But he denied it. ‘Woman, I don't know him,’ he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, ‘You also are one of them.’ ‘Man, I am not!’ Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, ‘Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.’ Peter replied, ‘Man, I don't know what you're talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:54-62)

What in the world was Peter thinking when he denied Jesus three times? He could not have been doing what he was doing with a hardened heart toward Jesus. He was in the courtyard because he loved Jesus and wanted to be near Him in case there was some way to help or at least so he would see firsthand what happened to Jesus. And when Jesus looked straight at Peter, it was a reminder that Jesus had predicted these denials – that means Peter had forgotten what Jesus had predicted until that moment. No, Peter was intentionally and with a hardened heart abandoning Jesus.

I think Peter had good – although flawed – motivations in his denials. I think he believed that if he acknowledged he was a follower of Jesus they would either arrest him or throw him out of the courtyard of the high priest. He probably feared only the latter – because if they had wanted to arrest him they had already had that chance in Gethsemane. Peter wanted to stay right where he was, right close to the trials and did what he had to do in order to remain there.

I don’t see Peter’s denials much different from Judas’ betrayal. I think Judas had good – although flawed – motivation, too. I think Judas was trying to force Jesus to declare Himself King and take control. And Peter was trying to do something good, too – stay close to Jesus during His trial. Both chose ungodly means in their attempt to accomplish what they thought were godly aims.

Have you ever been guilty of the same – using ungodly means in an attempt to accomplish a godly aim? That’s never a right choice or a good choice. Peter’s denials broke Jesus’ heart and so did Judas’s betrayal. When we choose ungodly means to attempt to accomplish godly aims, we break God’s heart, too.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- August 17, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’ When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, should we strike with our swords?’ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man's ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:47-51)

Would it have been wrong for Jesus and His followers to exercise self-defense and draw weapons against those who came to arrest Him?

Most of us would say that would be acceptable behavior. Self-defense is a legitimate defense for violence. But Jesus would have none of that. There would no self-defense offered by Jesus and none allowed by those who followed Him. That’s not to say that Jesus would be upset if you provided self-defense for yourself or your family if you were attacked. It just means that Jesus offered no self-defense for Himself.

Jesus allowed Himself to be arrested and the remainder of the story will show that He allowed Himself to be tried, beaten, mocked, and executed. In fact, He did more than just allow Himself to go through all that – He volunteered. In the eternal plan of God to save the world, Jesus was a volunteer.

The compassion of Jesus shows through even in this dark hour of His life. When one of His followers struck a servant who came along with the arrest party, Jesus healed the wound. It wasn’t the servant’s fault – he went only where told to go and did only what he was told to do. And Jesus showed compassion on him.

Jesus showed compassion on His betrayer, Judas, too. He didn’t allow Judas to approach Him without confrontation. It was Jesus’ last attempt to point out what Judas was doing. A last attempt to dissuade Judas from the course he had chosen. That’s compassion, too.

In one of the darkest hours of His life, Jesus didn’t strike back in self-defense. Instead, He chose compassion even toward those who came to arrest Him.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- August 16, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you will not fall into temptation.’ He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:39-44)

This isn’t the first time that Jesus taught His disciples about prayer. There are parables about prayer. Jesus showed them the model prayer as a part of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus prayed Hi long high priestly prayer in John 17. We can look at the prayer to multiply the food for the 5,000 and the prayer to raise Lazarus from the dead and dozens of other prayers.

Jesus believed in prayer. Jesus practiced prayer for Himself and for others. Jesus taught about prayer. Prayer was obviously important to Him.

Consider these lessons about prayer from this text:

·         Prayer can be a protection for us from temptation. Our strength will never be enough to protect us from the power of the temptations that Satan puts into our paths. We need God’s help to overcome.

·         Even Jesus demonstrated respect and submission when He prayed. When He was ready to address the Father in the Garden, Jesus knelt. There was nothing casual about the way Jesus prayed. He didn’t take His relationship with the Father for granted or treat it lightly.

·         Jesus honestly told the Father what He wanted. He didn’t hold back His request. He wasn’t concerned that the Father wouldn’t understand or would think less of Him because of what He asked. He wanted out of the way of the cross and He asked honestly for it.

·         Jesus wanted the will of the Father more than He wanted His own way. Though He asked honestly for a way out of the cross, He submitted to His Father’s will above all. If the cross was what the Father wanted, Jesus was willing.

·         Prayer brought Jesus help. The Father didn’t bend His will to what Jesus wanted, but He did send angels to strengthen and help Jesus.

Lord, teach us to pray like Jesus prayed.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- August 15, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“‘Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31-34)

Jesus possessed supernatural knowledge. In the early days of Him ministry, Nathaniel was brought to Him and Jesus knew what Nathaniel had been doing before he came to Jesus. At a time and place where Jesus was not present He still saw what was happening. On more than one occasion Jesus saw into the hearts and minds of those around Him and knew what they were thinking and what they were planning to do. And here, He could tell Peter about Peter’s future. Miraculous, supernatural knowledge that was evidence of the divine nature of Jesus.

But that’s not the most impressive feature of the Scripture above. The most impressive feature is evidence of God’s heart and God’s mercy. I love the phrase that Jesus spoke to Peter, “When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus was predicting Peter’s denial. Peter would turn his back on Jesus at the most critical and difficult time of Jesus’ life – during His trials and condemnation. How that had to hurt Jesus and disappoint Jesus. Peter’s sin cut into Jesus’ heart.

But God didn’t reject Peter when he denied Jesus. God wooed Peter back. God did that through telling Peter what was going to happen before it did; through a look that Jesus gave to Peter after he spoke the last denial, and through the intentional restoration that would come from Jesus when He met Peter on the shore of Galilee after His resurrection. God wanted Peter back. Not even his denial kept God from loving Peter and from a willingness to forgive Peter of all his sin.

And God did more than just forgive Peter and accept him back. In an astounding act of grace and mercy, God invited Peter to use even his failure to help others.

And God responds the same to you and me. He always invites back, even after our most grievous sin. He loves us and wants us back. He doesn’t forgive us; He uses even our failures to accomplish good things in our lives and in the lives of others.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- August 12, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

"Jesus said to them, 'The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.  But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.  For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves?  Is it not the one who is at the table?  But I am among you as one who serves.'" (Luke 22:25-27)

What does leadership look like?

The world has some ideas about leadership.  To the world, a leader is one who can tell others what to do and they do it.  The leader is the one who gets the biggest office, the best parking spot, and the most perks.  The leader is the one who sits at the head of the table and determines what the agenda for the meeting is going to be.  The leader is the one who makes the decisions and sets the direction for the group.  The leader is the one that others look up to and defer to.  The leader is the one at the top of the organizational chart.

But God has different ideas of what leadership looks like.  You can see His ideas by looking at the ministry of Jesus.  There is no doubt that Jesus is a leader, the greatest leader that has ever lived.  But His leadership was not characterized by decision-making and by telling others what to do.  His leadership was marked by service.  He served others and because of that they loved Him and followed Him.

And Jesus calls His followers to that kind of leadership, too.  Not the kind of leadership the world teaches of big offices and firm orders, but the kind of leadership that looks for needs among people and steps up to meet those needs.  The kind of leadership that serves those around them.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- August 11, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.” (Luke 22:1-6)

I am appalled at the depth of human sin and blindness.

The chief priests and teachers of the law were the premiere leaders of the people of Israel. They were the spiritual leaders. They should have been the most spiritually sensitive men in the world. Yet, they either realized that Jesus was the Messiah and intentionally rejected Him because He would interfere with their lives of power and privilege or they were blind to the reality of who Jesus was. Either way, it is appalling to think that they would not just reject Jesus but intentionally seek to get rid of Him.

Judas was one of the twelve closest followers of Jesus. He had lived with Jesus for years. He heard Jesus teach. He watched Jesus work miracle after miracle. He knew who Jesus was; there could be no denying that. Yet Judas betrayed Jesus for money.

Was Judas that greedy that the little money he received was worth betraying the One he knew to be the Messiah? Or perhaps he didn’t trust Jesus and thought he needed to help Jesus show Himself as King – surely if Jesus was arrested and threatened He would reveal His power and take His rightful place as king. Or where there other reasons for Judas’ betrayal? Whatever the reasons they were about Judas’ sin or his blindness. That’s appalling from someone so close to Jesus.

Yet, I look around me and see the depth of human sin and blindness in people today. I can even look into the church and see men and women making decisions that are clearly wrong and sinful. Is it intentional sin or blindness? I am appalled.

And I wonder what sin God sees in my life and what blindness. I desperately need His patience and His grace.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- August 10, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

In Luke 21, Jesus talks with His disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age. It is a hard passage to decipher. It is hard to tell when Jesus is talking about the destruction of Jerusalem and hard to tell when He is talking about the things that will happen before the end of the age.

“The time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6) Jesus is clearly talking about the destruction of Jerusalem here and what He predicted came to pass with precision. In 70 AD the Roman army encircled Jerusalem and when the siege was over, the city was destroyed and the very stones of the temple had been thrown down.

“Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away." (Luke 21:8-9) Wars, revolutions, deceptions, false prophets – all of these things will happen, but they won’t be signs that the end of the age has come.

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:10-11) Earthquakes, famines, pestilences, signs on earth and signs in heaven – terrible things will happen in this world.

Persecution, betrayal, execution – these are just some of the things that will happen to those who follow Jesus. In a strange twist, in one verse Jesus says, “They will put some of you to death.” (Luke 21:16) Then, two verses later, “But not a hair of your head will perish.” (Luke 21:18) Physical death will occur, sometimes because we are followers of Jesus, but our lives, our real lives, will never even be touched.

“Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24) You can trace the history of Jerusalem from the day of Jesus until this very day and recognize the clear fulfillment of that prophetic word. It seems that Jerusalem has always been in turmoil and never have the Jews lived in peace there – not since before Jesus – and not till God declares that the day of the Gentiles is over.

So many confusing prophecies and pictures. Troubling times seem the norm, not the exception. And history testifies to the truth of that picture. The earth has lived in turmoil for thousands of years and continues to do so.

So what? “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.” (Luke 21:34) “Be always on the watch.” (Luke 21:36)

Those bits of wisdom from Jesus provide the bottom line for all of us as we wait the fulfillment of the confusing prophecies about the end of the age: be careful to follow the Lord and be watchful for His coming.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- August 9, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.  'I tell you the truth,' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others.  All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'" (Luke 21:1-4)

It's not about the size of the gift that is given to God, but about the heart attitude with which it is given.

The rich who put their gifts into the temple treasury gave out of their abundance.  They wouldn't even miss what they gave.  It really cost them nothing.  And the reason many of them gave was not out of a desire to help, but out of a desire to be seen by others.  They wanted others to know they were wealthy and could give large gifts.  They wanted others to know they were generous and applaud their large gifts.  Many gave out of their desire for the praise and respect of other men.

The poor widow gave out of her poverty.  She put in very little, but it was all she had.  She held nothing back from God.  She gave all that she had to live on.  It was an act of great faith on her part.  She was trusting that God would provide for her.  She certainly did not give so that others would see her gift and be impressed.  Those who noticed her gift at all would have laughed at it because it was so small.  Her gift identified her as poor.  Her gift would not do much of anything to provide for the needs of the temple.  But God was very pleased with her gift, because it came out of her sacrifice and it came out of a heart that loved God and wanted to give Him what she could.

It wasn't the size of the gift that mattered that day at the temple, it was the attitude of the heart with which the gift was given that mattered to God.  And that's still true today.  Gifts that count with God are gifts that come out of sacrifice and gifts that are given out of a heart that loves Him.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Monday Thought -- August 8, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.’” (Luke 20:45-47)

The work of God is never about honor and reward for the one doing it. That’s what the teachers of the law in Jesus’ day were after. Perhaps their service to the Lord started out of pure hearts and right motivations, but it deteriorated into something they were doing for what they got out of it. They enjoyed the praise they received from others. They enjoyed the special honors that fell to them. They love to walk into rooms and be noticed. They loved to be seated in the best places. It was about them and about what they got out of what they did.

The work of God is always to be about God. It’s about God’s message. It’s about God’s will. It’s about God’s honor. It’s about accruing praise to Him and lifting His name before others.

As we do the work God has called us to do – no matter what that work is – our role is to be His servants and deflect all praise to Him.

I wonder what caused the teachers of the law to lose their focus on the Lord. I wonder how many of us fall at times into that same trap.

The focus is always to be on God – and not on us.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Friday Thought -- August 5, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“Jesus replied, ‘The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection. But in the account of the bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.’” (Luke 20:34-38)

The life we live in eternity will be different in many ways from our life in this age. Jesus mentions a couple of those differences in this passage.

There won’t be any marriage. That seems strange because marriage is such an integral part to life here and now. Having a partner in life makes life more enjoyable and satisfying. How can life in eternity be satisfying without the kind of partner that marriage brings? Perhaps that is the point. A professor I had in college used to tell us that it wasn’t that his relationship with his wife would be worse and less close in heaven than it was on earth, but that the relationships he enjoyed with the multitudes in heaven would rise to a new level of closeness. Perhaps the best of marriage is only a glimpse of the kind of close relationship we’ll have with everyone in eternity.

We really don’t know what the relationships in heaven will be like, but can rest assured that the best of earth is only a small glimpse of beginning of eternity.

One more difference between this age and eternity that Jesus mentioned – there will be no death in eternity. I know of nothing that casts a darker shadow on life here than death. The prospect of our own approaching death brings anxiety to most and fear to many. The deaths of those we love, even when they are expected and come at the end of a long life, still bring deep grief. The unexpected deaths of those whose lives are cut short rip at the very fabric of our emotions.

What a joy to consider a place and a time where the shadow of death will no longer hang over us – that’s eternity – that’s heaven.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Thursday Thought -- August 4, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. So the spies questioned him: ‘Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’ He saw through their duplicity and said to them, ‘Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?’ ‘Caesar's,’ they replied. He said to them, ‘Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.’ They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.” (Luke 20:20-26)

There are multiple things going on in this short passage that are worth talking about.

There is the deceptive scheming and hateful opposition of the chief priests and teachers of the law. They weren’t out front in their opposition. They schemed and spied trying to trick and trap Jesus. These were supposed to be men of God, but they acted in such ungodly ways.

There is the incredible discernment and deep wisdom of Jesus. He saw through the schemes and traps and defused them. He offered an answer to the question that was posed by His enemies. Although the question was meant to trap Him, He answered it with a straightforward and honest answer that showed such wisdom that not even His enemies could argue with it.

Then there is the principle found in the answer itself. Jesus provided a fundamental principle about life – we give to authority what is rightfully due them and we withhold those things that are not rightfully due. God is due our ultimate allegiance and unquestioning obedience. Government is due its imposed taxes that provide for their services they give. Other authorities are due other things.

So here are a couple of questions in response –

Do you see the incredible wisdom of Jesus? Are you honoring Him for that wisdom? Are you submitting to His wisdom?

Are you giving to God what is rightfully due to Him?

His, by Grace,

Steve

Wednesday Thought -- August 3, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

"Jesus looked directly at them and asked, 'Then what is the meaning of that which is written:  'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone'?  Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.'" (Luke 20:17-18)

The leaders of the Jewish people, the Pharisees and Sadducees, rejected Jesus.  He did not fit their projection of what the Messiah would be like.  Or, perhaps they were happy with the way things were and didn't really want a Messiah!  For whatever reason, they rejected Jesus.  In doing so they thought they were in control and that their actions were hurting Jesus. They failed to understand that they were really hurting themselves, and only themselves.  In rejecting Jesus they were being crushed and broken themselves.

Ever since that time many people have followed their example.  They have rejected Jesus because He doesn't fit what they want in a god or because they don't want anyone, even God, telling them how to live their lives.  In rejecting Jesus, most people believe they are gaining freedom.  They don't understand that they are not gaining freedom, but being crushed and broken themselves.  They reject Jesus to their own hurt, and they don't even realize it.

Jesus presents Himself to us and offers us the opportunity to become a part of His family, to enter into a personal relationship with Him.  The offer is not for Jesus' good, but our own.

His, by Grace,

Steve

Tuesday Thought -- August 2, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

“One day as he was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. ‘Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,’ they said. ‘Who gave you this authority?’ He replied, ‘I will also ask you a question. Tell me, John's baptism — was it from heaven, or from men?’ They discussed it among themselves and said, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” he will ask, “Why didn't you believe him?” But if we say, “From men,” all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.’ So they answered, ‘We don't know where it was from.’ Jesus said, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’” (Luke 20:1-8)

Jesus taught was one who had authority. (Matthew 7:29)

Jesus declared that He had the authority to forgive sins. (Matthew 9:6)

Jesus gave authority to His apostles to drive out demons. (Matthew 10:1)

Jesus said that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him. (Matthew 28:18)

Where did all of that authority come from? Jesus gave that answer, too. “Father, you granted your Son authority that he might give eternal life.” (John 17:2) It was the Father who gave Jesus His authority.

It was the Father who gave Jesus authority to teach so that everything Jesus said is binding on us. It was the Father who gave Jesus authority to heal and forgive and do other miraculous things that were outside the scope of what is natural and normal. It was the Father who gave Jesus the right to pass on authority to His followers. It was the Father who gave Jesus all authority. It was the Father who gave Jesus the authority to grant salvation to those who come to Him.

There are those in the world – many – who are fine with God, but question who Jesus is and question whether Jesus has a place that deserves and demands submission. That question has been answered by God the Father – He is the One who has placed Jesus in the position of authority and honor and glory. To deny Jesus His place is to deny the Father.

His, by Grace,

Steve