4 Pentecost - Sunday

first posted 06/26/04

Ecclesiastes 6:1-12    Insatiable desires      
Acts 10:9-23      Peter called to Cornelius
Luke 12:32-40     Be ready!

What good are wealth, possessions and honor, if a person cannot enjoy them? These are all gifts of God; but it is also God who gives the ability to enjoy them. A person can live many years and have a large family and yet not enjoy his life, nor find rest in death. The teacher says that a miscarried baby, still-born, is better off. It has never seen the evils of this world, and yet finds rest. Though a person live for thousands of years, what good is long life without enjoyment? “Do not all go to the one place” (Ecclesiastes 6:6b)? All a person’s efforts are directed at satisfying his physical needs like food, but his appetites are never satisfied.

What advantage has the wise man over the fool? Both have the same needs and desires. What advantage have the poor who know how to beg? It is better to know what you need and have it at hand than to wander about trying to satisfy your desires. It is well-known that a man is not able to dispute with one who is stronger than he. More words don’t make a better argument. “Who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain life, which he passes like a shadow” (Ecclesiastes  6:12a). Who can know what will happen after he is dead?

Peter was staying at the home of Simon, a tanner, in Joppa. At noon (the Roman lunch hour) he went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry, but while waiting for lunch he fell into a trance and saw a vision of something like a great sheet let down by its four corners. It contained all sorts of animals, and a voice instructed Peter to kill and eat. But Peter objected, saying that he had never eaten any animals which were regarded as common (i.e., ritually unclean. Only certain animals were allowed for food, under Jewish Law.) The voice replied, “What God has cleansed you must not call common” (Acts 10:14). This dialog happened three times, and then the vision ended.

As Peter was trying to understand the vision he had seen, three men, sent by Cornelius, a Roman Centurion from Caesarea at the instruction of an angel, to bring Peter to him (Acts 10:1-8), arrived at the gate of the house and were asking for him. While Peter was pondering the vision, the Holy Spirit told Peter that the men were downstairs asking for him and that he should go down and accompany them without hesitation. Peter went down and asked the reason for their coming, and was told that Cornelius was a God-fearing man who was highly regarded by all Jews, and that Cornelius had been told by an angel to seek Peter at this place and bring him to Cornelius. So Peter invited them to be his overnight guests (and went with them to Cornelius the next day).

Jesus told his disciples that God wants to give us eternal life in his kingdom of Heaven. Jesus advises us to let go of our material wealth and possessions so that we can accumulate the spiritual treasure which is eternal.  What we treasure will determine where our priorities are, and where we will spend eternity. Jesus also instructed his disciples to be alert and ready for the sudden, unexpected coming of the kingdom of God, so that they would not be unprepared. Jesus used an image of the kingdom of God as the Messianic banquet, and compared it to a Jewish marriage feast. The disciples must be alert and prepared for the Lord whenever he returns. They will be blessed when the Lord returns, if he finds them awake and prepared. The Lord will return unexpectedly. Jesus used the illustration of the coming of a thief in the night as an example, saying that an owner’s house is broken into only because the owner didn’t know when the thief was coming and wasn’t prepared.

What is the meaning and purpose of life? Is the one with the most possessions when he dies really the winner? Is the one who “grabs the most gusto” really the winner? The teacher of Ecclesiastes says that pursuit of material wealth, possessions and worldly honor will never really satisfy, nor will we ever gratify our appetites and desires. Is this really all there is? Is life meaningless, or are we the creation of God who has a definite plan and purpose? Do we all go to the same place when we die (Ecclesiastes 6:6b)? Who can know what happens to a person after he dies (Ecclesiastes 6:12b)? Is God stronger and wiser than man (Ecclesiastes 6:10)? God’s word declares that we are eternal; that there is existence beyond our physical death. The issue is where we will spend that eternity.

I believe that the meaning and purpose of this life is to seek and come to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 17:26-27). Wouldn’t it be better to know that now, so that we can set our sights on  eternity, than to waste this life pursuing things that don’t satisfy and are not eternal (Ecclesiastes 6:9). No matter how long we live in this world, it cannot compare with eternity. God’s plan for our eternity offers two possibilities: eternal life in Heaven with God or eternal death and destruction in Hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10. Note that nothingness and reincarnation are not alternatives). Jesus is God’s only plan for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

Peter was Jesus’ disciple. He had been filled with the promised Holy Spirit (Acts Chapter 2). He had personal daily fellowship with the Lord in prayer and meditation on God’s word. He was guided by and obedient to the Holy Spirit. Peter’s vision shows that it is not by works (keeping) of the Law, but a personal relationship with the Lord, in trust and obedience, by which we are saved. Peter was ready when the Lord directed Cornelius to send for him, and God was able to use him to present the Gospel and convert the first Gentile to Christ.

Jesus warns us not to pursue worldly wealth, possessions and honor, but instead to seek the eternal kingdom of God. If we live for the gratification of the flesh, what kind of eternity will we experience when the flesh, and the things that gratify it, no longer exist, if we lack everything needed for life in eternity? Jesus warns us that we need to prepare now for his coming, and to be awake and watchful, because no one knows when the Day of the Lord will come.

Are you ready for the Day of the Lord? Where is your treasure? Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you sought and received the Holy Spirit since you first believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you seeking the Lord’s guidance in daily Bible study and prayer? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost - Monday

first posted 06/27/04

Ecclesiastes 7:1-14    Wisdom and folly
Galatians 4:12-20      Truth spoken in love
Matthew 15:21-28     The Canaanite woman

A good reputation is better than medicine; a good reputation at the end of one’s life is better than at the beginning. Sorrow is more common than rejoicing, in this life. Sorrow develops character, but laughter doesn’t.  Those who are wise mourn the ways of the world; only fools rejoice in worldly ways. It is better to be rebuked by the wise than to take pleasure in the song of fools. The laughter of fools is intense but not productive or enduring, like a fire made with thorns. Oppression renders wisdom useless, and a bribe corrupts sound judgment. Ending well is better than beginning well; patience produces better results than pride. Don’t become angry quickly; only a fool allows anger to be a permanent companion. The belief that former days were better than the present is not based on rational facts. An inheritance is not much good to a fool, nor to one who doesn’t live long enough to enjoy it. Wisdom is as useful as money in protecting oneself. Who can restore what God destroys? God has provided for both prosperity and adversity in life; enjoy (and be thankful to God in) prosperity and trust God in adversity.

Paul urged the Galatians to join with Paul by following his example, as he had joined himself to them in order to present the Gospel. When Paul first came to them he was detained by a physical ailment (possibly of the eyes; see v. 15), and the Galatians took care of him, showing Paul special consideration as a messenger from God; as though showing hospitality to Jesus Christ himself. Paul asked what had happened to their feelings for him now; had Paul become their enemy by telling them the truth?

The Judaizers (false teachers who had arisen within the Galatian congregation, teaching that Gentile Christians had to keep the Jewish Laws) were flattering the Galatians and telling them what made the Galatians feel good, not in the Galatians best interest, but to promote their own selfish interest (whereas Paul had told the Galatians the truth in love in the Galatians’ best interest, although it made them feel bad hearing it). Paul agrees that it is nice to be complimented and encouraged when the purpose is good (but consider the motive). Paul considered the Galatians as his children in the Gospel, concerned that they grow up to spiritual maturity. He longed to be with them so that he could praise and encourage them as he saw them respond to his correction.

Jesus went into the region of Tyre and Sidon (The Phoenician /Canaanite culture which Israel had displaced from the Promised Land), and encountered a Canaanite woman who, although a Gentile, addressed Jesus as Lord and Messiah (Son of David), and asked Jesus to heal her daughter of possession by a demon.  Jesus didn’t acknowledge her, but she persisted, and the disciples begged Jesus to send her away, because she was annoying them.

Jesus told them that he had been sent to call the Jews back to God, but the woman came and knelt before him, calling him Lord, and asking for help for her daughter. Jesus told her it wasn’t fair to give what was intended for the children of Israel, to “dogs” (those less favored in God’s eyes, perhaps). The woman accepted what Jesus said, and yet persisted, pointing out that God provides for the “dogs,” allowing them to receive crumbs from their master’s table. Jesus commended her for her faith, and healed her daughter instantly at his word.

Wisdom is contrasted with folly. [Note that it is true, divine wisdom, the wisdom of God by which the world was created, that is referred to, not what the world falsely considers wisdom; see Proverbs 9:10; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; journal entry for Monday, June 7, (and 11-14), 2004].  Ending well is better than beginning well (Ecclesiastes 7:1; 8). Patience produces better results than arrogance (Ecclesiastes 7:8). Rebuke by the wise is better than the flattery of a fool (Ecclesiastes 7:5).

Paul’s rebuke of the Galatians exemplifies the benefit of the rebuke of wisdom over the flattery of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:5). The Galatians had a choice; were they going to accept the painful rebuke of the truth from Paul to their eternal benefit, or were they going to seek the enjoyment of the false flattery of the Judaizers to their eternal detriment? Surely, we can enjoy a compliment, when the motive for it is good, but we must consider the motive.

Paul warned Timothy that the time would come when people would not endure sound teaching, but having “itching ears” they would get for themselves teachers to suit their own likings (who would tell them what they wanted to hear) and would turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Do we want to hear the truth, even if it is painful, or are we only willing to hear what makes us feel good? Believers are expected to grow in spiritual maturity.

The Canaanite woman is an illustration of patience triumphing over pride, and ending well over beginning well (Ecclesiastes 7:8). She addressed Jesus as Lord, and he referred to her as a “dog.” Would we have persisted with patience, responding with faith, or would we have taken offense because of pride?

Is it more important to be well-thought-of by this world, or to be commended by Jesus on the Day of Judgment? Those who seek to avoid all discomfort don’t develop character. Are we willing to hear the truth even if painful? Is living well right now worth loosing eternal life in Heaven? God wants us to inherit eternal life in Heaven. Will we squander that inheritance? Will we perish for our sins by refusing to accept Jesus as our Lord? Money can’t buy eternal life in heaven; trusting and obeying God’s wisdom in Jesus Christ can.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you sought and received the Holy Spirit since you first believed? Are you working for the kingdom of God; are you bearing fruit for the kingdom? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost - Tuesday

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

posted 06/28/04

Ecclesiastes 8:14-9:10   Eat, drink, and be merry?  
Galatians 4:21-31    Allegory of Hagar and Sarah
Matthew 15:29-39    Feeding the four thousand

The teacher notes that bad things happen to the righteous and good things happen to the wicked. The teacher commends enjoyment; to eat, drink and enjoy, balancing and sustaining one’s toil. The world is in constant activity; even though he may claim to, man cannot know all the work of God, no matter how hard he tries. Everything seems meaningless, since all people seem to share the same fate; since righteous and wicked, good and evil, clean and unclean, religious and non-religious all die. Is God for us or against us? The hearts of men are full of evil. As long as one lives there is hope, because one is aware that death is coming; once death comes one knows nothing, and there is no further reward, and one is forgotten. Enjoy life according to God’s will. Do your work to the best of your ability, because if death is nothingness, there will be no enjoyment or work, wisdom or knowledge in the grave.  

Paul uses an allegory of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the two covenants: of Law, and of grace (unmerited favor; free gift) through faith. Abraham had a son, Isaac, by Abraham’s wife, Sarah, according to God’s promise, who would inherit God’s promise to Abraham. But Abraham also had a son, Ishmael, by Sarah’s slave, Hagar, born of the flesh. Hagar represents the covenant of Mount Sinai (the giving of the Law to Moses), the earthly Jerusalem, bearing children for slavery. But Sarah represents the new covenant of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and the New Jerusalem which is the kingdom of God in Heaven. Believers in Jesus are the children of the promise, like Isaac. The point is that those who rely upon the Law rather than faith in Jesus will be excluded from the promise, as Hagar and Ishmael were sent away into the wilderness.

Jesus went into the hills beside the Sea of Galilee, and a great crowd came to him bringing many who were lame, crippled, blind, mute or otherwise in need of healing, and Jesus healed them all. The crowd was amazed and glorified God for the healings. They had been with Jesus for three days out in the countryside, and Jesus did not want to send them away before feeding them, concerned that they might be too weak from hunger. His disciples didn’t know how they could feed so many, since there was nowhere to obtain food. Jesus asked, and the disciples told him that they had seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. Jesus had the crowd sit down, and he took the bread and fish, and having given thanks, broke them and had the disciples distribute the food to the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied, and collected seven baskets full of leftovers. The crowd was about four thousand people.

Is life “eat, drink and be merry; for tomorrow we die”? If there were no life beyond the grave, that would be valid. Don’t assume that the righteous and wicked both have the same fate because we do not see the wicked punished and the righteous rewarded in this life. Before the coming of Jesus Christ, people weren’t able to know with certainty whether God is for us or against us (Ecclesiastes 9:1b RSV), but in Jesus Christ we can see that God loves us and wants us to live eternally with him (John 3:16-17). Before Jesus Christ, people weren’t able to know with certainty whether there was a resurrection and eternal life beyond the grave. There were over five hundred eyewitnesses to the risen Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:5-7) plus the testimony of countless believers who have personally experienced the risen Jesus through the indwelling Holy Spirit since then, beginning with the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:8; known as Saul before his conversion: Acts 9:3-5). Now is the time to seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. No one knows when one will die; only as long as we’re still alive do we have hope of coming to a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Once we’re dead our eternal fate is sealed.  

All have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23; Ecclesiastes 9:3c). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23; Ecclesiastes 9:3e). There is a Day of Judgment coming when all will be accountable to God for what they have done in life (John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:31-46) Those who have trusted in Jesus will receive eternal life in Heaven with the Lord; those who have rejected Jesus and have refused to obey him will receive eternal death and destruction in Hell with all evil (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). God loves us and doesn’t want us to perish (John 3:16-17). Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation and reconciliation with God (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). We will not be saved by keeping the Law of Moses (Galatians 2:16); we will not be saved by being “good people.”

We are all sin-sick and in need of spiritual healing (Ecclesiastes 9:3c, Romans 3:23). All who come to Jesus in faith are healed (Matthew 15:30d). The whole fulness of deity dwells bodily in Jesus [Colossians 2: (8), 9]. We can know God the Father only through Jesus (Matthew 11:27c; John 14:9b). Jesus cares about both our physical and spiritual needs. The Lord is able to provide abundantly, supernaturally, beyond the limitations of this present world. The image of the four thousand eating with the Lord on the hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee is an allegory of life now and eternally in Jesus Christ, although realizing that life in this world is not just a picnic for believers. There are going to be persecutions, symbolized by the conflict between Isaac and Ishmael (Galatians 4:29). The best we can hope for now and eternally is to have fellowship with the Lord, and work in this life for the coming of his kingdom.

We don’t have to wait until we die to know for certain whether there is life after death. We don’t have to wait until we die to have personal fellowship with the Lord. In fact, if we wait until we die to have fellowship with the Lord, it will be too late!  We must come to Jesus and be born-again (filled with his Holy Spirit) now, in this lifetime. The Holy Spirit is the "down-payment" and guarantee that we are in Christ and have eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b,11,15-16). It is possible to know with certainty that one has received the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? Have you sought and received the gift of the Holy Spirit since you first believed?  Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost - Wednesday

Ecclesiastes 9:11-18     Life and wisdom
Galatians 5:1-15     Christian freedom
Matthew 16:1-12     True security

“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Man doesn’t know when evil may befall him. He is like a fish caught in a net or a bird caught in a snare; it falls suddenly on him. The teacher gave an example of how the wisdom of the poor is not properly valued. He asks us to visualize a small city with few men besieged by a great king with a mighty army. A poor man of the city thought of a way which saved the city from the siege, yet he was forgotten. Brain is better than brawn, but the world tends to value social status more than wisdom. Wise words spoken calmly are better than shouting of a leader among fools. “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good” (Ecclesiastes 9:18).

Christ has set us free from slavery to the Law of Moses; let us be careful not to become re-enslaved. Believers who seek to be justified (made right with God) by keeping the Law of Moses remove themselves from the salvation which is only by faith in Jesus. Christians who would enter into the covenant of Law [circumcision is the mark (seal) of that covenant] cut themselves off from Christ. Those who seek justification by works (keeping) of the Law have fallen away from grace (free gift; unmerited favor). In Christ Jesus, faith working through love is what matters, not whether one is circumcised or not.

The Galatians had been growing well spiritually, but false teachers had interfered and hindered their progress. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). False teachers will be punished on the Day of Judgment. Paul says that if he were preaching circumcision (justification by keeping the Law) the world would not be inclined to persecute him as it was; the Gospel of the Cross of Christ is offensive to the world.

Paul sees circumcision, the mark of the covenant of Law, as spiritual mutilation, and wishes those who were attempting to mutilate his beloved believers would instead “mutilate” themselves. God has called us to freedom through Christ, but we are not to use that freedom to indulge our sinful human nature. Instead we are to use that freedom to serve one another in love. The whole Law can be summed up in one word: Love; we are to love others as we love ourselves. If we attack and destroy others, we can expect to receive the same.

The Pharisees and Saducees (religious leaders) came to Jesus and asked for a sign (that Jesus was from God) to test him. Jesus replied that they knew how to predict the weather from the appearance of the sky, but apparently could not interpret the signs of the times (the miracles Jesus was doing openly; see Matthew 12:9-14). Jesus said that it is an evil and unfaithful generation which seeks “proof” (in addition to the signs that are all around them), but no sign will be given but the sign of Jonah. (Jonah was the prophet who was swallowed by a whale, and after three days in the belly of the whale, was restored). J

esus and the disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee, and on the other side the disciples were worried because they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus told the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Saducees. The disciples thought Jesus was talking about bread. Jesus was aware of this, and asked them why they were worried about their lack of bread. Didn’t they remember how Jesus had fed the five thousand and the four thousand, and how they had more bread than they needed? The disciples had not recognized that Jesus was not talking about bread but about the teachings of the Pharisees and Saducees.

The world claims to value wisdom, but the wisdom of the world is false wisdom. True wisdom is the divine wisdom, by which God created the world (Proverbs 9:10; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24). Sin is what perverts the world. The Law was given to show that the worldly system of works is deceptive. No one is made righteous by keeping the Law, because no one is able to keep the Law (Galatians 2:16; 2:10). All have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23). Jesus is the fulfillment of the parable of the wisdom of the poor man (Jesus was not wealthy, successful or powerful by this world's standards) which saves the world from destruction by God, but whose wisdom is not valued or heeded by the world.

The Gospel of Jesus seems like foolishness to the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). The world thinks that reward according to works is fair and wise, but that is not how it works out in life. Because of sin, the world is in slavery to sin and death. Leaven is a symbol for sin, because in a sense it results from a process of putrefaction, and because it permeates whatever it comes in contact with (Ecclesiastes 9:18b; Galatians 5:9; Matthew 16:6). God’s plan is based on love, and is given as a free gift received by faith in Jesus Christ. Christ has set us free from bondage to sin and death. The world opposes the Gospel of Christ because the Gospel contradicts the world’s ways.  

The religious leaders wanted Jesus to do some “work” to prove to them that he was the Messiah. Jesus’ works were all around them (Matthew 15:29-31), but the Pharisees and Sadducees did not receive them with faith. Jesus died on the cross, was in the tomb, and rose again on the third day (as Jonah had been in the belly of the whale three days) and many still would not believe. The Pharisees and Saducees relied on their keeping of the Law and considered themselves righteous, thus missing the free gift which is only through faith in Jesus Christ. The sin of the Pharisees and Saducees was unbelief in Jesus (John 3:18). They valued the world’s false wisdom, and rejected Jesus, who is the wisdom of God. The disciples’ worry over material necessities like bread interfered with their ability to hear Jesus’ message, because they were focused on their own provisions for their security, rather than depending on Jesus.

Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our salvation and reconciliation with God (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). Are we going to accept God’s free gift and plan of salvation, or are we going to try to earn salvation by following the worldly system? Are we going to follow worldly wisdom or are we going to follow Jesus Christ, the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24)? Are our attempts to provide for our own security interfering with our ability to hear and respond to Jesus’ message?

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost - Thursday

first posted 06/30/04

Ecclesiastes 11:1-8    Life’s uncertainties
Galatians 5:16-24    Walk by the Spirit
Matthew 16:13-20    Peter’s Confession

Don’t be afraid to take risks (“Cast your ‘bread…’” i.e., your life, livelihood; eventually you will have a return; Ecclesiastes 11:1). Diversify your investments to spread and minimize your risks (Ecclesiastes 11:2). What happens, happens; man cannot do anything about it (Ecclesiastes 11:3). A person must go ahead with one’s life and act, without waiting for ideal conditions. We do not have to understand the mysteries of God and his works. There are lots of things in daily life we don’t need to fully understand to accept, like the wind, or when life begins in the womb. Do what needs to be done during the day; you cannot tell in advance what will prosper and what will fail. “Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun” (Ecclesiastes 11:7). Rejoice in all the days of your life, but remember that there will be many days of darkness.

Believers are to live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and not to gratify their human urges. Our natural human desires are contrary to the desires of God’s Spirit, and the will and guidance of the Holy Spirit is in opposition to our human nature, to keep us from following our natural inclinations. Those who are led by the Spirit are not under the covenant of Law. Examples of works of the flesh are: immorality,  impurity (of thought or action) licentiousness (lawlessness, lewdness), idolatry, sorcery, enmity (hatred), strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, “party spirit” (schismatic factionalism; heresies; partisanship), envy, drunkenness, carousing, and similar works. Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22). No law is necessary to restrain such deeds. Those who belong to Christ have sacrificed their human passions and desires as Christ gave up his human life as a sacrifice for our sins. If we have life, now and eternally, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, let us live according to the will and direction of the Holy Spirit. Believers are to abstain from self-conceit, and from provoking or envying one another.  

In Caesarea Philippi (on the northern border of Galilee) Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man (i.e., Jesus) is” (Matthew 16:13b) The disciples said that some were saying that Jesus was John the Baptist, some said Elijah, and others thought he was Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am” (Matthew 16:15). Simon (Peter) replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

 Jesus answered, “Blessed are you, Simon (Peter’s personal, 'given' name) Bar-Jona (which means 'son of John;' his surname)! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are (henceforth to be called) Peter [in Greek, ‘Petros;’ in Aramaic, ‘Kepha’ (thus 'Cephas'; compare 1 Corinthians 15:5; Galatians 2:9). This involves a play on words in the original Aramaic which Jesus spoke, which was preserved in the Greek in which the New Testament was originally written.], and on this rock (Greek: ‘petra;’ Aramaic: ‘kepha’) I will build my church and the powers of death (the gates of Hades) will not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:17). Jesus declared, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind (forbid) on earth shall be bound (forbidden) in heaven, and whatever you loose (permit) on earth shall be loosed (permitted) in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). Jesus strictly instructed his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

We don’t have to understand the mysteries of God in order to believe that God exists and that all things are in his control. There are lots of things in everyday experience that we accept without fully understanding, and which we cannot personally control. We experience the wind, even if we can’t see it or know how it works.

We cannot see God, but we can come to know God through Jesus Christ, and we can experience the Holy Spirit, even though we cannot see him, or understand the mystery of the Trinity. We cannot see Jesus now in this world, but we can come to know him through the Bible and we can have a personal relationship with him and with God the Father through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The crucial question each of us must decide for ourselves is who we believe that Jesus is (Matthew 16:15). Jesus didn’t declare that he was the Son of God [he referred to himself as the Son of man (Matthew 16:13). Jesus was both son of man (mankind) by Mary, and Son of God by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-23; Luke 1:34-35). This allows each individual to reach their own conclusion, but it alludes to the messianic figure of the Son of man in Daniel 7:13 (and Revelation 1:13, 14:14)], and he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone he was the Christ (Matthew 16:20) because each one of us must decide that for ourselves.

It is futile to attempt to reach the decision by starting with a consideration of whether God exists. Only through Jesus can we know God the Father (Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22). The place to start to make that decision about Jesus is to get to know Jesus by reading the Bible. Those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, will trust and obey Jesus, and will receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which Jesus has promised to give to his disciples. Only through Jesus can we receive the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16). The Holy Spirit is the "down payment" and guarantee that we are in Christ and have eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b,11,15-16)

The only real control anyone has over their destiny is the decision to trust or reject Jesus. If we are trusting in Jesus and living according to the will and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we don’t have to worry about how our destiny will turn out. In life believers have successes and failures, rejoicing and sorrow, but we have the comfort and assurance of the Holy Spirit. We can know with certainty that we are in harmony with God’s will and purpose, and that we will live eternally with him in Heaven. If we reject Jesus, or if we choose not to decide, we may think we can control our own destiny, but that is a delusion. Who do you say that Jesus is? Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? Have you sought and received the Holy Spirit since you first believed (Acts 19:2). Are you bearing fruit for the kingdom of Heaven? Do you know with certainty were you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

4 Pentecost - Friday

Friday, July 2, 2004

posted 07/01/04

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14    Fear God and keep his commandments    
Galatians 5:25-6:10    Live according to the Holy Spirit
Matthew 16:21-28    On Discipleship

Enjoy youth while you can, but remember that you will be accountable to God for all that you do. Remember your creator (and seek forgiveness and reconciliation) while you are young, before bad things happen, and before old age, when your physical and mental abilities are impaired, and before death comes. The author described his intention to present knowledge and truth by studying and arranging proverbs with care. They are the collected sayings of “one Shepherd” (or teacher; Ecclesiastes 12:11). Their usefulness is in their application. Be careful about seeking alternate advice. Finally, all wisdom distills to this: “Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man(kind). For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

If we have life, now and eternally, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, let us live according to the will and direction of the Holy Spirit. Believers are to abstain from self-conceit, and from provoking or envying one another. If a person yields to temptation, those who are spiritual should restore him with gentleness, remembering that we are all vulnerable to temptation. We are to love and care for the wellbeing of one another. Let us not be conceited; instead let us examine ourselves honestly to test and correct ourselves, rather than comparing ourselves with others. We will each be accountable for our own deeds.

Ministers and teachers are to be provided with support by the Church. Don’t think that God can be fooled. We will reap what we sow: If we live to gratify our flesh, we will die eternally in our flesh in Hell. But those who live in accordance with the will and guidance of the Holy Spirit will receive eternal life in Heaven. Don’t get tired of doing what is right, or expect an immediate reward; we will eventually receive our reward, if we don’t give up. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Once Jesus was satisfied that his disciples understood that he was the Messiah (Matthew 16:13-20), he began to teach them that it was necessary for him to be crucified and that on the third day he would be raised from the dead. Peter objected, vowing not to let that happen to Jesus, but Jesus rebuked Peter, telling him that he was taking Satan’s side in opposition to God’s will, and hindering Jesus. Jesus told his disciples that each of his  followers must be willing to follow Jesus’ example of giving up his own will and becoming obedient to God’s will to the point of physical death.

Those who love their lives in this world and are unwilling to give them up to follow Jesus will eventually die eternally, having lost the opportunity for eternal life. But those who are willing to give up their lives in this world in order to follow Jesus will live eternally with him in Heaven. Would one be willing to trade eternal life in Heaven even for everything in this world? Would one be willing to give everything he possesses to obtain eternal life in Heaven? Jesus is going to return to judge and repay everyone who has ever lived according to what they have done in life. Jesus declared that some will still be living when Jesus returns on the Day of Judgment.

Now is the time to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with the Lord. There is a Day of Judgment coming, and everyone will be personally accountable to God for everything each has done individually. All wisdom distills to this: Fear God and obey him; this is our duty as his creation. God’s will for us is to trust and obey Jesus (Matthew 17:5 RSV). Jesus is God’s only provision for our forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). God's word is intended to prod us to examination and correction (Ecclesiastes 12:11). Be careful about seeking alternative advice! The world offers lots of books other than the Bible. The world has lots of alternate opinions about ways to come to God. The world offers lots of alternative teachers. But there is only one true, Good Shepherd: Jesus Christ!

We must be obedient to Jesus Christ in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit. God does not give his Holy Spirit to those who do not obey him (Isaiah 42:5d). The Holy Spirit is given to disciples of Jesus Christ so that we can live according to the will and direction of the Holy Spirit. Those who do not have the Spirit of Christ do not belong to Jesus (Romans 8:9b). We are to examine ourselves: Are we living in faith and obedience to Jesus Christ? Have we received the Holy Spirit since we first believed (Acts 19:2)?

Have you come to know that Jesus is the Christ, our Lord and Savior? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you surrendering your will and obeying Jesus daily?  Are you joining with Jesus in following, in obedience, God’s will and plan to redeem the world, or are you working for the opposition? Are you willing to trade the things of this world for eternal life in Heaven with the Lord?

4 Pentecost - Saturday

posted 07/02/04

Numbers 3:1-13    Levites set apart to serve
Galatians 6:11-18    The marks of Jesus
Matthew 17:1-13    Transfiguration

Aaron (the first High Priest of Israel) had four sons: Nadab, the first born, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Nadab and Abihu were slain by the Lord when they offered unholy fire, and they had no children to inherit their office. Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during Aaron’s lifetime. The Lord instructed Moses to set apart the whole tribe of Levi for service in the priesthood. They were to assist the High Priests, but the High Priestly duties (at the altar) were reserved for Aaron and his descendents. The Levites were set aside for religious service, replacing the former practice of inducting every firstborn into religious service.

Paul wrote a postscript to the Galatians in his own handwriting. Paul said that those (the “circumcision party”;  Galatians 2:12 REV; Judaizers)  in the church who were insisting that Christians must keep the Jewish Laws, of which circumcision was the mark (seal), wanted to make a good showing in the flesh (they wanted to look “spiritual” in the eyes of men). Those who advocate circumcision (legalism) do not themselves keep the law (no one can; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16, 21). The legalists are rejoicing in the flesh (of those they persuade to submit to legalism) whereas Paul’s satisfaction and rejoicing is in the Cross. The mark of circumcision is of no benefit in freeing us from bondage to sin and death (Galatians 5:2-4); it is Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross that frees us and makes it possible to be re-born into a new creation. Paul offers a personal example: he is not threatened by challenges from legalists because he bears on his body the mark of Jesus.

Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain by themselves, and Jesus was transfigured in their presence; his face became radiant like the sun and his garments glowed. The three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. Peter spoke to Jesus suggesting that Peter build three booths, one each for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, if Jesus approved. Before Peter finished speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them and they heard a voice saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). The disciples fell on their faces in awe when they heard this voice, but Jesus came and touched them and told them to get up and not be afraid.

When they opened their eyes, Moses and Elijah were no longer visible. As they came down from the mountain Jesus told them to “tell no one the vision until after the Son of man is raised from the dead” (Matthew 17:9). The disciples asked Jesus why the scribes say that Elijah must come (before the Messiah). Jesus said that according to scripture Elijah does come to turn Israel back to God before the Messiah appears, and that Elijah had come but the religious authorities had not recognized him, and had done as they pleased. Jesus said that the Son of man (Jesus) would also suffer (similarly) at their hands. The disciples understood that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist.

Nadab and Abihu inherited the office of priest from their father, and Nadab, as the firstborn had a double inheritance in the religion of Israel, since under the old tradition every firstborn was to be set apart for lifelong religious service to God. But God is not interested in preserving religious tradition. God is concerned with the attitudes of our heart and our obedience to his word. Nadab and Abihu were using their position for selfish and unholy purposes, so God removed them and gave their inheritance to others.

The Judaizers in the Galatian congregation were trying to preserve the old Jewish religious traditions. They were using their religion to make themselves look righteous. They weren’t interested in being disciples of Jesus Christ. They weren’t seeking God’s will. God wants a change of heart-attitude. God wants us to be reborn by the indwelling Holy Spirit. God wants us to use our religious inheritance to serve him in obedience and holiness; not to further our own selfish ambitions, nor to make ourselves look righteous in the eyes of the world.

Paul (Saul) bore in his body the mark of Jesus: a changed life as a result of his Damascus Road encounter with the risen Jesus (Acts  Chapter 9). Paul did a 180 degree change from a leading persecutor of Christians to the original, archetypical “born-again Christian.” Paul bore in his body the marks of beatings, stoning, persecutions, imprisonments, shipwreck and deprivations for the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit, which is the mark which guarantees that he belongs to Christ, and that he has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Peter, James and John were chosen to accompany Jesus to witness the transfiguration. Jesus became radiant, like Moses had appeared to the people after he had been in God’s presence (Exodus 34:29-35), but more intensely. (Perhaps, in Jesus’ transfiguration, Jesus’ whole body glowed so intensely that the light shown through his clothes, causing his garments to appear to glow.) The bright cloud overshadowed them (the visible manifestation of God; see Exodus 24:16; 13:21) like the cloud that descended on Mt. Sinai when Moses received the Ten Commandments. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus. 

Peter was going to build three booths, “tabernacles,” to honor Jesus, Moses, Elijah, but the voice of God from the cloud told them that Jesus was God’s beloved Son; they were to listen to him. Peter was enthusiastic to build “tabernacles” to the old religious tradition, represented by Moses and Elijah, but Jesus is the new and better way. Jesus is the fulfillment of the old religious tradition. From that point on, relationship with God is through faith in, and obedience to Jesus, not through following the old religious traditions. (The Jewish religious leaders in Jesus' lifetime were interested in preserving religious tradition. The Jewish religion effectively came to an end at the Cross. See Journal entries for Holy week, Monday, April 5, through Thursday, April 8, 2004.)  

So, how are we doing? Are we glorifying and serving Jesus as our Lord and Savior, or are we glorifying and serving ourselves? Are we rejoicing in the Cross of Christ, or are we rejoicing in our flesh? Are we building the body of Christ, or are we building monuments to old religious traditions? Are we being transformed (Romans 12:2)? Do we bear the marks of Jesus in our body?