Christ the King - Sunday

first posted 11/20/04

Zechariah 9:9-16,    Coming Triumphal King
1 Peter 3:13-22,     Patience in Persecution
Matthew 21:1-13     Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

The prophet foresaw the coming of the promised Messiah, the anointed king of the People of God. Rejoice, daughter of Zion (Jerusalem; the People of God; the Church; the eternal city in Heaven)! God’s anointed king comes. He is triumphant and victorious; but he is also humble and lowly, riding on the foal of an ass. He comes in peace. [The war chariot is cut off from Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel); the war horse from Jerusalem (the Southern Kingdom). The battle bow shall be cut off.] His dominion is from sea to sea; from the River (Euphrates; 1 Kings 4:21; the birthplace of creation) to the end of the earth (the farthest boundary in space and time).

The Lord promises to set free the captives (of sin) from the waterless pit (eternal damnation) by the blood of the (New) Covenant [of salvation by grace through faith (trust and obedience)] in Jesus Christ. Christ is the stronghold of the prisoners of hope (those who hope in Christ). The Lord promises to restore double (beyond what they deserve or expect) to those who trust in him. Judah (God’s people) is his bow (his weapon) and his arrow (his ammunition; his tools to accomplish his purpose). 

God’s people will prevail over the people of the world. The Lord will appear above his army; he will go forth before his army in power; he will sound the trumpet. The Lord will protect and empower his army; they shall overcome and destroy the enemy. The victory of God’s people shall be utterly complete. That will be the day of the Lord’s salvation. God’s people are his precious flock, the jewels of his crown.

One need not fear harm if one earnestly pursues what is right, because even if one suffers for righteousness, one will be blessed (by the Lord). Thus we need not fear or worry, if we truly reverence Jesus as Lord. We should always be ready to defend our faith in Jesus, but with reverence and gentleness. We should keep our consciences unstained, so that those who persecute us for righteousness will be put to shame. It’s much better to suffer for doing right than for doing evil, just as Jesus, the righteous one, died for the unrighteous, so that we could be reconciled to God.

He died in the flesh so that he might live in the spirit. He died so that he could present the gospel to those who had died in the day of Noah (before they had knowledge of the gospel). In the day of Noah, God waited patiently (for the world to repent) during the building of the ark, but only a few (eight people) were saved through water (by faith in God’s Word). Baptism is the corresponding event which now saves us who have believed God’s word. Baptism doesn’t remove dirt like a bath; it’s a covenant with God to forgive our sins through faith (trust and obedience) in Jesus, who has risen from death to eternal life in the spirit in heaven, where he has the place of honor with God, from which he rules over all creation.

Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, knowing that crucifixion awaited him. At Beth-phage, he sent two disciples into the village to bring an ass and colt (or the colt of an ass) to Jesus. He told them that if anyone questioned them they should say that the Lord had need of them (or it) and they would be allowed to take the animal(s). This was done in fulfillment of prophecy (Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 62:11) “Tell the daughter of Zion (the city of Jerusalem; the People of God), Behold, your king is coming to you , humble and riding on an ass and on a colt, the foal of an ass” (Matthew 21:5).

The two disciples did as Jesus had directed, and they put their garments on the animal(s) and Jesus sat thereon. Most of the crowd spread their clothing on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The people going ahead and trailing behind cried out “Hosanna (meaning “O save!” A joyous acclamation) to the Son of David (the heir to David’s throne)! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21:9)!

As Jesus entered the city the people of Jerusalem wondered who it was that was arriving, and the crowds following Jesus told them that it was the prophet Jesus of Nazareth in Galilee. Jesus went to the temple, and immediately drove out the merchants and moneychangers who did business in the temple, telling them that God’s word declared that the temple was to be a house of prayer, but they had made it a “den of robbers.”

The blind and lame came to Jesus in the temple and Jesus healed them. But when the priests and scribes saw the wonderful things Jesus was doing and heard children praising Jesus as the Son of David, they were indignant. They thought Jesus was wrong to allow himself to be thus praised, but Jesus quoted Psalm 8:1-2 (RSV), showing that it is in the innocence and trust of children that God is perfectly praised.

The prophet Zechariah foresaw the coming of the promised Messiah, God’s anointed eternal king. The Lord promised to free his people from eternal destruction, which is the penalty for sin, through the blood of his covenant in Jesus Christ. It is God’s intention that the redeemed would become his spiritual army to join in the battle to free the people of the world from bondage to sin and death. The Lord will lead his people and empower them to overcome the enemy.

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to us through Zachariah. If we reverence Jesus as our Lord we need no longer fear, even though we may experience persecution.  We’ve been saved through baptism into Jesus, just like Noah and his family were saved from the flood which destroyed the world in his day. Baptism is a covenant with God.

Jesus came to bring the gospel of salvation to us. We are to join in his mission to bring the gospel of salvation to the world. We are to live according to Jesus’ teaching so that our conduct will be beyond reproach, and we are to be witnesses to the saving power of Jesus Christ. We must become Jesus’ disciples in order to do that. Those who trust and obey Jesus receive the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead and empower them to accomplish the mission of bringing the gospel of salvation to the world.

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy. Jesus' entry was also a parable to the people of Jerusalem. They were seeing the prophecy of Zechariah dramatized. The crowd which followed Jesus acknowledged Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah, the Son of David; they acknowledged that he had come in the name and authority of God. But when they entered Jerusalem and the people of the city asked who was arriving, the followers told them only that Jesus was a prophet from Nazareth.

The first thing Jesus did was to bring reform to the “Church” by driving out the corrupt practices which had been allowed to grow. He brought healing to those who were sick.  The innocent and trusting acknowledged him as the Messiah, but those who considered themselves wise and educated rejected him.

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem is a parable, an allegory, as well as historical fact. Jesus is going to come again, this time with great glory and power as the triumphant eternal king. Will we be ready to receive him? Will we acknowledge him as our Lord and king? Have we received him in trust and obedience, or are we rejecting him and refusing to obey his commands? Are we living in accordance with his teachings, or are we living in a way which brings reproach on his name? Are we carrying out the command to declare to the world the reason for the hope we have in Jesus, or are we leaving it up to the world to figure out for themselves who Jesus is?

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

Christ the King - Monday

first posted 11/21/04

Zechariah 10:1-12,     Lord of Nature and History
Galatians 6:1-10,    Exhortations to Charity and Zeal
Luke 18:15-30     Children and the Rich

It is the Lord, the creator of the world, who controls the forces and bounty of nature. Don’t seek guidance or the fulfillment of your needs from false gods (Teraphim: household gods, or perhaps representations of ancestors), from sorcerers or from false prophets. Those who resort to such practices are like straying sheep without a shepherd. The Lord is angry with the shepherds (spiritual and political leaders) of his people, and will punish them. The Lord cares for his people. Out of them shall come the cornerstone; the tent peg; the battle bow; every ruler (compare Zechariah 14:9). God’s people shall become his army; they will triumph because the Lord is with them.

The Lord will strengthen Judah, and save Joseph (“Israel”). The Lord will have compassion on them and restore them to their former glory. The Lord promises that though they have been scattered throughout the world he will call them and they shall return. The Lord will bring them back from Egypt and Assyria, lands of bondage and captivity; the Lord will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon (compare Hosea 11:11; Gilead was the eastern boundary of the Promised Land, Lebanon is the northern boundary). The full number of God’s people will be restored (there won’t be any missing; compare Deuteronomy 30:1-5). “They shall pass through the sea of Egypt (or “distress”), and the waves of the sea shall be smitten (the “waters” of distress parted, as at the Exodus; compare Isaiah 43:1-2).  God will give his people his strength and they will walk (i.e. obey; Zechariah 10:12, note p, RSV) in his name.

If anyone succumbs to temptation those who are sanctified (regenerate; reborn) ought to gently lead him to restoration. The regenerate should also guard themselves against temptation. We should help one another in our afflictions, fulfilling Christ’s commandment of love. Let us not deceive ourselves by thinking we are something when we are not. Let each one judge himself. We are to judge ourselves according to our own performance and not in comparison to others. Each person will be responsible for himself alone.

Let those who learn reward those who teach them. Don’t be stupid; God cannot be fooled! We will be repaid according to what we have done. Those who pursue the pleasures of the flesh will rot in their flesh, but those who please the Spirit will receive eternal life.  Don’t get tired of doing what is good, because eventually we will receive the rewards of doing right, if we don’t give up. So let us do right to everyone, but especially to our brothers and sisters in Jesus.

People were bringing children and infants to Jesus to be blessed by him, and the disciples tried to stop them, but Jesus told his disciples not to hinder the children from coming to him. Jesus declared that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like those children. “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Luke 18:17).

A ruler addressed Jesus as a “Good Teacher” and asked Jesus what the ruler needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked why the person had called him “good,” saying that no one is good but God alone.  Jesus said that the ruler knew the commandments not to commit adultery, not to kill, steal or lie, and to honor father and mother. The ruler replied that he had kept all those commandments from a young age. Jesus told the ruler he lacked one thing; the ruler should sell all his possessions and give to the poor. Then the ruler would have treasure in heaven; and Jesus invited the ruler to become a disciple of Jesus.

But the ruler was sad at what Jesus had said, because he was very rich. Jesus saw his reaction, and said that it is very difficult for the rich to enter God’s kingdom. Jesus said that it was in fact impossible, in human terms. Those listening asked who could hope to be saved in that case, and Jesus answered that nothing is impossible for God. Peter commented that he and the rest of Jesus’ disciples had left homes to follow Jesus, and Jesus replied that whoever leaves family and possessions to follow Jesus will receive much more now in this world, and eternal life in Heaven.

Only the Lord, the creator of the universe, controls the forces of nature and life. Our only real hope is in him. There is no help or security in any other thing or person. Those who seek hope and security elsewhere are like straying sheep, lost and sure to get into danger. The Lord will judge and punish the spiritual and political leaders of the people who have allowed the people to stray from following the Lord.

The Lord himself will be the shepherd of his people, and will call and gather them from the lands where they are in captivity to sin and lead them into the Promised Land of his eternal kingdom, and into his eternal family. We are to seek guidance from and walk in obedience to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the cornerstone, the tent peg, the one who is victorious over the enemy, the ultimate eternal ruler over all.

The sanctified are those who are disciples of Jesus Christ, who have been “born-again” by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within them. Disciples are commanded to disciple others (Matthew 28:18-20). One must be a disciple in order to make disciples. One cannot be a Christian without being a disciple.

We must measure ourselves against the teachings of Jesus; not merely conform to the standards of our peers. One cannot truly believe in Jesus without obeying what Jesus commands. Each of us will be individually accountable to the Lord for what we have done in life. We must sacrifice our desires for the things of this world, and become obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Those who are sanctified are members of the family of God.

One must receive the kingdom of God in childlike trust and obedience. The rich young ruler was a “shepherd” of Israel. He acknowledged Jesus as a “Good Teacher.” He wanted eternal life, but he wasn’t willing to do what Jesus told him; he wasn’t willing to give up his worldly possessions and pleasures and become a disciple of Jesus. The rich young ruler was righteous in his own eyes, because he was comparing himself with his peers (he thought he kept the Law of Moses; Luke 18:21).

It’s not enough to be a good person according to the standards of society. It’s not enough even to be a “good church member” (Matthew 7:21-24; Luke 6:46). Church membership won’t save us; only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through his indwelling Holy Spirit will save us. It is those who are led by and obedient to the Holy Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9b) who are the People of God. 

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the Holy Spirit since you first believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus 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)?

Christ the King - Tuesday

first posted 11/21/04

Zechariah 11:4-17,     Worthless Shepherds
1 Corinthians 3:10-23,     Responsibility of Teachers
Luke 18:31-43    Blind Man Healed

The Lord condemns the wicked shepherds of his people who feed on his people and become rich at their expense. The Lord called a good shepherd to provide care for his people, but the people rejected the good shepherd and refused to obey him. So the Lord ended his covenant with them and gave them into the hands of the wicked shepherds.

The wicked shepherds, who trafficked in the “sheep,” paid thirty shekels of silver (the price of a slave; the price of Jesus’ betrayal; compare Matthew 26:15) for the good shepherd, and the money went to the treasury (or potter; Zechariah 11:13 RSV note “r;” compare Matthew 27:6-10). Because the people rejected the good shepherd, the Lord gave them into the hands of a worthless shepherd “who does not care for the perishing, or seek the wandering, or heal the maimed or nourish the sound (Zechariah 11:16), but instead devours them, and abandons the flock.

Paul compares his work to that of a master builder, who has laid a foundation according to God’s blueprints, and now sub-contractors (individual believers; also pastors and teachers) are completing the building on that foundation. The foundation is (the Gospel of) Jesus Christ; there is no other adequate foundation. The sub-contractors’ materials and workmanship will be evident when the building is completed at the Day of the Lord. It will be tested by the fire of God’s judgment, to see if it is “fireproof.”

 Believers will be rewarded in Heaven according to the workmanship and materials they have contributed to the building. Each one should take care how he builds upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. The church (as well as each individual believer) is the temple of the Holy Spirit. God will punish those who damage his temple.

The church is warned against the divisiveness of worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom is false wisdom; true wisdom is the divine wisdom by which the world was created (Proverbs 9:10; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 2:1-8). “The wisdom of the world is folly with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). God will trip up those who think they’re smart. Worldly wisdom is unable to save us. So don’t boast of human wisdom. Those who are in Christ do not belong to any human leader; all things have been given to them in Jesus Christ.

For the fourth time (Luke 18:31-33; see 9:22, 44-45; 17:25) Jesus told his disciples plainly that he was going to Jerusalem where he would be killed and would rise again from the dead on the third day, but they didn’t understand what Jesus was saying. As they came to Jericho, a blind man sitting beside the road heard the crowd passing and asked what was happening. He was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing.

The blind man cried out to Jesus, addressing him as the Son of David and asking for mercy.  Those around the blind man told him to be quiet, but he cried out all the more. Jesus called the man to him and asked what the man wanted Jesus to do for him. The man asked to receive his sight, and Jesus granted him healing, declaring that the man’s faith had made him well. Immediately the man’s sight was restored, and he followed Jesus, glorifying God. The people who witnessed the healing also praised God.

The Lord condemns and will punish the corrupt religious and political leaders of the people, who exploit their position to become rich at the expense of the people. God has sent his Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, to lead and care for his people, but the people rejected and refused to obey Jesus. God will give those who have rejected the Good Shepherd into the hands of the wicked and worthless shepherd who doesn’t provide care for the perishing, seek the wandering, provide healing for the injured, or nurture for the healthy, but who devours and abandons the flock.

The religious and political leaders of Israel at the time of Jesus were wicked and worthless shepherds. The Church and the World, and particularly America, are in much the same position today; there are many wicked and worthless shepherds today, even within the Church. The ultimate wicked and worthless shepherd is Satan.

Each of us will be individually accountable to the Lord for how we have built on the foundation of Christ. We need to be careful how we build on the foundation of Christ. This warning also applies to the leaders of the Church (and to political leaders also). Has the Church relied too much on worldly knowledge “about” God and not enough on the divine knowledge and personal relationship with Jesus through the gift of the Holy Spirit? Has the Church placed its relationship to a particular theologian ahead of its relationship to Jesus Christ? Are Christians relying on their relation with a particular pastor or theologian, instead of developing a personal relationship with Jesus through his indwelling Holy Spirit?

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep. Jesus is the only one who can heal our spiritual blindness, and restore us to eternal life in the kingdom of God. Only Jesus, through his indwelling Holy Spirit can give us divine wisdom (Luke 24:45). The Lord gives his Holy Spirit to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17; Isaiah 42:5e). We must recognize and acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah; God’s designated savior and king) and call out to him in faith for spiritual healing and guidance. Once the blind man had been healed he followed Jesus (in obedience; Luke 18:43).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the Holy Spirit since you first 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)?

Christ the King - Wednesday

first posted 11/23/04

Zechariah 12:1-10,    The Coming Day of the Lord
Ephesians 1:3-14,    Sealed with the Holy Spirit
Luke 19:1-10     Zacchaeus

The Lord, the creator of heaven and earth, “who formed the spirit of man (mankind) within him” (Zechariah 12:1) declares the coming Day of the Lord. Jerusalem will become a “cup of reeling” (staggering from intoxication; trembling) to the surrounding peoples. Jerusalem will be like a heavy stone; those who lift it will seriously hurt themselves. All the nations of earth will come against it.

On that day the Lord “will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness” (Zechariah 12:4a). The Lord will strike everyone with blindness, but will himself watch over the house of Judah. It will be apparent to all that the Lord is strengthening the people of Jerusalem. The clans of Judah will be firebrands, setting ablaze and devouring the peoples around them. The Lord will give victory to Judah first, so that the people of Jerusalem will not be exalted over those of Judah and the house of David.

On that day the Lord will strengthen the people of Jerusalem so that the weakest of them will be like David, “and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the Lord, at their head” (Zechariah 12:8). “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of compassion and supplication, so that, when they look on him whom they have pierced (Jesus) they shall mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a first-born” (Zechariah 12:10; compare Matthew 23:37-39; Revelation 1:7).

Praise God the Father who has blessed us with every blessing in the spiritual realm in Jesus Christ. Before the creation of the world, God chose us and destined us to be his sons (and daughters), holy and blameless before him through Jesus Christ as a free gift, according to his will. In Jesus we have redemption (payment of ransom) through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins as an extravagant gift.

The mystery of God’s eternal purpose has been revealed through Jesus Christ in God’s perfect timing.  In Jesus those who first hoped in Christ (the Jews) have been destined and appointed to live in praise of God’s Glory.  “In him (Jesus) you also (i.e. Gentiles as well as Jews), who have heard… the gospel of salvation and have believed in him (Jesus), have been sealed with the promised Holy Spirit which is the guarantee of our inheritance (eternal life in the kingdom of God in Heaven) until we acquire possession of it” (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Jesus was passing through Jericho.  A very wealthy chief tax collector named Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was, but, since Zacchaeus was short, he was unable to see over the crowd around Jesus. So Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed up into a tree to see better. As Jesus passed by he looked up and called Zacchaeus by name, telling Zacchaeus to hurry and come down, because Jesus intended to be Zacchaeus’ guest that day in his home.

Zacchaeus was happy to come down and receive Jesus as his guest. The crowd murmured against Jesus for going to fellowship with a sinner. Zacchaeus vowed to the Lord that henceforth he would give half his wealth to the poor, and he would restore fourfold to anyone he had defrauded. Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus, “a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:9-10).

The Lord is our creator. He has given us the breath of physical life; and he also gives eternal life through his indwelling Holy Spirit to those who trust and obey Jesus (Zechariah 12:1; compare Isaiah 42:5e; John 14:15-17). From the beginning of Creation God has had a plan of salvation (John 1:1-5, 14; see sidebar, top right).

God has appointed a day when he will judge the earth, and he has appointed a Savior, Jesus Christ who came forth from Judah, from the house of David, to create an eternal city, the New Jerusalem, his Church. Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). The Lord has not forsaken the Jews. Although the Jews rejected and crucified Jesus, a remnant will be saved. Zechariah foresees a time when the Jews will mourn for Jesus.

The mystery of God’s purpose, which Zechariah foresaw and prophesied, was revealed and fulfilled in Jesus Christ; that salvation was not just for the Jews, but for all people who hear the Gospel and trust and obey Jesus. The indwelling Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of the shield, empowerment and leading (Zechariah 12:8) the Lord promised to give to his Church, both Jews and Gentiles who trust and obey Jesus. The indwelling Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that we belong to Jesus Christ and that we will inherit eternal life in his kingdom (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16; see entry for Tuesday, 19 Pentecost, even year).

Zacchaeus was a Jew who was despised by his own people for collaborating with the enemy because he collected taxes for the occupying Roman government. Zacchaeus was a sinner who received Jesus’ message and responded to it in faith; Zacchaeus repented of his past sinfulness, and changed his behavior. He put Jesus’ teachings into practice in his life; he trusted and obeyed Jesus. Jesus declared that Zacchaeus was a Son of Abraham through faith, not merely by the circumstances of his birth (Romans 4:3, 9-12). Likewise, true Christians are disciples who trust and obey Jesus, not merely those who happen to have been born into the Church.  Jesus came to seek and save the lost; whoever will hear his message and act on it in trust and obedience. 

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first 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)?

Christ the King - Thursday

first posted 11/24/04

Zechariah 13:1-9,     God’s Shepherd
Ephesians 1:15-23,    The Fulness of Christ  
Luke 19:11-27      Parable of the Pounds

On the Day of the Lord a fountain will be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin. The Lord will blot out the names of all idols, all prophets and unclean spirits. Anyone who claims to be a prophet will be killed by his own family. Prophets will be ashamed to tell their visions; they will no longer to put on the prophet’s garments in order to deceive. They will deny that they are prophets.

The Lord declares that the Lord’s shepherd will be killed, and the sheep scattered. The Lord will remove his protection from his people. Two thirds of the people will perish, but one third shall be left alive. That remnant will pass through the fires (of tribulation) to be refined and tested like gold or silver. (When they are thus purified) they will call on the Lord and he will hear and answer them. The Lord will call them his people, and they will declare that the Lord is their God.

Paul gave thanks to God for the faith of the Ephesian Christians, and for their love for fellow believers. Paul prayed that God would give them a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of the Lord; that they might have their spiritual eyes opened so that they would know the hope to which we are called, the great value of our inheritance with the saints, and the greatness of God’s power which is working mightily in those who believe, which he accomplished by the resurrection of Christ from the dead to sovereign authority in heaven.

Jesus' authority and power is above every other rule, authority, power and dominion, and his name is above every name, now and eternally.  God has subjected all things to Jesus, and has made him the head of the Church, which is his body. The Church becomes the embodiment (full realization) of God's plan of salvation in Christ, as Jesus himself is the embodiment of God's plan of salvation, and as Jesus fills each believer with his Holy Spirit.

Jesus was drawing near to Jerusalem, where he knew that he would be crucified (Luke 18:31-33), and his followers expected that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately, so Jesus told them this parable of the pounds: A nobleman went to a distant country to receive kingly power and then return (to reign). He gave each of his servants a "pound" (a sum of money) to manage during his absence. But his citizens sent a delegation declaring that they didn’t want the nobleman to reign over them.

When the nobleman returned, now as king over the region, he summoned his servants and asked for an accounting. One servant had made ten more pounds with the pound he had managed. The king commended his servant for good and faithful work, and gave him the administration of ten cities. Another servant had made five pounds more with the pound with which he had been entrusted, and the King commended his good and faithful service, and gave him authority over five cities. Another servant returned the pound to the king saying that he had known that his master was a hard man, taking what he hadn’t worked for, so he had kept the pound hidden in a safe place.

The king was angry that the unfaithful servant had not at least put the money in the bank where it could have earned interest, and he took the pound from the unfaithful servant and gave it to the servant who had made the ten pounds. It didn’t seem fair to the people to give that pound to the one who had the most, but Jesus declared that to those who have (who realize the value of what they have), more will be given, but to those who have not (do not appreciate the value of what they have), even what they have will be taken from them. Then the king commanded that his enemies, the citizens who had rejected him as their king, be brought and slain in the king’s presence.

The Day of Judgment is coming. The Lord has opened a fountain for the house of David (Jews) and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (the Church) to cleanse them from sin. That fountain is Jesus Christ (John 4:10-14) indwelling each believer by the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39). That indwelling Holy Spirit forms the sacred river flowing outward from the throne of God into the desert of this world, which Ezekiel visualized (Ezekiel 47:1-12), and which is dramatized in the latter addition to the feast of tabernacles of the water libation: Commemorating God’s provision of water from the rock at Horeb, water was drawn from the Pool of Siloam and poured upon the altar in the temple every day for seven days, where it ran down the altar and onto the floor (and then out the door).

In that context, Jesus, speaking of the Holy Spirit, declared, “He who believes in me, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). Zechariah predicted that the Lord’s shepherd (Messiah; Jesus Christ) would be killed and that the sheep would be scattered, and a remnant would be purified and saved through tribulation. When they call on the name of the Lord (Jesus) they will be saved. Jesus, mourning over Jerusalem for not receiving him, declared, “your house is forsaken (and desolate). For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’” (Matthew 23:38-39). [False, unfaithful prophets who have used their office to proclaim lies in God’s name will be punished.]

Paul was trying to express how God’s plan to redeem the world, which God planned from the creation of the world, came to full realization in the Church through the gift of the Holy Spirit to each individual believer. It is the gift of the indwelling Spirit of Christ who gives believers the spirit of divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 2:6-7). It is through the indwelling Holy Spirit that Jesus reveals himself to us and gives us personal knowledge of him (John 14:21-26). It is the indwelling Holy Spirit which opens our spiritual eyes (John 3:3) (and our minds to understand the scriptures; Luke 24:45). It is the indwelling Holy Spirit working through “born-again” believers that guides, empowers and enables them to accomplish God’s purpose, and apply God’s power. Jesus became the embodiment of God’s plan of salvation in human form. Through his resurrection he fills his disciples who collectively become the body of Christ and the ultimate embodiment of God’s plan of salvation.

Jesus told his followers the parable of the pounds because he knew that he would be leaving this earth soon and his followers were expecting the kingdom of God to appear immediately. The parable illustrates life in this world.

Jesus is the nobleman who is going to Heaven to receive his kingly power. His servants are his followers. He gives them each the same measure of spiritual “potential” (the promise of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; compare John 1:12 RSV) and commands us to use that potential until he returns. But unless we trust and obey Jesus, we will never receive the promised Holy Spirit, because trust and obedience are conditions of its fulfillment (John 14:15-17; Isaiah 42:5e).

Those who don’t obey Jesus are like the servant who hid his “pound” in a safe place; he didn’t act on the command and he didn’t receive any return. What he thought he had secured was taken from him. The good and faithful servants are those who receive the promise, act on it and receive the rewards.  Their reward in the kingdom of God will be in proportion to their development of their spiritual potential; their application of the gift they’ve been promised. 

There’s a Day of Judgment coming when we will all give account to the Lord for what we have done in life. Those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will receive eternal life in heaven with the Lord; those who have rejected and have refused to obey Jesus will receive eternal destruction and death in Hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46).

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the Holy Spirit since you first 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)?

Christ the King - Friday

first posted 11/25/04

Zechariah 14:1-11,   Universal Reign of the Lord
Romans 15:7-13,     Abounding Hope
Luke 19:28-40    The Coming King

Zechariah describes the Battle of Armageddon when the forces of Satan will be finally defeated, and the kingdom of God will be established on earth. “On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem” (Zechariah 14:8; compare 13:1) “The Lord will become king over all the earth” Zechariah 14:9).

Paul exhorts Jewish and Gentile Christians to welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed each of us. Christ came to the Jews in fulfillment of God’s promise to the patriarchs, but also in fulfillment of the scriptures that salvation included the Gentiles. Paul quotes Psalm 18:49, Deuteronomy 32:43 and Psalm 117:1 to show that the Gentiles (nations) will also praise and worship the Lord, and Isaiah 11:10 to show the universal reign of the Lord and inclusiveness of the hope of salvation. Paul’s prayer is that through faith we would have joy and peace, and that through the power of the Holy Spirit within us we might have abounding hope.  

Jesus neared Jerusalem, knowing that he would be crucified. When he neared Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples into the nearby village to fetch a colt (a young donkey) on which no one had yet ridden. They were to untie it and bring it to Jesus. Jesus told them to tell anyone who might question their activity that the Lord had need of the animal. The disciples went and found the situation exactly as Jesus had said. The owner questioned them as they were untying the animal, and they answered as Jesus had instructed them.

They brought the colt to Jesus, placed their garments on it, and Jesus sat thereon. As he rode along, the people placed garments on the road. Descending from the Mount of Olives, the crowd began to rejoice and praise God, saying “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest” (Luke 19:38). Some Pharisees among the crowd told Jesus to rebuke his disciples (i.e., tell them to be silent) but Jesus answered that if his disciples were silenced the very rocks would cry out.

Jesus has promised to return in power to judge everyone who has ever lived on earth and to reign as King (Mark 13:7-27; Matthew 25:31-46). His coming will be bad news for his enemies, but great news for his disciples. Jesus is the source of living water (John 4:10-14; John 7:38-39; see entry for yesterday, Thursday, Christ the King, even year). Jesus is the fountain which cleanses us from sin (Zechariah 13:1).

All have sinned and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:26; there is no such thing as reincarnation: see Hebrews 9:27). There is a Day of Judgment coming when all who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will receive eternal life in the kingdom of God, and all who have rejected and refused to obey Jesus will receive eternal death and destruction in Hell with all evil (Matthew 25:31-46). God loves us and doesn’t want anyone to perish, but instead for all to live eternally in his kingdom (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8). Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12, John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right). He offers the free gift of forgiveness and salvation to all who will trust and obey Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The only lasting joy, peace and hope are in Jesus Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit within us is the assurance of our hope; the Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that we belong to Jesus and have eternal life in his kingdom (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16; see also entry for yesterday, Thursday, Christ the King, even year).

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to send his Son to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our forgiveness and salvation. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to raise up an eternal King to inherit the throne of David. Jesus came to earth the first time to die on the cross and be raised to his eternal kingship. Jesus promised to return to judge the earth and to reign eternally. What Jesus promises will be fulfilled; what Jesus teaches will prove effective. Are you ready for Jesus’ return? Christ welcomes us; do we welcome Christ? Will you be rejoicing on the Day of the Lord’s return (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the Holy Spirit since you first 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)?

Christ the King - Saturday

first posted 11/26/04

Zechariah 14:12-21,      Final Victory
Philippians 2:1-11,     Jesus is Lord!
Luke 19:41-48     Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem

At the Battle of Armageddon a plague will come upon all the peoples who wage war against Jerusalem. Their flesh will rot while they are still on their feet; their eyes will rot in their sockets and their tongues will rot in their mouths. Their livestock will suffer a similar plague. The Lord will cause a great panic to fall on them and they will turn against and destroy each other. All their treasure will be gathered as plunder.

All the survivors of the nations that fought against Jerusalem will come each year to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles (harvest). Any of the people of Egypt and the nations who do not go up to keep the Feast will suffer plague and drought. In that Day, the most common objects will be holy to the Lord. “And there shall no longer be a trader in the house of the Lord of hosts on that day.” (Zechariah 14:21c).

Paul asks that believers would make his joy complete by being in unity of mind and heart with one another by the encouragement of Christ, by the incentive of love, by their participation in the Holy Spirit, in affection and sympathy. We are urged not to be motivated by selfishness or conceit, but by humility, focusing on the interests of others.

We should follow the example of Christ: Though he was God in human form (Colossians 2:8-9; John 1:1, 14, Matthew 1:23; John 20:28), he didn’t seek equality with God for himself, but instead was born in human flesh and became a servant, humbling himself in obedience (to God) even to death on the cross. Therefore God has honored Jesus and given him a name which is greater than any other name. At the name of Jesus, everyone will bow their knees and everyone will declare that Jesus is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.

As Jesus was about to enter Jerusalem, he wept over it, saying, “Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace" (Luke 19:42). Jesus declared that since they did not, those things would be hidden from them. Jesus predicted that Jerusalem would be attacked and destroyed, because Jerusalem had not recognized the visitation (of the Messiah).

Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out the merchants, saying that they had turned God’s house of prayer into a den of robbers. Jesus taught daily in the temple, and the spiritual and political leaders of the people wanted to destroy Jesus, but they couldn’t find any way to do it, because the people were eager to hear Jesus’ teachings.

The Lord is going to return to judge the earth and to reign as King (Matthew 25:31-46). His enemies will be destroyed in the final conflict at the Battle of Armageddon. He will rule the world from Jerusalem. In that Day both society and the Church will be reformed.

Jesus has already begun his reign with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-44). He defeated Satan and won the victory at his crucifixion, which was confirmed by his resurrection. We can begin to live in his kingdom in that victory now by following Christ’s example and teaching. The Day is coming when everyone will bow to him and declare that Jesus is Lord.

Jesus began the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy by driving the merchants from the temple. Jesus emptied himself and became obedient to God's will; the religious and political leaders of Israel were "full of themselves" and not obedient to God's will. The religious and political leaders of Israel were motivated by selfishness and conceit; they were focused on their own interests instead of the interests of others, and that kept them from recognizing and acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah.

Jesus prophesied that Jerusalem would be destroyed because they had rejected their Messiah, and that prophecy was fulfilled in 70 A.D. Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed and the people were scattered throughout the world. Israel ceased to exist as a nation, and Judaism effectively ended (because without the temple there is no means of practicing the sacrificial system). Only since World War II has Israel been reestablished; the Temple has never been rebuilt.

Jesus has promised to return to judge the Earth and establish his kingdom (Matthew 25:31-46). Are you ready for Jesus’ return? Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the Holy Spirit since you first 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)?