5 Easter Sunday

Isaiah 32:1-8,     The Coming Age of Justice
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17,      Hold on to Apostolic Doctrines
Matthew 7:7-14      Applying the Gospel in Life

In the coming age the king “will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice” (Isaiah 32:1). Their just administration will provide security from the “storms” and difficulties of life. In that time people will no longer be spiritually blind, and they will have ears which pay attention and obey. People will no longer be rash in their judgment, and stammerers will speak plainly (and there won’t be any lying). Fools and deceivers will no longer be given honor. “For the fool speaks folly and his mind plots evil, to practice ungodliness;” he teaches lies concerning the Lord, “to leave the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink” (Isaiah 32:6). The intent of the scoundrel is evil; he devises plans to ruin the poor with lies, and ignores the just pleas of the needy. But those who are noble do what is noble and by their noble deeds they will prevail.

God has intended from the beginning to save us through sanctification (spiritual purification) by the Spirit and belief (obedient trust) in the truth (Jesus; John 14:6). He calls us through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so that we may obtain the great happiness of eternal life in heaven with Jesus. So Paul exhorts Christians to hold fast to the Christian doctrines, as taught by Paul and the other apostles (and recorded in the Bible; see also Luke 6:13-16). God our Father loves us and gave us eternal comfort and hope through Jesus by grace (free gift; unmerited favor) through “belief (obedient trust) in the truth (the scriptural apostolic Gospel of Jesus Christ; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).  

Jesus taught his disciples “Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. The Lord will reward those seek him and his will. Even though we are sinful, most of us will give our children the necessities of life when they ask according to our will. God, who is completely righteous, just and loving, can be relied on to give us what we need, when we ask him according to his will.

We will fulfill all God’s commandments if we treat others as we would like them to treat us. The gate to eternal life is narrow, and the way is difficult (it requires self-denial and sacrifice). Those who find it are few. The wide gate and the easy path lead to eternal destruction, and many will go that way.

The coming age is the new age of the eternal kingdom of God, following the Day of Judgment.  The King of the coming age is the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s anointed, eternal King. In that age God’s people will be secure and free from all the difficulties and sorrows of this present life. We will all have spiritual vision and we will all hear and obey God’s Word. This present world honors and rewards fools and scoundrels, deceivers and false teachers, but they won’t live in God’s eternal kingdom; they will have been condemned to eternal destruction in Hell (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). But those who do what is honorable according to God’s Word now, in this world, will be saved and rewarded in God’s eternal kingdom.

God’s plan of salvation (see sidebar top right) has existed from the beginning of Creation, and has been intentionally built into it (John 1:1-5; 14). God’s purpose has always been to create a kingdom of his people who will trust and obey him. Life in this world is a selection process for life in his eternal kingdom, and God has given us the freedom to choose for ourselves individually where we will spend eternity. 

Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation and eternal life in his kingdom (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). Jesus is the revelation of God in human flesh and the example of a human who is filled with and guided by God’s Spirit [although Jesus is fully God (Colossians 2:8-9), and we won’t become “gods” by receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit]. 

The gift of the Holy Spirit is the fullest revelation of God to us personally and individually. It is through God’s indwelling Holy Spirit that we have a personal relationship with Jesus and God our Father (John 14:21, 23), and by whom we are led and empowered to grow to spiritual maturity. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit who gives us eternal life beginning now; with a taste of the joy in the presence of the Lord which we will have in eternity. The indwelling Holy Spirit is the seal 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). Only Jesus gives the gift of the Holy Spirit, only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (Isaiah 42:5e; John 14:15-17).

Jesus shows us by his words and his deeds that God our Father loves us (John 3:16) and that God’s will for us is completely good. The Holy Spirit is an incredibly wonderful and generous gift to us. Jesus promised that if we ask, seek, and knock, we will receive.

God wants us to know and understand his Word, and he wants to reveal his specific will for us individually, so if we want to understand his Word and know his will with the commitment to be guided by it, he will give us that knowledge and understanding. When we show the Lord that we are committed to trust and obey him he gives us his Spirit.

The gate is narrow (Jesus is the only way) and the path is hard, because we will be required to surrender our will in order to do the Lord’s will, but the Holy Spirit provides the resources we need to accomplish God’s will. We will discover that our needs and wants are truly satisfied only in obedient trust in Jesus Christ. In contrast the gate to Hell and eternal destruction is wide (trusting and serving anyone or thing other that the Lord Jesus Christ) and the road is easy, because you can do anything you want, but will never find lasting security and satisfaction.

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you a disciple of Jesus? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the gift of 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 (Matthew28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?  

5 Easter  - Monday

Jeremiah 32:1-15,    Jeremiah Buys a FIeld
Colossians 3:18-4:18,     The Christian’s Duties
Luke 7:36-50      The Woman who was a Sinner

In early 587 B.C. a ‘Word from the Lord” came to Jeremiah. It was during Nebuchadnezzar’s siege of Jerusalem, and Jeremiah had been imprisoned in the court of the palace guard by King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, the remnant of Israel, because Jeremiah had prophesied Judah’s defeat by Babylon. Jeremiah had told Zedekiah that Zedekiah would be captured and taken to Babylon.

The Lord told Jeremiah that Jeremiah’s cousin, Hanamel, would come to Jeremiah offering to sell him a field belonging to their family so that it would remain in the family. When this prophecy was fulfilled Jeremiah knew that this was God’s Word, and he bought the field. Jeremiah paid seventeen shekels by weight in silver.

The deed was signed, witnessed and sealed in the presence of buyer and seller, the witnesses, and the Jews sitting in the court of the palace guard. Then Jeremiah gave both the sealed deed and an open copy, for reference, to Baruch, Jeremiah’s secretary, with instructions to seal both in an earthenware jar so that they would be preserved for a long time. This was the Lord’s Word of assurance that fields and vineyards would again be bought and sold in Israel.

Wives are to be subject (obedient) to their husbands (as to the Lord), and husbands are to be loving and gentle with their wives (as the Lord is to them; compare Ephesians 5:22-30). Children are to be obedient to their parents as we have the example in Christ, and their parents are not to be unreasonable with their children (as we have the example of God the Father). So also servants are to serve and obey as serving the Lord, not merely having the appearance of obedience in order to receive worldly approval. We are to fulfill whatever our worldly role is, as serving the Lord, knowing that by doing so we will be rewarded by the Lord in eternity.

Every one who does evil will be punished, because God is totally impartial. Masters are to treat their servants justly as the masters would themselves wish to be treated by our Lord. We are to be in prayer daily, being alert to pray for needs as they occur (rather than allowing ourselves to become careless and lax). Let us pray also for all who are proclaiming the Gospel, that they may do so boldly, accurately, enthusiastically and completely. Let us use the time we have, constructively, to reach the lost. To that end let our speech always be gracious, but pointed, so that we can convey the truth and reality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone.

Jesus accepted an invitation to dinner at a Pharisee’s home. A woman of the city heard where Jesus was and came with a flask of ointment; and kneeling behind Jesus at his feet, began to wash his feet with her tears, and dry them with her hair. Then she kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. The Pharisee was thinking to himself that if Jesus realized that the woman was a sinner he should not have let her touch him. Jesus knew what the Pharisee was thinking and Jesus told him a parable about a creditor with two debtors, one of whom owed a large sum and the other who owed a small amount.

Jesus said that the creditor had forgiven the debts of both debtors, and asked the Pharisee who he thought would be more grateful. The Pharisee chose the debtor who owed the greater debt, and Jesus told him that he was right. Then Jesus said that when Jesus had entered the Pharisee’s house, the Pharisee had not provided him with the hospitality of washing Jesus’ feet, anointing him, or greeting him with a kiss, but the woman had washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and had kissed them and anointed them with ointment. Then Jesus said that her many sins had been forgiven because she loved much, but the one who is forgiven little loves little.

Jesus told the woman that her sins had been forgiven. The guests of the Pharisee were critical of Jesus for pronouncing forgiveness, but Jesus told the woman she could go in peace because she had been saved by her faith.

God revealed his Word to Jeremiah because Jeremiah was committed to trust it, obey it, and proclaim it faithfully and accurately, regardless of who it might offend. Jeremiah told the king what the king did not want to hear and consequently the king had Jeremiah imprisoned. But Jeremiah’s imprisonment did not keep God’s Word from being fulfilled. Judah was conquered by the army of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and King Zedekiah was captured and taken to exile (in about 587 B.C.) in Babylon (2 Kings 25:1-7; Jeremiah. 32:4,5; 34:2, 3; 39:1-7; 52:4-11).

As Jeremiah trusted and obeyed God’s Word God revealed his power and faithfulness to Jeremiah. The Lord consoled and assured Jeremiah, who was in prison for declaring God’s Word. God told Jeremiah that Jeremiah’s cousin would come to Jeremiah offering to sell a plot of family land. When that happened, Jeremiah was certain of God’s will and he had no hesitation to buy the land with the assurance that God’s promise of return and restoration would be fulfilled. Jeremiah’s obedience was a testimony to Judah of the faithfulness of God’s promises. This is what the Lord wants to do for us as we begin to seek to know and obey his Word and will.

Christians are to learn to live according to the example and teaching of Jesus; we are to be disciples of Jesus, learning to trust and obey Jesus. As we do, he will lead us to spiritual maturity as we experience his power and faithfulness. In every relationship, we are serving as witnesses to the world of the truth of Jesus Christ, so we need to conduct ourselves accordingly.

We should be in fellowship with the Lord daily in personal Bible study and prayer, seeking his will and guidance as well as his provision for our needs. We should pray for all who are proclaiming the Gospel, that they will do so boldly faithfully, accurately, enthusiastically and completely. Let us make the most of the time we have been given to use it effectively to reach the unsaved. We are to become evangelists and witnesses of the Gospel after we have been discipled, empowered and led according to his specific will for us individually, by the Lord through his indwelling Holy Spirit (Luke 24:45; Acts 1:4-5, 8).

Discipleship is not instantaneous. The original apostles lived in constant fellowship with the Lord twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for three years, personally witnessed Jesus’ resurrection, and yet were not ready to fulfill their ministry until they had been filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:48-49; Acts 1:4-5, 8).

We must come to know the entire Bible, and we must learn how to be led by the Lord by his Word and his Holy Spirit. We must learn to wait on the Lord, for his guidance and his authorization, rather than just going in our own direction and our own human strength. We can actually waste what time and opportunity we have by not being willing to wait for and seek the process of spiritual growth. We need to be disciples in order to make disciples, and we need a personal experience of fellowship with the Lord through his indwelling Holy Spirit to be able to lead others to a personal relationship with Jesus.

The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet believed God’s promise of forgiveness and salvation in the Messiah, and that Jesus was the Savior God had promised. She trusted God’s Word and acted on it, and she received what had been promised. She was saved by her faith (obedient trust) in Jesus.

The Pharisees thought they were righteous by their own “goodness.” In fact they thought they were more righteous than Jesus, because Jesus associated with sinners, and Jesus had assumed the prerogative of God alone in declaring the woman’s forgiveness. Their response revealed that these Pharisees’ sins had not been forgiven.

We are all sinners who fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10); see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right) but only those who trust and obey Jesus are forgiven and saved from eternal destruction (Romans 6:23).  What do our actions in daily life reveal about us?

Are you forgiven? 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)?  

Jeremiah 32:16-25,     Jeremiah’s Prayer
Romans 12:1-21,      The Consecrated Life
Luke 8:1-15      Parable of the Sower

Jeremiah had obeyed the Lord’s command to buy a field from his cousin, even though the Chaldeans (the army of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon) were preparing the siege of Jerusalem which would conquer Judah, the southern and only remaining kingdom of divided Israel (Jeremiah 32:1-15; see entry for yesterday, Monday, April 25, 2005). After the purchase, Jeremiah had given the deed to Baruch, his secretary, to be sealed in a jar, so that it would last a long time. Then Jeremiah prayed to the Lord acknowledging the Lord as creator of the universe whose power is unlimited. The Lord’s love is completely faithful, but he is also a righteous judge.

The Lord is great in wisdom and in deed. The Lord knows everything; the thoughts and deeds of mankind cannot be hidden from him, and he repays every person according to that person’s deeds. God has revealed his greatness to Israel and to all mankind. God has delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt and fulfilled his promise to give Israel their own land. Yet Israel did not obey God’s voice or live according to God’s Laws.

Because of Israel’s disobedience of God’s Word and God’s prophets, God has allowed Judah to be attacked and conquered by their enemy. Israel will suffer from sword, famine, and epidemic disease, and will be conquered by the Chaldeans. God had warned Judah, the remnant of Israel, through Jeremiah’s prophecy (but Judah did not heed, repent and return in obedience to the Lord) and now God’s Word has been fulfilled. But even now the Lord had told Jeremiah to buy the field in the presence of witnesses, although the nation has been given to the Chaldeans.  

Paul urged Christians to give themselves, by God’s mercy, as living sacrifices to the Lord’s use, in lives devoted and obedient to God as an act of worship. We are not to adopt the ways and values of the worldly culture in which we live, but to be transformed by understanding and living life in a new way according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that we can experience and demonstrate that the will of God is good, acceptable and perfect. We should examine our daily conduct and our spiritual growth honestly and seriously, not deceiving ourselves.

The Church is like a human body, made up of many members, each having different functions, but connected and working together. We have differing gifts given to us according to God’s will and purpose, which we should employ for God’s service. Some examples of such gifts are prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, contribution, aid assistance. Whatever our gifts we should employ them diligently, enthusiastically and cheerfully so that the Lord will be glorified and his mission accomplished.

Christians are urged to truly love others, to reject what is evil and to pursue what is good. We should love one another with brotherly affection and show them respect. Let’s not become tired of doing what is right but instead be radiant with the Holy Spirit, serving the Lord.  Let’s rejoice in our hope, pray regularly and often, and be patient in tribulation. Remember to contribute to the needs of Christians (and the poor) and to practice hospitality.

Christians should always bless our enemies instead of cursing them. We should rejoice with those who are rejoicing and weep with those who are mourning. Let us live in harmony with one another, without haughtiness or conceit, but instead be friendly with those who are poor and humble. Don’t return evil with evil but instead do what is noble in everyone’s eyes; we should try to live peaceably with all, and should leave vengeance to God’s wrath. Instead, let us be kind to our enemies, so that their consciences will bother them. Evil cannot be overcome with more evil; instead let us overcome evil with good (as Jesus has done at the cross).

Jesus traveled around from village to village preaching the good news of God’s kingdom, accompanied by his twelve disciples and numerous women some of whom Jesus had healed of physical disabilities or demons, who provided for the group from their resources. Among them was Mary Magdalene, who had been healed of seven demons.

When Jesus attracted a large crowd, he told them the parable of the sower broadcasting seed by hand. Some seed fell on the path and was stepped on or eaten by birds. Some fell on rock, and as it sprouted it withered because it was unable to take root. Some fell among thorns, and as it sprouted the thorns choked it out. Some fell on good soil and grew to maturity, producing a great harvest.

Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus privately what the parable meant. Jesus told them that he taught in parables so the crowds were free not to see and understand, but the secrets of the kingdom of God are revealed to those who choose to be Jesus’ disciples. The seed is God’s Word. The soils are hearers. The path represents those who hear God’s word but Satan takes it away so that they won’t believe and be saved. The rock represents those who hear God’s Word gladly, but don’t allow it to take root, and then when temptation comes, they fall away. The thorny soil represents those who hear the Word but allow other worldly things to interfere and prevent the Word from growing to maturity. The good soil represents those who hear God’s Word and apply it in their lives allowing it to root and grow to maturity.

God’s Word warned Israel that judgment was coming upon them for disobeying God’s Word and God’s prophets, but Israel did not heed God’s Word of warning and repent and return in obedience to the Lord. God’s Word of warning is not given with the intention to destroy us, but to lead us to repentance and salvation. At the time when God’s punishment was about to carried out, God promised through Jeremiah that he would save and restore those who trust and obey his Word.

God’s Word is completely reliable and always fulfilled. It is eternally true, and is fulfilled over and over as conditions for its fulfillment are met. Judah was conquered by the Chaldeans, the Jews were carried into exile in Babylon, and were returned to their land seventy years later just as God’s Word promised. The history of Israel’s exile is also a metaphor for life in this world and God’s impending judgment. Jesus is God’s Word in human flesh  (John 1:1-5, 14) and God’s only provision for our salvation from eternal exile in Hell, and the only way to return and be restored to eternal life in the “Promised Land” of God’s kingdom in heaven (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).  

Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ who trust and obey Jesus. We are to be witnesses to the truth of salvation and renewal by faith in Jesus Christ, like Jeremiah testified to God’s Word of salvation by buying that plot of land. In order to do that we have to trust and obey God’s Word of salvation in Jesus Christ, by applying Jesus’ teachings and receiving his Holy Spirit as Jesus promised (John 14:15-17). One can only be a witness of what one has personally experienced. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are transformed by the renewal of our minds and enabled to live, now, in God’s eternal kingdom (Romans 12:2 RSV).

God’s intention and purpose for us is to experience and demonstrate to others that God’s will is good, acceptable (within our ability and enjoyable) and perfect (in our ultimate best interest). The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit provides the knowledge, resources and guidance to accomplish God’s specific will for our individual lives in his service, so that the Lord will be glorified and the Lord’s mission of proclaiming his salvation and his kingdom will be accomplished by us together as the Church.  Christians need to be honest and serious in examining our own individual conduct and spiritual growth to see if we are growing and fulfilling God’s purpose.

Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ and are called to complete Christ’s mission on earth. The Lord opens our minds to understand the Bible when we are committed to be his disciples and to trust and obey him (Luke 24:45), but to the rest of the world, God’s Word is veiled, so that they are free to not understand and see God’s truth (2 Corinthians 3:14-17; 4:3-4).  What kind of “soil” are you; what have you done with God’s Word? What kind of “Christian” are you?

Is Jesus your Lord? Are you Jesus’ disciple? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus? Have you received the gift of 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)?  

5 Easter  - Wednesday

Jeremiah 32:36-44,     Promise of Restoration
Romans 13:1-14,     The Christian and the State
Luke 8:16-25     Wind and Sea Obey Him

Jeremiah had bought a plot of land in Israel when Jerusalem was about to be conquered by the Chaldeans, the army of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (see entry for yesterday, Tuesday, 5 Easter , odd year). Jeremiah had prayed to the Lord as the city was about to be conquered, and the Lord replied, promising that he would bring his people back to the Promised Land from where they had been driven by God’s anger at their idolatry and their disobedience of his Word and his prophets. In that day of restoration, the Lord will again give them security, and they will be God’s people and he will be their God.

The Lord will unite them in one heart and one way; they will fear the Lord (respect God’s power and authority) for their good and for the good of their descendants. The Lord will make an everlasting covenant with them and put the fear (awe and respect) of God within them so that they will not turn from obedience to God and they will be firmly established in the Promised Land. The Lord declared that just as his promise of punishment of Israel for disobedience was fulfilled, so will God’s promise of return and restoration be fulfilled. The land of Israel is about to become a barren desolation, given to the Chaldeans, but Israel will again own land in the Promised Land.

Christians are to be obedient to the governing authorities because God is the ultimate authority, and those who govern are responsible to God. Rulers restrain bad conduct, not good conduct. So if we want to live peaceably under the rulers we should do what is right and we will receive approval from those who govern, because they are God’s servants for our benefit. But if we do wrong the rulers have authority from God to punish wrongdoers. So we must be subject to rulers not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of our consciences. For the same reasons we must pay taxes, and honor, and respect those in authority. We should repay all of our debts and not become obligated to anyone, except for the obligation to love one another. If we truly love one another we have fulfilled all of God’s commandments regarding our relations with people because love does no wrong against another.

Now is the time to be alert and apply the Gospel in our daily lives, because Jesus could return at any moment and our opportunities are slipping away. So let us be done with sinful worldly ways, and put on the armor of faith (obedient trust) in Christ. If we have the light of Christ let us walk in it, instead of doing shameful things which we would prefer to keep hidden, like drunkenness, debauchery, licentiousness, quarreling and jealousy. So let us live in obedient trust in Jesus, applying his teaching in our daily lives, instead of seeking to indulge and gratify our sinful natures.

One doesn’t light a candle and then attempt to hide the light. Instead it is lit to give light to those who are in darkness. Nothing can be hidden or kept secret that won’t eventually be discovered and made known. Let us be careful to listen attentively to God's Word, and to apply what we have heard. The Lord will reward those who seek spiritual things, but those who don’t will loose everything.

Jesus’ mother and brothers came seeking Jesus but the crowd which had gathered prevented them from getting close. Jesus was told that they wanted to talk to him, but Jesus looked at the crowd around him and told them that those who hear God’s Word and do it are his true mothers and brothers.

One day Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat with his disciples, and a windstorm arose, threatening to sink the boat, but Jesus was asleep. His disciples woke him to warn him that they were sinking; Jesus awoke and commanded the wind and waves to stop, and there was a great calm. Jesus asked his disciples what had become of their faith. The disciples were awestruck and said to one another, “Who is this that he commands even wind and water and they obey him” (Luke 8:25)?

Israel had been called by the Lord to be his people in the world, living in obedience to God’s Word. From the beginning of creation God has had a purpose and plan to create an eternal kingdom of people who will trust and obey him. Jesus has been God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right) from before God’s Creation was begun (John 1:1-5, 14), and salvation through Christ alone has been built into Creation. God punished Israel for disobedience to God’s Word, for ignoring the warnings of his prophets, and for worshiping other “gods.” God had warned Judah that punishment was coming, but they refused to repent and return in trusting obedience to the Lord.

Although Judah (the remnant of Israel) was about to be exiled to Babylon, God promised he would bring them back to their Promised Land, and he would make a new, everlasting covenant with his people. God would put the fear (awe and respect for God’s power and authority) within them so that they would not turn away from obedience to God and so that they will be firmly established in the Promised Land. Israel’s disobedience did not prevent God from fulfilling his purpose and plan, but the exile was seventy years, a virtual life sentence for those who were adults at the beginning of the exile. It was virtually a “renewed” ("re-born") people who God restored to their Promised Land.

The history of God’s dealings with Israel is also a “parable;” a metaphor for life in this present world. Those who refuse to trust and obey God’s Word and ignore the warnings of God’s prophets will be eternally exiled in the “Babylon” of Hell. Jesus is God’s Word in human flesh (John 1:1-5, 14).

Jesus is God’s everlasting New Covenant (Mark 14:24 NKJV; Jeremiah 32:40) with his people. It is through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit that God puts the awe and respect of God’s power and authority within us and enables us to be obedient to God’s will. It is also how we have personal fellowship with the Lord, experience his love for us, and have a foretaste of eternal life with the Lord.

The Holy Spirit is the seal 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). Only Jesus gives the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (Isaiah 42:5e; John 14:15-17). It is the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit who fulfills God’s promise, uniting God’s people in one heart and one way (Jeremiah 32:39). It is by the Holy Spirit, by obedient trust in Jesus Christ, the New Covenant, that God’s people are renewed, restored and returned to the Promised Land of God’s eternal kingdom in Heaven.

Christians are the “New People of God.” We are to be witnesses to the world, testifying to and demonstrating the truth and goodness of God’s will and God’s salvation by our obedience to God’s Word in Jesus Christ. Now is the time for us to learn to trust and obey our Lord, so that we can be filled with his Holy Spirit. We are to be children of light in the darkness of this sinful world. The armor of light is the Gospel of Jesus and the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit.

In order to fulfill our calling to give light to those in darkness in this sinful world, we must listen attentively to God’s Word and begin to live in obedient trust in Jesus. The meaning and purpose of life in this present world is so that we can seek, find and come into personal fellowship with the Lord through his indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 17:26-27) so that we will have eternal life in God’s kingdom.

The Lord rewards those who seek God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness (which is only through faith in Christ; Romans 3:22; and see Matthew 6:33). Those who don’t seek him now while there is time will loose everything, including eternal life in Heaven. Those who seek Jesus must hear and obey God’s Word (Luke 8:21).

Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ who trust and obey Jesus. The forces of nature obey his command because Jesus is their Lord and Creator (John 1:1-3). He is also our Lord and Creator, whether we acknowledge and obey him or not, but he has given us the freedom to choose whether to accept him as Lord and trust and obey him or not. He could command us to obey him but he has given us the freedom to choose. But there is a day coming when he will command and we will have no choice but to obey (John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:31-46).

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)?

5 Easter - Thursday

5 Easter  Friday

Deuteronomy 31:30-32:14,     The song of Moses
Romans 14:13-23,     Christian freedom and love
Luke 8:40-56      Jairus’ daughter

The Lord commanded Moses to write this psalm as a guide and witness to true faith, to confront and rebuke the people of Israel (the people of God) when they deviate from obedient trust in God (Deuteronomy 31:16-22). Moses calls the earth to listen to his teaching of God’s Word, that it may encourage spiritual growth like dew and gentle rain on tender plants. Moses proclaims the name (character and power) and greatness of the Lord. Moses calls the Lord the Rock (a stable and dependable foundation; a place of refuge and security, and source of God’s providence, as was the rock in the wilderness; Deuteronomy 8:15; Exodus 17:6).

God is completely faithful and without any iniquity. God is just and righteous in everything. Those who deal corruptly and perversely with the Lord reveal that they are no longer his children. Is this how God’s people should repay their Lord’s goodness? Do we deny that the Lord is our father who created and established us? Remember what the Lord has done for us in ages and generations past. Ask our forefathers and our elders and they will tell us.

The Lord apportioned to the nations their inheritance and separated the sons of men, fixing their boundaries according to “the number of the sons of God” (compare Acts 17:26-27; Deuteronomy 32:8c RSV; divine judgment; referring perhaps to the heavenly court of divine beings; 1 Kings 22:19; alternatively: “sons of Israel;” MKJV). The Lord has chosen Israel as his portion and heritage. The Lord found his people in the wilderness; he encircled, provided for and protected them, like an eagle for its young, providing shelter under its wing; catching them when they fall, carrying them on its wings. In the wilderness Israel was led by God alone, and did not follow idols. The Lord elevated his people and provided the finest resources for them beyond physical worldly expectations (i.e. supernaturally).

Paul urged Christians not to be judgmental of others (because the Lord will be our righteous judge), but instead to be considerate of others and not use our freedom in any way which hiders another or causes him to stumble. Paul was convinced that no food or drink is sinful in itself, but if exercising our freedom causes another to be shaken in their faith, we are violating the law of love. We must not use our freedom in sinful ways.

God’s kingdom is not about feasting, partying, and self-idulgence, but about righteousness (doing what is right according to God’s standards), peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Those who serve Christ in that manner will be acceptable to God and mankind. So let us pursue peace and those things which encourage and strengthen one another in faith.

We must not let our personal religious practices or attitudes interfere with God’s work, but instead let those issues of faith (devotion) be between ourselves and our Lord. We will be happy when we have no reason to condemn ourselves for our beliefs and behavior. But if we do what we believe is not according to God’s standards of righteousness, we are guilty of sin because we have violated our faith.

Jesus and his disciples returned by boat from the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and were met by a crowd who had been waiting for him. A man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue, fell at Jesus feet begging Jesus to come and heal his daughter who was very sick and dying. As Jesus went with Jairus the crowd was pressing close to Jesus and he was being jostled by them.

A woman who had had a hemorrhage for 12 years and had found no cure came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of his garment and immediately knew that she had been healed. Jesus asked who had touched him. When no one admitted it, Peter suggested that it must have been someone jostling him in the crowd, but Jesus said he knew someone had touched him because he felt power go forth from him. The woman realized she could not conceal what had happened, so she came trembling to Jesus and fell down and declared to all that she had touched Jesus and had been healed immediately. Jesus addressed her as daughter, and told here she had been healed by her faith, and could go in peace.

While Jesus was speaking, a messenger from Jairus’ house came to tell Jairus that his daughter had died, and Jesus was no longer needed. But Jesus told them not to fear but to believe, and she would be well. When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn’t allow any to enter with him but the girl’s parents and Peter, James, and John (three of his disciples).

Mourners had gathered, but Jesus told them not to weep, because the girl was not dead, but sleeping. They laughed at Jesus, because they were sure the girl was dead. But Jesus took the girl’s hand and commanded the child to arise. The girl’s spirit returned to her and she got up. Jesus told the parents to give her something to eat. Her parents were amazed, but Jesus told them not to tell anyone what had happened.

It was by God’s will and command that Moses taught Israel to obey and trust in God and declared God’s Word to the world through the Old Testament scriptures. Those who heed Moses’ call to listen to (hear and obey) God’s Word will experience the spiritual growth God promised through Moses. God’s Word is intended to witness to and guide us in obedient trust in the Lord, and to rebuke and correct us when we deviate from that obedient trust.

In one sense we are all God’s children because he is our Creator. But the true children of God are those who trust and obey him. Those who deal corruptly and perversely with the Lord demonstrate that they are not God’s children. Moses counsels us to remember what the Lord has done for his people in past ages and generations, and to seek that testimony from our spiritual forefathers; that testimony is recorded in the Bible, including the testimony of Moses.

The history of God’s dealing with Israel is recorded in the Bible for our instruction; it is intended to also be a parable, a metaphor for life in this world. As the Lord chose Israel and led them through the wilderness, protecting, providing and leading them to the Promised Land, he has also chosen us to be his people to be led by him through the wilderness of this world and into his eternal kingdom.

Jesus Christ is the “New Moses,” and the Holy Spirit is the “pillar of fire” (Exodus 13:21; Numbers 14:14) which leads us through the spiritual darkness into the light of Christ and eternal life (John 8:12). The Lord wants us to be led only by his Word (the Bible and Jesus Christ who is God’s Word in human flesh; John 1:1-5, 14) and his Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (Isaiah 42:5e; John 14:15-17).

Paul urged Christians to live according to the true faith; the scriptural, apostolic Gospel Jesus Christ. We are to live according to Jesus’ teachings. We are to live in peace with our fellow Christians and encourage and strengthen each other in that scriptural apostolic faith. We should not deviate from the true faith by insisting on “legalism,” the keeping of Jewish laws (“works righteousness”, salvation by works, “the circumcision party;” Acts 11:2; compare Galatians 5:2-6), nor should we deviate from the true faith in the other direction by preaching “Cheap Grace,*” salvation by God’s grace (free gift, unmerited favor) without requiring discipleship or obedience to Jesus (see False Teachings, sidebar, top right).

Jesus had returned from the region of the Gerasenes on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, where the people had refused to receive him and had lost the spiritual healing that only Jesus can provide (Luke 8:26-39; see entry for yesterday, Thursday, 5 Easter, odd year). On the western shore there was a large crowd eagerly seeking and waiting for Jesus and when he arrived they welcomed him. Jairus asked Jesus to come and heal his dying daughter.

On the way, a woman whose hemorrhaging had been a spiritual as well as physical disorder, because a hemorrhaging woman was regarded as ritually unclean and restricted from worship and fellowship in the religious community, reached out in faith to touch Jesus and she was instantly healed. Jesus knew healing power had gone forth from him and he wanted people to understand that it was by faith in Jesus that she had been healed.

The messengers from Jairus’ home came to tell him that his daughter had died, and everyone assumed there was nothing more that Jesus could do, but Jesus told them to trust in him and she would be well. The Lord can do more that we can possibly imagine. Nothing is beyond the Lord’s power to heal if we come to him in faith (obedient trust) and do what he says.

Jesus asked the child’s parents not to publicize the child’s healing, because Jesus' mission was primarily to bring spiritual healing, and sensationalism over physical healing would obscure his spiritual message. The people seeking and waiting for Jesus, who welcomed him, received healing when they asked him in obedient trust.

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)?

5 Easter Saturday

Deuteronomy 32:34-41 (42) 43,    Vindication for God’s People
Romans 15:1-13,      Bear with theWeak
Luke 9:1-17     Feeding the Five Thousand

The corruption of the nations is being stored up for God’s wrath on the Day of Judgment. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. The day of calamity is coming, when they will stumble and fall. “The Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants” (Deuteronomy 32:36). The day is coming when those who put their trust in other gods, and who seemed to prosper in their idolatry, will have no refuge from disaster.

Know that God is the only true God; there is no other god beside him. God has sovereign power over all things, including life and death, punishment and healing. There is nothing which can deliver us from his judgment. God’s promises are eternal.

When the Lord takes hold of his sword in judgment he will take vengeance on his adversaries and avenge himself against those who hate him. The destruction of his enemies will be terrible and total. Let his people and the nations praise the Lord, because the Lord will avenge his servants and punish his adversaries. He will purge and cleanse the land of his people.

Those who are spiritually strong should be patient and forgiving of those who are weak, seeking the good of others rather than pursuing self-interest. We should try to strengthen others and build them up, as we have an example in Jesus, who bore reproach for us. The Bible accounts of God’s dealings with his people in the past have been written for our instruction, so that the faithfulness and encouragement of the scriptures will give us hope. May God who is the Lord of faithfulness and encouragement help us to live in harmony with one another in accord with Jesus’ teaching, that in unity we will glorify God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As the Lord has welcomed us without reservation we should also welcome others. Christ came humbly as a servant to the Jews, in fulfillment of God’s promise to the patriarchs of Israel, not to exclude the Gentiles but to include them, so that they could also rejoice in God’s mercy. The salvation of the Gentiles through Jesus Christ was not an afterthought, or a second choice; God planned it from the beginning, as the scriptures and the prophets show. May God fill us with joy and peace through faith, so that we may abound in the hope which only God can provide, by the power of his Holy Spirit.

Jesus called his Twelve apostles (Luke 6:13) together and gave them power and authority to heal and to cast out demons. Jesus sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. Jesus told them not to carry any provisions for their journey. They were to accept the hospitality of one household wherever they went, and wherever they were not welcomed they were to shake the dust of that place off their feet in testimony against that place. 

They departed and did as Jesus had told them, healing and preaching everywhere they went. News of Jesus’ activities reached Herod and he was puzzled, because some said that John the Baptist, whom Herod had beheaded, had been raised to life, or that Elijah or one of the other prophets had risen, so Herod sought to see Jesus.

When the apostles returned they reported what they had done, and Jesus took them away to an isolated spot near Bethsaida. When the crowds found out where Jesus was going they followed him, and he welcomed them and preached the kingdom of God and healed the sick. As evening approached the apostles suggested that Jesus send the crowd away to buy food and lodgings for themselves, but Jesus told the apostles to feed the crowd.

The apostles said that they had brought only five loaves of bread and two fish, and that they would have to buy a lot of food in order to feed the crowd of about five thousand. But Jesus told the apostles to have the people sit down in groups of fifty, and they did so. Jesus took the bread and fish, prayed and then broke them into pieces and gave them to the apostles to distribute. All ate and were satisfied, and the apostles collected twelve baskets full of leftovers.

God has sovereign power and authority over all things, including life and death, punishment and healing. God has created us to have fellowship and eternal life with him in his eternal kingdom. Life in this world is intended to be an opportunity to seek and find a personal relationship with God (Acts 17:26-27) through Jesus Christ by his indwelling Holy Spirit, by learning to trust and obey Jesus Christ (John 14:15-17; see also entry for Thursday, 5 Easter, odd year, above).

Today is the day of healing and salvation which God offers us through his Son, Jesus Christ, who came and died for the forgiveness of ours sins, so that we could have eternal life with him in God’s eternal kingdom. But God promises that there is a Day of Judgment coming, when everyone who has ever lived will be accountable to God for what they have done in this life. Those who have rejected Jesus as Savior and Lord, and have refused to trust and obey Jesus will receive eternal destruction in Hell with all evil, but those who have trusted and obeyed Jesus will receive eternal life in God’s kingdom in Heaven (Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Jesus is God’s only plan for our forgiveness and salvation (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right).

Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ who trust and obey Jesus. Only those disciples of Jesus who trust and obey Jesus are “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17).  Those who are spiritually strong (mature) are to be patient and forgiving with those who are “young” (new) Christians (regardless of how long they have professed faith in Christ or have been church members), and mature Christians should lead young Christians to grow to spiritual maturity. Mature Christians are to follow and live according to the example and teaching of Jesus, serving the spiritual best interests of others, rather than building up their name, position and interests in the Church and community. 

Disciples of Jesus are called to make disciples, not merely “church members.” Church leaders need to be “born-again” disciples; one cannot make disciples without being a disciple, and we’re to make disciples of Christ, rather than disciples of ourselves. We’re to seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit; only by the indwelling Holy Spirit do we have a personal relationship with Jesus and are guided and empowered to become spiritually mature. We can only testify to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ by his indwelling Holy Spirit if we have a personal relationship with Jesus and have experienced spiritual “rebirth.”

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise of spiritual healing and eternal life. Jesus is the example of the ministry of the Gospel that we are to follow. We are to be his disciples growing in spiritual maturity until we receive power and authority from him, by the gift of his Holy Spirit (Luke 9:1; compare 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8), to go out into the world and preach and heal in Jesus’ name. We are to obey his commands and trust Jesus to supply what is needed to accomplish his command and to produce results.

Jesus took his disciples on a spiritual retreat, to be renewed, after the demands of ministry in his name. But Jesus always was welcoming and ministering to the needs of people who sought him. Jesus doesn’t turn anyone away unfed and unhealed. Jesus physically healed and fed the five thousand, but his primary ministry was to offer spiritual nurture and healing.

Jesus wasn’t able to heal and feed people in his human flesh alone. It was only by the Spirit of God within him (John 1:33-34; Colossians 2:8-9) that he was able minister to people (But understand that the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit does not make us “god” or equal to Christ.) Jesus is inviting all to come to him for forgiveness, spiritual healing and nurture, fellowship and eternal life with him.

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