relationships (Matthew 10:24-42) Emulating the Master

(Matthew 10:24-42)

24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he may become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they insult the members of his household!

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Wow... there isn't any bigger insult than to say that Satan is someone's master or head of their house!!!  Yet, if one hasn't made the Lord God their Master, Savior, Lord and King, well then... Satan is technically their master.  It is each individual's choice as to whom you want to follow and emulate.

In the Jewish culture, it was an honor and a privilege to become a student, and so, students (disciples) didn't just want to learn from their teachers (rabbis), they wanted to be just like them, in every single way.  As they were walking behind him, the student would literally try to walk exactly in the same way, and even step onto the exact same place that the teacher had just stepped.  The ultimate hope was that they would become master teachers themselves, all the while giving respect and credit to their teacher.  

In the same way, we should desire, not just to learn from Jesus, but desire to be just like Jesus, and give Him all the respect and all of the credit... but even more so!  Jesus deserves all of the glory and honor because without Him, all of this would be impossible.  Only the Lord can set us free from our slavery to sin, because He has paid the price, and redeems us by His shed blood.  Therefore, only the Lord can change us from the inside out.  So when we make Him our Savior, Lord and King, we will understand and desire to be "slaves to Christ" - the perfect, benevolent Master, who will help us and guide us in His way of love, peace and righteousness!

relationships (Matthew 10:21-23) We Have Choices

(Matthew 10:21-23)

21 “Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

23 “But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

We might say that we live in odd times, but, we have always lived in odd times.  Some eras are odder than others.  And currently in our countries, for over a decade, there has been a large force at work to silence and remove Christians and Jews.  This comes from radical groups that have somehow banded together and somehow have convinced quite a few Americans, Canadians and Europeans that Jews and Christians are the enemies to democracy, law and order, civility, equality, and freedom of speech and belief - MEANWHILE - the radical groups are actually the ones who are against all of these things in their attempts to gain control!

There's a Canadian group trying to ban certain Bible verses.  A U.S. governor tried to ban the entire Bible!  In the U.K., Christians have been arrested for silently praying in their homes, because they lived in close vicinity to abortion clinics.  Churches all over the world are under attacked.  In countries that are communist, and in countries run by terrorist regimes, Christians literally are thrown into prison for life, tortured and or killed.  Well... these dictators will even massacre their own people, even if there's only a hint or suspicious threat of them stepping out of line.  

Violence is clearly on the rise.  Police officers and their spouses and children, are receiving death threats, and have been attacked.  If someone doesn't like what someone else stands for, they feel entitled to kill them, like with the Luigi Mangione case.  And... we just saw the assassination of Charlie Kirk!  Why?  Because he was simply trying to encourage young adults to freely get together and discuss topics to see that we can hear opposing viewpoints to gain understanding, and see that we don't necessarily have to hate or fear each other.

A young man, who was being interviewed, was asked why so many young adults have been flocking to the church and becoming Christians.  His reply was, "It takes a great evil to move an entire generation of people towards the Lord."  In this world of hatred, fear, divisiveness, unreasonable idealisms, and rampant unfair criticisms, people have realized that what is missing in their lives is grace!

While we are to demonstrate love and grace to all of those around us, the Lord tells us here that we do not have to remain in unhealthy situations of persecution.  These situations will happen, and in those times, we are to continue looking to the Lord, and leaning on Him for His strength, love and wisdom to sort through these things.  Then, along the way, seeds of hope and the gospel message will be sown.  But it is clear that the Lord does not want us to place ourselves into those circumstances!  

All the more reason and evidence of why we should choose to date and marry another Christian!  It is also an extremely strong reason why we should choose to make other steadfast Christians our close friends and mentors!  All the more reason to embrace the love and grace of the Lord, and see that it is good!

relationships (Matthew 10:16-20) We're Not Alone

(Matthew 10:16-20)

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves. 17 But be on guard against people, for they will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues; 18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings on My account, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who are speaking, but it is the Spirit of your Father who is speaking in you.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

As believers, we are not to be naive.  There is a level of knowledge and understanding that we should have about the world around us.  At the same time, we are to strive in remaining innocent, which is to trustingly and obediently live in the righteousness of Jesus.  

In this fallen, broken world, there are terrible things that happen to all people, but the Lord is giving us a heads up, that, just because we have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, people will target us.  Those who are not seeking for truth, will be the ones who hate and fear the truth, and they will be looking for ways to silence the truth.

While this might sound scary, we are told not to worry or fear anyone or anything.  God is sovereign!  He is with us!  He is fighting our battles!  And as we remain steadfast in the Lord, if and when something happens, we can know that God has allowed this for a reason, as verse 18 says.  

As well, verse 20 should give us great courage and confidence, because the Lord will work for, in and through us, even regarding what to say in those trying times!  When God allows us to go through something, He will be there with us, every step of the way.  We just have to remember to take His hand, rely and trust in Him, and remain focused on God and His will, in His strength, love, wisdom, peace and joy!

relationships (Matthew 10:5-15) Sharing What We Receive

(Matthew 10:5-15)

1 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; and James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him.

5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9 Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is deserving of his support. 11 And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13 If the house is worthy, see that your blessing of peace comes upon it. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14 And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Back then, most people only had one coat, which often would second as a blanket.  But Jesus didn't want the disciples to be distracted by worldly things.  They were to focus on God and their calling, as well as learn to trust God to provide.  The Lord's provision wasn't just about finding a place to stay that offered a room-and-board-scenario, it was, and is, about finding fellowship, unity and support among brethren, and about spiritually equipping each other for what the Lord has called us to.  

While a person should always be paid for the work that they do, we should never take advantage of God's purpose and gifts in efforts to get rich.  Notice verse 10 tells them not to acquire two of certain items, meaning, if needed, it was okay to accept one of each required item.  The Lord loves and cares, and for those who honor Him with their obedience, He will make sure that we have what we need.

What God gives us, we should freely give to others.  Therefore, while we are all to use our spiritual gifts in church to serve, one should not expect any sort of payment, otherwise it is not serving, it would then be a job.  The disciples were really sent out as missionaries, which is a job, just like being a pastor, etc.  In our church, our pastors encourage everyone who is hired by the church to ALSO serve in some other way.  This is just one of the ways that we can show sacrificial love.  Although, both serving and working for God requires God's supernatural help, and therefore, He gives and equips us freely and so very generously!

Another thing about "back then", hospitality was a highly valued virtue, especially since motels and hotels weren't as prevalent.  And at that point in Jesus' ministry, people either were going to eagerly accept the disciples, or totally reject them.  Jesus was advising these men to find places to stay where they could feel safe and welcomed.  And not only that, but the whole point to evangelism is to spread the gospel, make disciples, baptize and teach.  This is giving what God has given to us, so that they can then give to others.  We are to help equip the saints, but we must understand that the equipping and power is only and always coming from the Lord!

Two more "back then" tidbits which are important.  The common Jewish greeting, “Peace,” which was really a blessing, or a prayer to the Lord to bless that recipient, was culturally given according to social protocols and statuses.  But Jesus instructs the disciples to only bless those who were receptive to God's message and people.

As well, culturally, pious Jewish people who had been walking on pagan ground, would shake the dust off their feet before walking upon their land.  Well... from Jesus' instructions, regarding pious Jews or otherwise, ANYONE who rejected (or rejects) God's message and people, are pagans themselves.  Therefore, when the disciples withdrew their blessings of peace and shook the dust off their feet after meeting up with unresponsive or unreceptive pious Jews, this action would have caught their attention in a big way!

Jesus' instructions to the disciples in verse 8:  to heal, raise, cleanse and cast out, parallels the Great Commission.  In salvation, those who humbly repent are cleansed from all sin;  receiving eternal life is to be "raised from the dead";  being changed from the inside out to become a new creation is to be healed;  and receiving the indwelling Holy Spirit is to be protected from evil.  This is the very good news and message of certain hope that we can have, and are to share!

relationships (Matthew 10:1-4) Love That Is Matchless

(Matthew 10:1-4)

1 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; and James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

For His disciples, Jesus called men from all walks of life, from the savvy and shady tax collector to the gruff and hardworking fishermen, from the zealous and the steadfast in nature to the dangerous imposture.  In the same way, Jesus calls everyone in this world to follow Him and obey.  It is up to each individual to accept Jesus into their hearts and lives, and then it is up to each individual who becomes a believer to strive in obedience.

As for Judas Iscariot, Jesus knew what he would do and what it would all lead to, and still gave him full opportunity to hear and see the Lord God's love in action.  This demonstrates just how much the Lord Jesus loves us!  Imagine having someone in your fold, knowing that they were willing to help your enemies in their attempts to kill you, but you still showed them the same level of love.  

Of course, Jesus is the sovereign Lord God and Creator, and with that He is omniscient (all-knowing).  Since the fall of man, (in Genesis 3:15) the Lord foretold mankind that He would one day come in flesh to pay the price for all sin and death.  Even before He created everything, He knew He would have to humble Himself, to suffer and die on a cross, but He still created mankind anyway!  And, He knew that there would be many people who would reject Him, hate Him, and mock Him, and He still died for every person and every sin.  This is how much love He has for us!!!

While Jesus allowed Judas Iscariot to be included in the body of disciples, if Judas never chose to repent and believe in Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior, then the Lord Jesus would not allow Judas into heaven.  It's very simple.  God is holy and cannot have a relationship with sin.  Only through our repentance and His forgiveness can one be set free from our sin, in order to be given eternal life in heaven. and enter into a personal relationship with the Lord.  Since He created us with a free will, it only makes sense that it is up to us to decide if we want to reject Him, or to love Him back and want Him in our lives forever!

relationships (Matthew 9:32-38) Being Compassionate

(Matthew 9:32-38)

32 And as they were going out, behold, a demon-possessed man who was unable to speak was brought to Him. 33 And after the demon was cast out, the man who was previously unable to speak talked; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees were saying, “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.”

35 Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.

36 Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

We see this in today's society:  people falsely accusing those who are doing good, and then defending those who are doing evil.  We definitely live in a fallen, broken world, and my heart is heavy when I consider this!  We are to have compassion, but let us not confuse that with approving and enabling bad behavior.  We are to make sure that justice is served for the victims.  But more importantly, we are to pray - plead - that the Lord will send out workers, to reach out to those who are desperately struggling to find purpose, direction, healing, comfort, fulfillment and meaningful relationships...  All of these needs are spiritual, and the Lord Jesus is the only answer, solution and true Shepherd.

By asking the Lord to send out workers, let us remember that we, ourselves, are also called.  And we are most like Jesus when we are serving.  It doesn't mean that we have to go to some distant, strange land.  We actually have a great harvest right around us.  It might be as simple as visiting with the next door neighbor.  May we be open to God's calling, and His equipping us, in order to accomplish whatever task, mission or purpose He has called us to, in order to point people towards the Shepherd.  And then, it is in our close relationship with the Lord and our obedience that we, ourselves, will experience the Lord in a mighty and an amazing way!

relationships (Matthew 9:27-31) When You Just Can't Keep Quiet!

(Matthew 9:27-31)

27 As Jesus went on from there, two men who were blind followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28 And after He entered the house, the men who were blind came up to Him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “It shall be done for you according to your faith.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows about this!” 31 But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout that land.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Even though these men had been blind, their spiritual eyes were opened!  They knew just who Jesus was and recognized Him as the Son of David, which is another way to say "Messiah".  And they didn't go to Jesus with the expectations that most others had, which was that Jesus would save the Israelites politically, militarily and physically.  But, for healing, these two men sought Him out at a much deeper level, indicating that they knew and remembered God's words.

These men knew that God ruled over blindness and sight!  Because, for instance, in Proverbs 20:12, it says "The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made both of them." And in 2 Kings 6:15-20, Elisha prayed to the Lord and asked Him to open his servant's spiritual eyes to see the army of angels, and then Elisha prayed to the Lord to temporarily blind the enemies' eyes.

And now for the amusingly perplexing part!  Jesus tells the men not to tell others about what happened!  Jesus had several reasons.  One was based on how people saw Him as the Messiah, expecting Him to be the "superhero" who would politically and militarily overthrow the Romans.  Jesus also did not want His ministry to turn into a circus, which would have hindered His ability to preach and move freely.  Not wanting the people to just focus on the physical miracles, His desire was that people focused on His teachings, His example, His sacrifice, and His spiritual joy, peace, love, help and blessings that He offers to the world.

Well, aside from not adhering to what Jesus asked of them (only in that moment)... if only we could all be like these two men who could not keep quiet about Jesus!!!  Like, if and when we meet one of our heroes (be it a speaker, athlete, musician, actor...), we are typically telling everyone all about it, and posting every detail of it in our social media.  

But, here is the Lord God, who humbled Himself, died on the cross for our sins and rose again, conquering sin and death - just because He wants to have a close relationship with everyone of us, and help us navigate life with awesome purpose!  So, as the Lord's love and blessings pour into our lives, may His love and blessings pour out of us to all those around us, so that more people will come to see, recognize and embrace the greatest Relationship one could ever have!