relationships (Matthew 15:29-39) Not to be Taken for Granted

(Matthew 15:29-39)

29 Departing from there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee, and after going up on the mountain, He was sitting there. 30 And large crowds came to Him bringing with them those who were limping, had impaired limbs, were blind, or were unable to speak, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. 31 So the crowd was astonished as they saw those who were unable to speak talking, those with impaired limbs restored, those who were limping walking around, and those who were blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

32 Now Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” 33 The disciples said to Him, “Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?” 34 And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; 36 and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. 38 And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

39 And sending away the crowds, Jesus got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Here's yet another event demonstrating Jesus' love and compassion, as well as demonstrating how we are so forgetful that we would take God for granted.  

BUT, this is also an analogy of Jesus' salvation, mercy, grace and patience!  Because the Lord God wants a close, personal relationship with everyone, we can humbly go to Him - AS WE ARE - to repent and be spiritually healed.  He then forgives us and heals us and frees us of all our sins.  We immediately receive His indwelling Holy Spirit of promise, who seals us and changes us from the inside out.  We have eternal life with Him, and we cannot lose our salvation!  And this relationship is the only one that will satisfy and fulfill us, and give us purpose, continuous help, and a most certain hope!  

Jesus is always present within us, desiring to nourish and strengthen us, and to provide for us, as well as to involved with us in whatever journey or task He calls us to do.  Even when we say, we "ONLY" have seven loaves and a few fish, like giving some sort of wimpy, shortsighted excuse, instead of giving our shortcomings and limited resources to the Lord - because - well - the Lord is able to fix and multiply whatever it is that we have, to and for His glory!

Yet, how easy is it for us to forget that God is THAT close, and THAT powerful, AND THAT caring!!!???  Apparently, very easy.  Note that the disciples had been with Jesus when He multiplied the 5 bread and 2 fish for the multitude of 5,000+ (in Matthew 14:13-21).  And here, there were "only" 4,000+, and they had 7 bread and a few fish... and - DUH!!!???  We can say that, but we also have to be honest about ourselves and realize how we do exactly that!  

This is exactly why we need a daily feeding of God's word, and a constant dialogue with Him in prayer... and at least one weekly dose of encouraging fellowship with worship, praise and thanksgiving!  God is so, so good!!!

relationships (Matthew 15:21-28) Considering the Heart

(Matthew 15:21-28)

21 Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely demon-possessed.” 23 But He did not answer her with even a word. And His disciples came up and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us!” 24 But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26 Yet He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 And she said, “Yes, Lord; but please help, for even the dogs feed on the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at once.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

I'm curious why Jesus remained quiet at first.  Maybe He was giving His disciples a chance to step up and say or do the right thing, since the Canaanites were pagans and known enemies to Israel.  But what we do know is that:  the Lord does not want us to look at anyone with prejudice or preference;  all people are created equal;  and we are to love all people.  We also know that the Lord desires that all people come to know Him personally, and this is why He came in flesh to suffer and die for all sins, for all people, of all time.  This fact is even prophesied in the Abrahamic covenant...

(Genesis 12:1-3)
1   Now the Lord said to Abram,
     “Go from your country,
     And from your relatives
     And from your father’s house,
     To the land which I will show you;
2   And I will make you into a great nation,
     And I will bless you,
     And make your name great;
     And you shall be a blessing;
3   And I will bless those who bless you,
     And the one who curses you I will curse.
     And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

When Jesus came to earth in flesh, it was to fulfill that last part of verse 3 (in part).  Therefore, Jesus was born in flesh through Mary (and Joseph as step-father) who were both descendants of Abraham, as well as descendants of king David, so that Jesus had legitimate claims to the earthly throne of Israel... all the while knowing that the Jews would reject and crucify Him.  This was necessary to make possible the way of salvation, which spiritually blesses all who believer in Him.

At that time, if the Jews had accepted Jesus as their personal Savior and King, as well as their physical King, they would have gone straight into the Millennial kingdom with all of their covenants fulfilled, but as prophesied... 

(Daniel 9:24-26)  24 “Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the wrongdoing, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place. 25 So you are to know and understand that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until Messiah the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with streets and moat, even in times of distress. 26 Then after the sixty-two weeks, the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined..."

FYI:  "one week" is seven years, and each year is a prophetic year of 360 days, so when we do the math, there are 7 years left of the Jewish Age.  Those 7 years are also known as the Tribulation, which will bring judgments upon unbelievers of all nations.  These judgments are also the signs of the times for the Jews to recognize and realize that Jesus was and is their Messiah, and that He will soon be returning.  It will be at that time, that they as a nation will become believers, and cry out for Him.  At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus will return to remove all unbelievers, and will remain with all those who became believers during those 7 years here on earth, to set up His kingdom, fulfilling all covenants, and bringing spiritual AND physical peace and blessings to the entire earth.

Knowing this demonstrates the faith that the Canaanite woman had, as she recognized and acknowledged Jesus as the Son of David and Israel's Messiah!!!  This woman also approached Jesus will full humility, which is demonstrated by how she likened herself as a "dog", which was one of the harshest insults in antiquity.  Although, throughout the Old Testament, we see many people of pagan cultures becoming believers and being accepted into the Jewish culture, so why NOT now?!  Well, of course, Jesus saw her humble heart of faith and healed her daughter!  This is just one example of how the Bible and the Lord God advocates for women!  And just as God looks at the heart of a person, this is how we are to consider others!

relationships (Matthew 15:15-20) Humility vs Arrogance, Truth vs Deception

(Matthew 15:15-20)

15 Peter said to Him, “Explain the parable to us.” 16 Jesus said, “Are you also still lacking in understanding? 17 Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and those things defile the person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, acts of adultery, other immoral sexual acts, thefts, false testimonies, and slanderous statements. 20 These are the things that defile the person; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the person.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

The pharisees had made everything "religious", including handwashing, which was tediously performative and ceremonial.  One was supposed to use a specific ceremonial cup designated for ritual cleansing.  Some demanded that it had to have two handles.  And there was a proper pouring sequence, right hand first, and then the left hand.  With the correct amount and the right speed, the water had to cover the hands completely - up to the wrist - although some specified up to the elbows.  And then, while holding the leftover water, they were to raise their hands upward while reciting a specific blessing that they had made up, saying "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us concerning the washing of hands."

If only they had made the Lord God (Jesus Christ) their King!!!  And if only they had understood God's words and what God really says!!!  But what we see with the pharisees is what all cults and religions do - make it about do's and don'ts,  In their thinking, they control their lives and determine how they prefer to earn their way up to some higher existence, state or status.

People have challenged me to broaden my horizons, and learn the ways of all the different religions in the world, because otherwise, how would I know which one was the best one, or the right one for me.  I tried to explain to them that, while I have had a few college courses and read a few books on worldviews, I don't need to do any of that.  Plus, because anyone anywhere can just make up yet another religion or cult, this investigation would be endless, not to mention, totally hopeless and futile!

Even scientifically, there can be only one truth!  "A fact is an objective and verifiable observation or measurement.  It is a piece of information repeatedly confirmed through testing and experimentation so that the scientific community accepts it as true, though it is always open to re-evaluation if new evidence emerges."

Sound reasoning understands that something either is or it isn't.  And it doesn't matter what I believe, I'm not the one who determines truth!  Truth is.  Like, 1+1=2.  Having the freedom to believe whatever I want, I could believe that 1+1=5, but I would be wrong.  Today's society would simply argue, "But whatever works for you is your truth, so it is then true for you."  Ahhh... sure, but then I would be deceiving and lying to myself, and somewhere down the road, this false belief will betray me.

Regarding the Bible and Christianity, many brilliant people have tried to find any sort of discrepancies or contradictions, but they cannot.  And many become believers!  Because God's truth is factual.  And while His truths are unchanging, they are literally life-changing!  In finding, accepting and believing in the Lord Jesus, we not only find Truth, we experience Truth in a very personal relationship with God!  And these changes and experiences are our personal evidence which cannot be denied.

It is all about the condition of our heart.  The heart being all about relationships.  God created us so that He would have someone to love, and He of course desires that we choose to love Him back.  Because mankind brought sin into the world, this brought about our sinful nature and death, and separated us from God.  Because God loves us that much, He humbled Himself, and came in flesh, to be fully man while still being fully God, so that He could pay our debt to sin, to provide a way - the only way - to Himself!

(John 14:6)  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me."

It is up to each individual to want to seek, find and believe in the way, truth and life, but it takes a humble and repentant heart.  Of course it does, because we have to admit to ourselves that we are unable to work our way to heaven!  It is a free gift from God that we have to choose to accept.  And when we do, the Lord forgives all our sin, covers us with His righteousness, and gives us His indwelling Holy Spirit who changes us from the inside out.  Then, as we ask and allow, still with humble hearts, He will help us say and do good deeds done with pure motives, in His love, strength and wisdom!

This is so logical.  Just think about the other relationships in our lives.  Whenever we become arrogant towards others, does this help us build and improve those relationships?  No.  Then consider all the ways that the Lord Jesus humbled Himself for us... as our example to follow.  And not just to try to follow Him in our strength, He wants to do it all for us and with us!

relationships (Matthew 15:1-14) Healthy Perspectives

(Matthew 15:1-14)

Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” 3 And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves also break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘The one who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God,” 6 he is not to honor his father or mother.’ And by this you have invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy about you, by saying:

8   ‘This people honors Me with their lips,
     But their heart is far away from Me.
9   And in vain do they worship Me,
     Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

10 After Jesus called the crowd to Him, He said to them, “Hear and understand! 11 It is not what enters the mouth that defiles the person, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles the person.”

12 Then the disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?” 13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. 14 Leave them alone; they are blind guides of blind people. And if a person who is blind guides another who is blind, both will fall into a pit.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Striving to be clean and pure is healthy, helpful and good, but it is only in Jesus' forgiveness and salvation that we can be seen by God as holy, pure and righteous!  Being obedient is good, helpful and important, but only when we have entered into a personal relationship with the Lord God, and we are then being obedient because of God's love for us and our love for Him!  Respecting manmade traditions is okay, as long as they do not conflict or supersede God's commandments and guidance.  And maintaining healthy relationships and love for others is important, but no one should ever be considered more important than our relationship with the Lord God!

It is very helpful to keep in mind that the closer we grow to the Lord, and the more we strive to live in His will, the better our relationships will be with others... unless, of course, someone hates us because we are living for the Lord!  In those cases, what should we be doing?  From other verses in the Bible, we know that we are to love and pray for them.  And IF any opportunities present themselves, we can (in God's love and guidance), speak God's truth, of His love, mercy and grace.  But IF we find that they are only wanting to "discuss" in order to argue and change US... Jesus clearly tells His disciples (and us) exactly what to do!

We can see in verse 12 how the disciples were concerned by the fact that the pharisees had been offended by what Jesus said.  OF COURSE Jesus knew that the pharisees felt offended;  but His advice is simple... "Leave them alone!"  

We should not be surprised or disturbed by this or think we have to fix things.  "Leave them alone!" :

- don't try to stop them, and if they are your spiritual leaders, then it is time to find another church that is doctrinally sound 

- don't argue with people like this (because it will accomplish nothing)

- don't try to change or convict them (because only God's Holy Spirit can do this)

- don't try to appease them in any way (because this will only lead us into compromising God's truth)

- do continue to love and pray for them!!!

- and in all things, put our relationship with the Lord God first in our lives!!!

relationships (Matthew 14:34-36) Don't Take For Granted

(Matthew 14:34-36)

34 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word into all that surrounding region and brought to Him all who were sick; 36 and they pleaded with Him that they might just touch the border of His cloak; and all who touched it were cured.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

There are different viewpoints about how we approach the Lord.  Many people don't even regard God as a Being with a personality and feelings and desires, and only see Him as some vending machine in the sky, like... "oh, I need something, maybe if I 'put a coin in' and/or do something nice, and/or make some sort of motion, then make three wishes, all of my dreams will come true."  And as things don't happen, they grandly state that, "They tried it, but Christianity doesn't work!"  

Many people will look at Christianity as a religion to take seriously, and they will even serve God earnestly, but with the idea that they have to somehow earn their salvation, and/or God's favor.  But because we are born with a sinful nature, earning our way to heaven or earning God's favor is impossible.  And because it is all about having a personal relationship with the Lord, and the Lord desires that all come to know Him, He came to earth in flesh to pay the price.  He provided the way - the only way - to be saved (which is to be spiritually healed).  

This is the most important healing that anyone could ever have!  Another way to view this, is that salvation in Jesus is a reconciliation.  We humbly go to Him and repent, and He forgives us, for all eternity, so that as children of God, we can never be separated from Him!  While the Lord God has great compassion for all His children (all believers), when we get to heaven, we will be given glorified bodies, never to be sick or hurt again, and never to struggle with any type of sin ever again!

Meanwhile, here on earth, we will struggle, and because the Lord cares, and desires that we grow closer to Him in our personal relationship, He will help us.  Can the Lord God heal us physically?  Yes!  Can and will He still heal us physical?  Yes, but the question really should be - is it His will to do so?  Does it matter if we are struggling with our obedience?  Well, we know that God will allow different consequences into our lives, in order to draw us back to Him.  When we confess and choose to continue on in obedience, it is not a guarantee that God will remove these issues, but He will most certainly bless us with His joy, peace, strength, etc.  

God will allow various struggles into our lives, in order to draw us even closer to Him, as well as use these to help draw others to His kingdom!  Let's look at the apostle Paul as a good example, who definitely strived to live an obedient life... 

(2 Corinthians 12:7-9)  7 Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

relationships (Matthew 14:24-32) Trustworthy Confidence and Encouragement

(Matthew 14:22-32)

22 Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

28 Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Where do I start?!  I guess, it makes sense to start with mankind's shortcomings.  And where do I start with THAT?!  We have so many.  Even after months and months of walking alongside Jesus, and hearing Him speak truth and irrefutable words of wisdom, and seeing Him deliver endless amounts of miracles, the disciples did not recognize Jesus when He approached them.  They never imagined that the God of the impossible could - what? - do the impossible - like walking on top of water!  And their first and only reaction was to be afraid, totally forgetting that anyone can call on the Lord God at any time to be saved!  Even as believers, who are saved, it is so easy to forget that God is sovereign, and that we are to call on Him all of the time, and trust in Him in everything!

Now let's consider just how loving and amazing our Lord God is!!!  And - wow - where do I start with THAT!!!  The words "immediately" and "when" stand out.  This actually demonstrates to us that the Lord God loves us, and is always present!  

Because God is love, He desires that we all come to know Him personally in a close relationship.  As well, He also desires that we trust Him so much that we obey everything that He says (because He has a much better way).  But because He is love, He will never force anyone to love Him back, and even when we choose to love Him, He will never force anyone to obey.  Because Christianity is all about having a relationship with the Lord, it is always our choice in how we respond.

As for the Lord always being present, the verses above demonstrate just that!  Jesus sent them out on the boat always knowing that they would face a storm.  They could have called out to Him right away, but they didn't.  Jesus gave them a span of time in order to give them full opportunity to call upon Him, but they didn't.  So, at the right time, He showed Himself to them in a miraculous way... you know, because He cares!  

Once the men realized who He was (after He had to tell them), Peter wanted to join Jesus out on the water.  Jesus invited Peter to join Him in doing something so cool, always knowing that Peter would falter.  Peter started out strong - only because - Peter began that experience by looking to Jesus.  But when Peter looked at the problems around him, he began to sink.  AT LEAST in that moment, Peter thought to cry out to Jesus!!!

We also see that the men in the boat did not try to prevent Jesus from coming onto the boat with them.  Instead, as soon as Jesus was with them, and the storm stopped, they worshipped Him, because they recognized and acknowledged who Jesus was (and is)... God's Son!  Part of the Trinity!  God, Himself!  The Lord who they knew from the Old Testament scriptures, aka: THE Angel of the Lord, who was and is Jesus-preincarnate, aka: "I AM". 

In verse 27, Jesus announced Himself as "It is I" which from the original Hebrew can easily translate to "I am".  Pretty much every Israelite would have known that Jesus was then saying, "I am the Lord God"!  Knowing, understanding and acknowledging this should bring us immense confidence and encouragement, and should most certainly build up our faith and trust in the Lord!...

(Exodus 3:14)  And God said to Moses, 

“I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “This is what you shall say to the sons of Israel: 

‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

(John 8:58) Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, 

I am.”

(John 6:35)  Jesus said to them, 

“I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty.

(John 8:12)   Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, 

“I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

(John 10:7)  So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly I say to you, 

I am the door of the sheep.

(John 10:11) 

 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

(John 11:25) Jesus said to her, 

“I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies,

(John 14:6) Jesus said to him, 

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.

(John 15:1) 

 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

(Isaiah 43:10-13)
10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord,
     “And My servant whom I have chosen,
     So that you may know and believe Me
     And understand that I am He.
     Before Me there was no God formed,
     And there will be none after Me.
11 I, only I, am the Lord,
     And there is no savior besides Me.
12 It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed,
     And there was no strange god among you;
     So you are My witnesses,” declares the Lord,
     “And I am God.
13 Even from eternity I am He,
     And there is no one who can rescue from My hand;
     I act, and who can reverse it?”

relationships (Matthew 14:22-24) Taking Time to Fellowship and Rest

(Matthew 14:22-24)

22 Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Jesus knew that it was time for both the disciples and the people to return home (probably for many reasons), some of which would have included:  to take care of the things at home for which they were responsible, but also to contemplate and mull over everything they had just witnessed and heard.  A good teacher would know not to overwhelm their students with too much information.  There's definitely a tipping point at which - if we try to take in too much - we'll struggle to retain even just the main points of all the valuable lessons and takeaways.

Now, remember that John the Baptist had just been executed, and Jesus' quiet time was interrupted with a multitude, which He just healed, nurtured and fed.  So now, Jesus made sure He got in this quiet time, not to mourn or fritter away, but to pray!  As an example for us to follow, Jesus began each day with prayer.  Just as He had rested on the seventh day, after creating everything!  And "resting" means taking time off from work-work, and using the time to worship and fellowship with God, as well as with other believers.  Right after creation, the Lord's fellowship would have included Adam and Eve.  

Even the world's psychologists have proven that it is unhealthy to isolate ourselves, and healthy to have some form of faith.  Well, here's the Lord God, who is sovereign (everywhere present, all-powerful, and all-knowing) who desires that we rest one day a week, as well as fellowship with other believers at least once a week, and fellowship with Him everyday!  Since the Lord created us, He knows us better than we know ourselves.  He knows what we need, and what we don't need.  

There are times when we need to be with other believers, and there are times we need to be alone with the Lord God!  And while we have that day of rest-rest, on all the other days, as we are work-working, and dealing with all other responsibilities, we are to rest in Him... which simply means to trust and rely on Him, giving Him all of our issues, time, energy and resources, and asking and allowing Him to do things FOR us, in us and through us!  I know, I say this a lot, but it's because I really do need this constant reminder!!!