relationships (Matthew 12:9-21) In Goodness and For Goodness

(Matthew 12:9-21)

9 Departing from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might bring charges against Him. 11 But He said to them, “What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable then is a person than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.

15 But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed Him, and He healed them all, 16 and warned them not to tell who He was. 17 This happened so that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled:

18 “Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen;
     My Beloved in whom My soul delights;
     I will put My Spirit upon Him,
     And He will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
19 He will not quarrel, nor cry out;
     Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.
20 A bent reed He will not break off,
     And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish,
     Until He leads justice to victory.
21 And in His name the Gentiles will hope.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

We can see how society will often place more value on animals, as well as place more value on their personal agendas, while disregarding and discarding people.  But when we look back at how and why God created all things, we can see the difference, as well as remember our purpose that the Lord has given us.

In chapter 1 of Genesis, we see that only mankind is created in the Lord's image, and we are assigned a purpose to oversee everything that God has created...

(Genesis 1:26-28) Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

In chapter 2 of Genesis, in a recap, the Lord tells us exactly how He created us.  God spoke everything into existence - except for mankind - whom He formed from dust, and then breathed life into us!!!  This is very personal and intimate!!!  Just like when we are in very close proximity to others, when someone is standing in our "personal space", we can feel their breath... 

(Genesis 2:7) Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living person.

And we were not just given a purpose, but a higher purpose, because the Lord's intentions are that He desires to have a personal relationship with us, and in that, He wants to do life WITH us.

(Colossians 1:15-16)  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: 16 for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.

As well, in our salvation, the Lord God secures us for eternal life, so that we cannot lose our salvation!  He adopts us forever, as His beloved children!  Therefore, He doesn't just want to help us, He wants us and asks us to rely on Him for everything, all for His glory and to His glory!  He is so, so very good - and "good" all of the time! As we allow our heavenly Father to continue working for us, in us and through us, others will see His love, goodness and power!  

Very importantly, it should not be about what we think God wants us to do and then expect God to completely support us in those efforts.  We should be asking Him for His guidance and insights as to what He wants us to do, and then ask Him to guide and empower us in carrying that out!  In this way we can serve Him and others, as He gifts and equips us in His love, goodness and strength!  

(Isaiah 43:6b-13)

6   ...Bring My sons from afar
     And My daughters from the ends of the earth,

7   Everyone who is called by My name,
     And whom I have created for My glory,
     Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”

8   Bring out the people who are blind, even though they have eyes,
     And those who are deaf, even though they have ears.
9   All the nations have gathered together
     So that the peoples may be assembled.
     Who among them can declare this
     And proclaim to us the former things?
     Let them present their witnesses so that they may be justified,
     Or let them hear and say, “It is true.”
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 12:1-8) It's All About Love!

(Matthew 12:1-8)

1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat. 2 Now when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath!” 3 But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions— 4 how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? 5 Or have you not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple violate the Sabbath, and yet are innocent? 6 But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here. 7 But if you had known what this means: ‘I desire compassion, rather than sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.

8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Christianity is not a religion, which is all about having do's and don'ts in order to achieve some sort of higher status in your own efforts!  It is all about having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ!  We can see this truth, even back in the Old Testament, in the Ten Commandments, which Jesus sums up into two...

(Matthew 22:35-40)  And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him: 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”

We see many other laws which were given to the Israelites, which helped them stay organized, healthy and civil to one another, but which also demonstrated to them how holy God is and how sinful we are... and how much we need Him to be our Lord, Savior and Redeemer in His Righteousness. 

Meanwhile, we see how the Pharisees (and how other people still) take what God says and either diminishes His word or adds to them.  These are human attempts to maintain or gain power and/or control.  In diminishing God's word, people think they can explain God away, so that they can be in charge and do whatever they want.  While people who add to God's word, just want to appear more spiritual, and/or somehow work their way up to heaven and/or earn favor with God.  But these are all missing the entire point, and their ways are entirely impossible and hopeless!

The Lord offers everyone His forgiveness, help, blessings and eternal life with Him, which can only be through Him and in Him, when we choose to believe IN Him.  This is only found IN a personal relationship WITH Him!

(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."

for...

(1 Timothy 2:3-4) This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

and then...

(John 14:15) “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

(Philippians 2:13) for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.

So...

(Isaiah 41:10)
'Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will also help you,
I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

relationships (Matthew 11:16-30) A Relationship That is Reasonable!

(Matthew 11:16-30)

16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call out to the other children, 17 and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a song of mourning, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a heavy drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ And yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

20 Then He began to reprimand the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that occurred in you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that occurred in you had occurred in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants. 26 Yes, Father, for this way was well pleasing in Your sight. 27 All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son determines to reveal Him.

28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

Jesus likens the stubborn prideful unbelievers to spoiled children who play games, pretending one moment to be having a wedding, and in another moment having a funeral, and then getting angry and judging others when they don't play along.  There isn't any reasoning to their feelings, thinking or beliefs.  Hm... sounds so very familiar.  So then, when these people hear the good news and/or see miracles, because it doesn't fit with their narratives, they find a reason to deem this as bad... It is the hypocrites calling out "Hypocrites!" to those who speak and act in truth.

The Lord, who is sovereign, already knows whose hearts will become humble and turn to Him to repent and believe.  He already knows those who will humbly realize that we are not that wise and intelligent, but that the Lord God knows all things, and that we should and that we can fully depend on Him, because He not only wants to impart to us His wisdom, but He wants to enjoy a personal relationship with us... because He loves us and He cares!

Let me just say, it is far more enjoyable to have a relationship with those who are consistent, kind and reasonable!  And there is no one more so than this than God!

Not only does the Lord offer us His wisdom, righteousness and strength, so that we can be bold and confident, He offers us peace, rest, joy and certain hope!  And even more so, God wants to do all things for us, but it is up to us to go to Him.  So, here Jesus gives us a visual illustration.  Back then, when someone was very poor and didn't own an animal to carry their yokes, they had to carry that for themselves.  These yokes were typically placed on the shoulders, and whatever load one was carrying was placed at each end.  Jews would often use this imagery to depict one's obedience to God's law.  To be perfectly obedient to God's law is a burden that is impossibly too heavy for any human being to carry out.

When we become believers, in repenting of our sins, Jesus removes that yoke (that burden and slavery to sin).  Meanwhile, we take on His yoke - His righteousness!  And even then, He does not want us to be carrying this all on our own!  He still wants to be helping us, and doing things FOR us, IN us and THROUGH us!!!  

God gives us purpose, and He calls us to serve, but it is so very important that we remember:  in our personal relationship with Him, He wants us to go to Him for everything, all of the time, and continue drawing closer to Him.  In our obedience, which is to humbly allow God to work for us, in us and through us, we will then experience the Lord, and all of His amazing blessings of love, peace, rest, joy, certain hope, strength and confidence...

relationships (Matthew 11:1-15) Confidence vs Doubt

(Matthew 11:1-15)

1 When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

2 Now while in prison, John heard about the works of Christ, and he sent word by his disciples, 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?” 4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5 those who are blind receive sight and those who limp walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.”

7 As these disciples of John were going away, Jesus began speaking to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces! 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:

     ‘Behold, I am sending My messenger ahead of You,
     Who will prepare Your way before You.’

11 Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been treated violently, and violent men take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come. 15 The one who has ears to hear, let him hear.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

All people fall short of God's grace and need His salvation in order to enjoy and experience a personal relationship with Him for all eternity.  And it doesn't matter who you are or how "good" you think you are, we all struggle with sin.  "Sin" is a term used in archery, meaning to miss the mark.  God is holy and cannot have a relationship with sin.  Even with just "a little bit of sin" means that we are not holy!  We are not perfect.  

That was the bad news.  And if a person just stops listening at that point, they will be left feeling hopeless and offended.  But here is the good news.  Jesus died for all sin, and for all people, of all time, so that when anyone humbly repents of their sin and believes in Him, we are saved, reborn, cleansed by His blood, forgiven of all sin (and remembered no more), and covered by His righteousness!

Now, even after becoming a believer, we will still sin.  No one is above this.  Even though the disciples (apostles) walked with the Lord Jesus in flesh, they struggled.  Even though John the Baptist had baptized Jesus and heard God's voice, the prophet, John the Baptist struggled, as we see in the verses above.  This is why God offers us His grace - and patience.  This is why God gives each believer His indwelling Holy Spirit to help us, guide us, empower us, as well as convict us when we stumble... because we will stumble and doubt.  

We will mess up, and as soon as we realize, it is to our benefit to confess our sins.  And it is okay to doubt and ask questions, but the latter should always follow the former.  To just remain in doubt leads to more doubt, and more doubt, and then to hopelessness and destruction...  So, just like John the Baptist did, it is important that we continue to go to God and His word and ask questions and continue to seek His truth, in order to establish a trust that leads to confidence in the Lord God.  In fact, we are told in God's word...

(Philippians 2:12)  So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

While Christianity is a journey of growth, the most important aspect of our faith is growing closer to the Lord in a personal relationship!  The more we get to know Him, the more we will trust and obey Him.  The more we trust and obey Him, the more we will get to know Him!  There is absolutely no doubt that God loves and cares for us!!!

relationships (Matthew 10:40-42) True Family

(Matthew 10:40-42)

40 “The one who receives you receives Me, and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 The one who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and the one who receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous person shall receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

The key verse (verse 40) and the main point is that those who believe in God, have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who came in flesh, to be fully man while still being fully God, in order to pay the price for all sin, so that He can forgive those who humbly come to Him and repent, so that we can have a personal relationship with the Lord.  And as we love God, we will love God's children, as well as all people.

If one cannot love, help and fellowship with a true believer in Christ, then they are not really Christians (Christ-followers).  Having a relationship with the Lord is what all believers have in common, and in this, when we are all following and living in God's will, there will be unity.  In this, God's work will be done!  

It is one thing to get along with other Christians who tend to be on the same level as ourselves, but are we showing the same love and respect to our spiritual leaders?  As well, are we showing the same love and respect to the "little ones" within the family of God.  While we will experience blessings and consequences based on our words and actions while still on earth, it is when we get to heaven, all believers will be judged and rewarded according to the good deeds that we have done, with right motives, which is to speak and act in God's love, strength, wisdom, guidance and righteousness, all to His glory.  By our fruit, and by our love, people will know that we are Christians!

relationships (Matthew 10:34-39) Dealing With Divisiveness

(Matthew 10:34-39)

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to turn a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a person’s enemies will be the members of his household.

37 “The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and the one who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

While there is nothing new under the sun, we are experiencing a lot of divisiveness in our world today.  And while social media can be used for good, like all things, it can be used for evil, so we need to be aware and cautious.  Obviously, not everything we see or hear is true.  Therefore, we should keep in mind a few things as we navigate this world and the relationships around us:

- those who hate God will hate His children

- there are religious and political factions who will convince people that Christians and Christianity is the enemy (there are even "Christian" churches that twist what the Bible says in order to convince people to hate true Bible believing Christians)

- therefore, as believers, the Lord God and His word needs to be first in our lives

- as we are in a relationship with God, we are to pray without ceasing (talk to Him about everything!!!)

- it is okay to have moments of doubt or weakness, just remember to continue seeking out the truth and trusting in the Lord

- the Lord God is truth, wisdom, peace, love, joy, and He is sovereign (omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent)

- avoid getting close to anything, anyone or any group that teaches people to fear and hate others, and to trust in them, in ourselves, or in other things

- avoid getting into debates and contentious arguments

- love and pray for those who hate us and hate God

- pray for God to give us the opportunities to share His love, peace, hope and joy, all with His love, wisdom and strength, and all to His glory!

relationships (Matthew 10:26-33) True Courage

(Matthew 10:26-33)  [regarding those who persecute believers, because of Jesus]

26 “So do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are two sparrows not sold for an assarion? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows.

32 “Therefore, everyone who confesses Me before people, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before people, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

A young Christian man, who was being interviewed, was asked why so many young adults were flocking to the church.  His reply was, "It takes a great evil to move an entire generation of people towards the Lord."  It is very interesting that in times of upheaval and danger, unbelievers search for truth, purpose, peace, joy and the love of God.  Also just as interesting, in times of upheaval and danger, many people who consider themselves believers, will abandon their "faith".  The question becomes:  were those people truly believers in the first place?  

One cannot simply go through the motions, just saying and doing what is expected.  With sincere and humble hearts, a person will repent and confess their sins, and accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers, accepting Jesus into their hearts (souls).  Then, His indwelling Holy Spirit will literally change that person from the inside out.  It is in this that we are spiritually born again, becoming a legitimate child of God.  Our salvation and relationship with the Lord God is secured forever!  Therefore, no need to worry or fear!

Since God will never leave or forsake His children, it is up to us to strive in our relationship with Him.  BECAUSE it is a relationship of love, He asks that we to go to Him for everything, in all things.  No matter what is going on around us or happening to us, when we learn to continuously trust in, and fully depend on our heavenly Father, we can experience His strength, peace and joy, and exhibit His love, peace and joy to others with courage and boldness!