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MONDAY...12/23...
Matthew 17
"The WOW FACTORS" Welcome back to the week of Christmas! As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this week, let's add a few more of His "red letter lessons" He gave us! Sure praying you're able to have Christmas with those you love this year. All of us in the "finishing well crowd" will have a few challenges from time to time, whether their health related or something that hinders our family from gathering. But even though we're crazy busy this time of year, I pray God gives us the grace we need as we honor Him, love one another, & finish the gospel of Matthew the next 2 weeks! Here we go… the TRANSFIGURATION (v1-13) This is one of the most amazing passages and experiences these three "inner circle disciples" could ever have. There are three WOW's I see in our chapter today. The WOW of Peter, James & John being with Jesus on the mountain top where Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (who represented the Prophets) both appeared in bodily form. What a "pregame gathering" as Jesus fulfills, both of their life callings & roles as the Messiah! Please notice a few things Jesus says or implies.... #1...Jesus "doesn't respond" when Peter suggest to build a place for everyone to stay and leave the other disciples down in the valley. His silence speaks volumes indicating this is incredibly significant, but it is JUST FOR NOW. So don't get comfortable up here! Things don't grow on mountain top… They grow in the valley and that's where will be headed next. All these implications were without a word… #2...,,Jesus said "DON'T BE AFRAID". You know the stats on that I'm sure. It appears 365 times in the Bible, which implies one for every day of the year. Jesus' clothes came out like a "white tornado", but this was not about special effects. Those three disciples were allowed a special glimpse of the significance of what Jesus' death on the cross was about to do & fulfill. #3… Jesus also said, "DON'T TELL anybody about this"! Entrusting powerful information to those near Him called for character & they needed to use great discretion & restraint! I'm guessing they might've had the temptation as they would soon be around the other 9 disciples, saying "I know something you don't know". #4… the deeper truth that Jesus taught was John the Baptist was the FULFILLMENT OF ELIJAH COMING that was prophesied in Malachi. His disciples were familiar with this biblical prophecy, even though they didn't understand every detail of all it's significance. This was a major WOW! One of my favorite Bob Russell sermons on this passage & the next one combined was entitled, "How to get down a mountain without falling". Let's see how they do… a DEMONIC little Boy (v14-23) When parents have trouble with their kids, it breaks their hearts. When we can't fix things for our kids' health or their world as a dad, it tears us up. Doesn't matter the age. If they're 2, and we're 22, or they're 42 and we're 62, it makes no difference. If they're hurting, so are we. And this guy who came to Jesus was really hurting. The nine disciples who did not get an invitation to the transfiguration were doing everything they knew to do, but something was missing. In one of the other gospels, a parallel passage to this one says that this kind of demon only comes out with "prayer and fasting". Jesus told His guys they didn't have enough faith, which of course is true. And it raises a great question on the role of fasting in our spiritual growth. Is there a need for it as part of our sincere appeal to God? I believe so. And in this honest moment of the "post game conversation" with Jesus, the disciples vulnerably ask, "why couldn't we do this Lord"? It all comes down to faith. Do you believe I can? Will you fully ENTRUST this to Me? Whether it is health or wealth related or our broken relationships...will we trust Him to move what we can't move & fix what we can't fix? the TEMPLE TAX (v24-27) Now for the 3rd WOW... when Jesus was pressured into paying taxes, & with Peter as His representative, showed He could provide what was necessary to satisfy the government by simply directing Peter to do what he liked to do and go fishing! What a "precise & timely miracle" in getting enough tax money from the fish' mouth to cover both Jesus' and Peter's taxes! The disciples had to think, how cool is this! the QUESTIONS... Do you need a miracle from Jesus today? I'm not talking about a rabbit out of the hat, but I am talking about a "Miracle Moment of Grace" in the life of your family? Maybe it's a better report from the doctor than what they've been telling you lately. Maybe you'd love for Jesus to use you in helping & encouraging a family, much like the disciples who couldn't seem to cast evil out like the man & His young boy… Maybe you need God to provide as only He can for you in a financial way... May do for us what He longs to do according to His will & our faith! TUESDAY 12/24... Matthew 18...
"The WHOA Factors"... Welcome to Christmas Eve! It's now or never! I'm praying for all of you with the many Christmas Eve services in your churches that you've had over the weekend, or are continuing to have on Christmas Eve itself. May it be an incredible time drawing the hearts of your people near the manger & to one another! Here we go with chapter 18... PECKING ORDER (v1-6) Sometimes we think the more we learn, & say impresses people as a mark of spiritual maturity. Jesus appears to be impressed with those who have an eye on the kids and helps them be spiritually formed in a relationship with God's Son. This gives a pretty strong warning & we don't want to discourage young ones in becoming believers & followers of Jesus. Grandparents will resonate with this for this whole season of our lives. How can we help facilitate the spiritual growth and convictions of the generation not "directly linked" to us? STUMBLING Blocks (v7-11) Another "whoa"! Remember, a WOW is "how about that" and a WHOA is "better watch out for that"! Jesus gives a major "watch out" today. Whether it's a habit of your eyes, hands or feet, we are to make sure we don't do something that would cause someone else (particularly a younger one) to stumble. Jesus uses beautiful language from the heart of God concerning the little ones. He acknowledges they have angels in heaven…"guardian angels". And these guardian angels have closeness with God. Jesus says they "see the face of the Father in heaven continually". Those are no low class angels! LEAVING the 99 (v12-14) Jesus makes it clear His Father in heaven wants every child to come to faith and not experience separation or death. He gives the familiar image of the shepherd who cares so much that he "leaves the flock" and momentarily risks their safety just to find the one who is lost. Every sheep matters. Every person matters greatly to God! RECONCILIATION (v15-20) This passage has become foundational in giving us a directive as to how we "approach one another", rather than "avoid one another" in our relationships when we hurt or sin against one another. Trust me, this is "easier said than done". It begins privately. The next step is to include one other person in the conversation. And if there's still resistance, we need to tell our small group or "house Church" (most likely in the case of the early church) that there's been a violation. Then it appears that the "church discipline" (rather than pretending everything's OK) kicks in. I know it sounds pretty harsh. But it helps to deal openly if there's been a significant violation, perhaps stealing, slander or misrepresentation on a major level, not just a petty disagreement. Can you imagine though with social media how complex this problem & practice could get? This puts the responsibility of "godly shepherd over the church and the small groups. This should be a rare occasion and doesn't need to be visited very often, but it provides an ordained path taught directly by Jesus that's healthy and holy. Galatians 6, in the first few verses provides even more guidance if someone's "overtaken in a fault" and the rest of the group desires to gently restore them. There's pitfalls and temptations to be "swayed & played" by those involved and it takes great maturity, wisdom, & discernment for those spiritual leaders. That's why you'll find in the Bible that "leaders are never recruited, they're appointed". Leadership is never on a "volunteer" basis. Serving is, but leadership isn't. FORGIVING Others (v21-35) You can always count on Peter to bring up a hypothetical. It appears he was a little fatigued at the "frequency of forgiveness" he was to willing offer to others that Jesus was clarifying. Jesus gives the "quotable & tattoo worthy" passage of "70 times 7". Our forgiveness needs to be our "default response". Jesus tells a story of the "unforgiving debtor", illustrating how important it is for us to forgive one another from the heart. We cant be "stingy with grace". Freely we have received and really we should give. The guy in the story had no excuse. The Devil shows up in our heart many times telling us to ration out or even refuse to give Grace to teach someone a lesson. We always driven back to the Lord's prayer or some may call it the model prayer… Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who "sin against us". I know some say "debts or trespasses", but I put those mentally in a whole category. In our world of money is money and honey on somebody else's property, will you just don't do that without permission. Sins are sins. They are "double violations". Against God and against someone else. May we help one another in this matter because trust me, it's a tough one. Just as we are to "funnel the blessings" God give us not hoard them, I believe we are to FUNNEL His grace as we realize our need for forgiveness from a loving and yet, just & holy God! the QUESTIONS... There's a lot to cover in today's reading. If we had to pinpoint some questions to check and see where we are, they most likely would need to be... #1...Do I raise up and include other people in spiritual relationships, and conversations? Or do I tend to unconsciously condescend and make them feel on the outside & somewhat "less than"? Unintentionally, of course. #2...How can I try to include more people in meaningful ways (of fellowship or service) when the opportunity arises? #3...Is there anything I might be doing that could be misperceived, misinterpreted or be a stumbling block to another believer? #4...Do i need prompting in "leaving the 99", and making sure I just don't hang out with people who are "already convinced" about God all the time? #5... hello Am I open to seeking forgiveness where I need to? #6...Do I live with the sense of God has "forgiven ME of much" and I need to be generous in the forgiveness I offer to others? That should get it started in personal reflection a little bit today! Don't feel the need to tackle all the questions… Just maybe pick one May you all have wonderful Christmas Eve services this evening if you're able to attend! WEDNESDAY...12/25
MATTHEW 19 Here we go! It's Christmas morning! For us, we put the crumbly blueberry muffins (as Rachel used to call them) and the orange icing on the Pillsbury danish (that Nathan used to attack at first sight). I hope you have all the joyful traditions at your own family celebration today of Jesus coming to save the world! As you can tell, this Christmas devotion is brought to you by the letter M... "MARRIAGE" (v1-12) Jesus takes a dozen verses to elevate the "sacred relationship of marriage between a man and a woman". He expresses His disappointment that the people of "years gone by" in the Jewish faith were so hard-hearted and stubborn, and acknowledges Moses had to give them a "bit of a reprieve" and allow them file a certificate of divorce, but it wasn't that way in the beginning, so straighten up and take this seriously "from this day forward"! Jesus always raises the bar, & sometimes He has to hit a few people in the head with it just to get their attention of what God originally intended! "MUNCHKINS" (v13-15) Let those little kids come and hang out with Me, Jesus said! Don't deprive them of access to Me. Because the kingdom of God belongs to ones like these. Pure & innocent hearts. He laid His hands on them and was willing to have a moment with those kids and families. "It's a beautiful thing", to quote, my good friend Kip Conte. May this Christmas day be a day that you let your children and grandchildren have access to Jesus and His incredible story! You might want to show the Christmas SADDLEBACK Kids Bible stories version depending on how young they are. I personally don't think they're ever too old for that! Don't miss the opportunity today to remind them of what & Who this day represents! (Heres a link) "MONEY" (v16-26) What a memorable story the rich young ruler is in our reading today! Here's a guy who had "checked off all the boxes" on his religious duty sheet. He didn't know there was one more box to check, so he asked Jesus, where was the "hole in his résumé", so to speak? The story is a great reminder that Jesus is about our heart and money can't buy heaven. The question Jesus posted was "do you want to be complete & mature"? His disciples noticed how hard this is going to be for wealthy people! They can allow their wealth to define them if they're not centered on Him. But if we come with generous & grateful hearts, we realize what a privilege we've been given to bless other people with the resources God has allowed us to gain! It was a sad day for the young man who "could've been a 13th follower of Jesus" it appears. But his "beaucoup bucks was his big barrier" to following Jesus. His money was his identity. the "ME FACTOR" (v27-30) Peter again. He has some great comments. He's in the moment and is pretty honest and that's refreshing. But here he acknowledges the obvious after the rich young ruler doesn't get to be part of the group. He says we've left everything to follow You, Jesus, so what's our retirement plan? Great question! Jesus said it will be "exponential" in what you'll receive in light of what you've given up! You'll be in a seat of honor, inherit eternal life & those who appear to be last will be first and vice versa. Today on Christmas Day, as we celebrate the fact that Jesus "left heaven" just for us, there is an irony in Peter asking if they would be rewarded for what they sacrificed! Let me simply thank you for reading along today by sharing with you probably my favorite song of all time that tells the story of Christmas, Easter and how Jesus did leave everything FOR us... so that He might bring everything TO us... Love you guys. (Link to IN THE FIRST LIGHT by Glad) In the first light of a new day, no one knew He had arrived. Things continued as they had been while a newborn softly cried. But the heavens wrapped in wonder knew the meaning of His birth in the weakness of a baby they knew God had come to earth As His mother held him closely, it was hard to understand that her baby, not yet speaking was the Word of God to man He would tell them of His Kingdom but their hearts would not believe they would hate him and in anger they would nail him to a tree But the sadness would be broken as the song of life arose, and the firstborn of creation would attend and take His throne He had left it to redeem us but before His life began, He knew He'd come back, not as a baby, but as the Lord of every man Hear the angels as they're singing on the morning of His birth, but how much greater will our sing be when He comes again, when he comes again Hear the angels as they're singing on the morning of His birth, but how much greater will our song be when He comes again to earth.... when He comes... to rule... the earth!! the QUESTIONS... Pretty simple today for our questions I think. #1...If you're married, how is your marriage? #2...How's your money? #3...How's your kids and grandkids? #4...Is anything standing in the way of you and the Lord that you're struggling with it coming between you? #5...And can you rest in the promise that God knows exactly how much you've given up and He will reward you appropriately in heaven? Merry Christmas, my finishing well friends! We've been given so much in this life! May this Christmas Day bring a holy hug to each of you from those who know you best and love you most! THURSDAY 12/26... MATTHEW 20 Hopefully it was a great day for you all yesterday! We are in a good pace to finish the red letters of the gospel of Matthew this next week. Thank you for being so patient and persistent! Here we go… "More STORIES" (v1-16) Jesus has one story after another, and this might be one of the more powerful ones! It's the one about the "Laborers in the Vineyard". It directly affected the Pharisees who resented anybody (except themselves) being in the kingdom of God! They not only didn't want Gentiles, but they didn't want most of their own people to feel close to God, just under their thumb! There was resentment when the landowner showed mercy and generosity. And the Jewish religious leaders exemplified that resentful lifestyle to a "t". Jesus reveals the heart of his Heavenly Father in wanting EVERYONE to make it to heaven, even if some do by "the skin of their teeth"! In 2 Peter 3:9, the same sentiment is given as the apostle says, "God is not willing that ANY would perish, but that ALL would come to repentance". Not just come to church, or just get baptized, but "come to repentance". I've thought through the years that I've missed the point many times and having "baptism classes" without "repentance classes". We live in a culture of "broken hearts without surrendered hearts". To repent means to "change our mind" about OUR sin and a HOLY God. May we have that same type of inclusive, compassionate and repentant heart that Jesus does! "More TRUTH" (v17-19) Jesus gets to the point again and becomes very vulnerable with His disciples as they walk along the road. He tells them they're going to Jerusalem & He'll be handed over to the chief priests and they'll condemn Him. They will hand Him over to the Gentiles (meaning the Romans) and He'll be mocked, flogged and crucified. But take heart, because on the third day, He will come back to life! Wow, He got all that said in 2 verses! Notice how Jesus lovingly nurtures, forms, equips, & prepares His disciples for what's coming up. It will catch them off guard. So He's trying to play out some of the main events, so they won't be totally caught off guard! "More REQUESTS" (v20-24) And what is this segue the mother of James and John makes after Jesus has said they're gonna crucify me? There's not a mention of, "oh my that's too bad". Not even a question of, "Lord, is there anything we can do to keep this from happening"? She just goes right into the request for her sons to have the best seats in the house! And Jesus so eloquently, and yet so honestly says, "you have no clue what you're asking for"? There was no way they could understand the depth of suffering Jesus was going to have to endure. All they could see was, we're big stuff now! And James' and John's mother didn't really care if Peter got a good seat or not, she was just "calling SHOTGUN" for her boys! Now the final request was two blind men respectfully asking Jesus for their "vision to be restored", & how Jesus in verse 34 was moved with compassion… He touched their eyes and immediately they regained their sight. Now don't miss the last two words. They didn't say thanks, runoff and do what was next on their list. They "followed Him". That's always a good idea, wherever we are! the QUESTIONS... #1...Maybe one question would be back in the first part of chapter 20, do we have a hidden resentment for those who have to do less, but get the same grace as us? #2...Here's a hypothetical for verses 17 through 19… Would you like more information from Jesus about the specifics of what He has in mind or are you are you content to just know He'll be with you no matter what? #3...Is there anything you would like to ask Jesus for now you think might be "borderline or out of line"? It probably isn't if you're doing it in faith. Is there something in your life right now that you desperately need healed, or restored? You're not wasting His time. And He doesn't waste our pain, if we offer it back to Him. Feel free to boldly say, "God, please, would you answer my prayer concerning ________"? If you're with me so far, I think you're doing pretty good coming off the big holiday we've all had… I know we're tackling a lot just to get through the red letters so we can head in a little bit different direction in the new year. I appreciate your patience and diligence so much and pray that we simply "remind one another of the words of Jesus" & instill them deeper into our hearts and lives so we can RECALL them when we need them! I trust it's been a great Christmas for you. May we finish this year well together next week! FRIDAY...12/27...
MATTHEW 21 I got stuck on the letter "P" today. The parade, the purge, the pressure and the parables. A lot to cover this last week! Let's dive in. the "PARADE" (v1-11) The "Triumphal Entry" is a beautiful thing in small churches on Palm Sunday as kids wave the palm branches. That is if you can get the kids to cooperate! This was to fulfill the prophecy from Isaiah 62. Their king was coming "humbly riding a young colt". "Hosanna" is the word they kept singing along with shouting, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord"! This will be "the week that was". Jesus has set His face towards Jerusalem, and things are in motion as He heads toward the cross. There's no turning back now because this is what He came to do! the "PURGE" (v12-18) In the immortal words of MC Hammer… It's "Hammer Time". And in Jesus's words, it's now "Temple Time"! He restored the integrity that had faded away from the prophecy of Isaiah 56, which said, "My house will be called a house of prayer but you're making it into a den of robbers"! You see the people were being "financially gouged" by the temple fundraisers! The markup was incredibly high and it made poor people even poorer! There are some things you just can't stand by and watch God be misrepresented! "Zeal for His Father's house did consume Him", which was another fulfilled prophecy! There are times you just have to clean house, there's no two ways about it. Jesus couldn't say "cut back a little bit and don't make quite so much exorbitant profit on the poor people". It needed an overhaul and an upheaval and that's why He turned the tables. Some Bible scholars estimate that Jesus cost the High Priest, Caiaphas about $1 million on fundraising by that one act. But that one act defended the integrity of His Heavenly Father. And to Jesus, it was worth it. May it be worth it to us as well when we have opportunity to defend his integrity! I wish I had a big spiritual song for you here, but all I've got is a secondary theme song to a movie in the '80s with a Chicago blues feel. It does kind of say what Jesus came to do. Sometimes the Lord just wants you to be... "Cleanin' Up the Town"! (Link) the "PRESSURE" (v19-27) Now most of us wouldn't find this illustration of the "fig tree being cursed" offensive because be honest… I'm guessing you haven't picked up a pack of fig newtons at Walgreens in quite a while! But for people back then, figs were pretty significant. As Jesus curses the tree, it withers all at once and turned that moment into a lesson on "asking and BELIEVING in prayer". The pressure continues as the chief priests & elders grill Jesus on "what authority He used & where did He come from to do the things He was doing"? Jesus turns the tables in Messianic style with a question of his own… "Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?" And of course, they just mumbled because they were only trying to trip Him up and didn't want to face any pressure themselves. So they said, "we don't know". Jesus uses that opportunity to say "if you can't tell me that one, then I won't answer your question either", and the people then understood you're not gonna mess with this guy or outsmart Him! You can't even outshout Him, because His words penetrate on such a deep level of the heart! I love it! the "PARABLES" (v28-38) Jesus winds down chapter 21 with a couple of parables, but trust me, He'll have a few more for us next week as we end the year with more red letters in the gospel of Matthew together. After that encounter with the religious leaders, He interrogates them further with the "parable of the two sons". The father asked them both to go work in the field. One said, "sure", but never went, while the other one said, "no, I don't think so", but wound up going. He asked them, which one did the will of their father, and of course, they said the one who went to work. Then Jesus let them know that tax collectors and prostitutes are coming into the Kingdom of God AHEAD of those religious people! That didn't go over well! And He said, John the Baptist came to you with "kosher righteousness", and you didn't listen to a word he said! But ungodly people DID believe him and are in good standing with God! He goes on with the "parable of the landowner", which is just painful for me to listen to every time. Primarily because it's a parable of Jesus coming representing His Father and being killed due to the hard heartedness of the religious leaders. This was about to happen and it had to be emotionally painful for Jesus to say those words without His heart breaking. He lets the Jewish leaders know that the kingdom will be taken from them. And in verse 45, the Pharisees understood He was talking directly about them! They wished they could've arrested Him, but he had such a great following. So, "chicken livers that they were", they wouldn't do it openly, but waited for the "secretive time" when they could get away with it. the QUESTIONS... #1...I'm just wondering… How do you think you would have been in the triumphal entry? Would you have done a golfers clap barely participating? Would you have tried to get the best seats in the house? Would you have cried out at the top of your voice… "Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" ? Just wondering, how do you see yourself in that picture? #2...And when Jesus cleansed the temple, would you have been as offended as He was about the "misuse of the sacrificial system"? Would you have wanted to kick a couple of tables around & light a firecracker under one of the goats to make things a little more rowdy there? Or would you have said, I'm just not sure this is the time or place for this complaint? Just wondering what would you say "offends" you in that regard? #3...Would you have agreed with Jesus when He cursed the fig tree as He taught that "our prayers need to be bold and filled with faith"? Or would that have been a "head-scratcher"? #4...Would you have avoided the tension between Jesus and the Pharisees… Or would you have at least wanted to see what's going on so you could form a good opinion? Or would you have wanted to get in the thick of it and then been "ready to rumble"? #5...And when Jesus began to "press in deeper" into the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, would you have been with Him, or would that have just been a little bit too much to get involved with? I know...that's a lot to think about! But sometimes it's good to put ourselves in the position of the disciples. I stumble a lot now and I think I would've stumbled even more back then! Thank the Lord for His grace. His "lifelong Amazing Grace" as His Holy Spirit patiently sees us through and walks along with us every step of the way! I pray that this week has been a good one from top to bottom for you. May the Lord bless it as another "Christmas is in the books"! And may we end the year next week with grateful hearts, "awaiting the blessed hope, the glorious appearing" when Jesus returns! Love you guys, & talk to you next week, george
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