Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture:

 

[10] Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. [11] The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.[12] When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

 

Observation:

 

At least a couple disciples had entirely the wrong focus here. That Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’s feet when she could have  sold it and given the money to the poor. She was being irresponsible and not caring for the least of them.

 

Mary did not “waste” anything. She “gave” everything to show her love for Jesus and serve Him as best she could.

 

Jesus patiently tells the disciples again that he is going away soon. Mary was helping prepare Him for burial.  It was far more important to understand that He was going away soon. He reminded them several times of this fact.

 

Also, kind of like.. pay attention.. she was giving to Jesus the best of what she had to offer – her expensive perfume and her service. She was doing this not because she had to, or was asked to do so, but because she loved Him. Jesus calls it a beautiful thing.

 

Application:

 

As I give to expand Jesus’s Kingdom, and serve Him, I would like to think that He would tell me that what I do is a “beautiful thing”.  Nothing I could ever hear would compare with the joy from hearing that from Jesus until, hopefully I hear “well done good and faithful servant” when my new life begins. We are called  to build His Kingdom. Serve as if we are serving Jesus Himself, and live to glorify Him – all from the heart.

 

Prayer:

 

Lord I love you. I anxiously await your return when I can see you face to face.  Meanwhile, help me stay focused and pay attention to what I can do to glorify you. In Jesus holy name I pray, amen.

Journal Matt 25 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.

 

Five of them were foolish and five were wise.  For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.

 

As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.  But at midnight there was a cry, “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.”  Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.

 

And the foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.”

 

But the wise answered, saying, “Since there will not be enough for us AND you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.”

 

And while they (the foolish) were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.  Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us.”

 

But he answered, “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.”

 

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”  Matt 25:1-13

 

Observation:  Context, context, context: Which am I—Wise or Foolish?

 

Analysis: I believe the context starts with describing the preparations of the ladies.

There are 10 ladies in total.  5 are described as wise.  5 are described as foolish.  What makes them different from each other?

• All 10 were to meet the bridegroom.
• All 10 took lamps (I guess in case the bridegroom came after dark)
• 5 ladies took extra oil to fuel their lamps, and;
• 5 ladies did not, perhaps thinking their flame would last just long enough, or it didn’t matter whether their flame was lit when the bridegroom arrived.

My conclusion?  The ladies described as foolish were because they assumed of being accepted by the bridegroom even though they did not prepare for his independent arrival.

Let me flip it: The 5 ladies described as “wise” appear to have been thorough in their preparations, even to the extent making sure their fire was fueled—they took no chance in being turned away due to a lack of fire.

Pressing in verses coasting in assumption.  Pretty clear to me.  All were prospective brides.  Not all made the cut.

Reminds me of Jesus preaching in Matt 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  One that day many will say to Me, “Lord, Lord: did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?”  And then (Jesus) will declare to them: “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

Prayer: Persevere to the End.  That is what you say to do, O Lord.  And not with just determination not to be moved, but with a pursuit that is persistent all my days.  I want to be an effective disciple.

Cause revival, AMEN

Scripture
Matthew 24:12-14 – And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come.

Observation –  

Jesus is speaking on the Mount of Olives to the disciples about signs of the end of the age.  Many believers are going to lose their love and faith as there is increasing propensity for violence and hate.  To be saved we will have to endure increasing persecution.  Once the gospel is proclaimed to all the nations, Jesus will triumphantly return!

Application –

Jesus also tells the disciples that only the Father knows the time of His return.  These are warnings and should give a sense of urgency to live for the Kingdom and be prepared for the return of the King.  Endurance means holding fast to my faith in spite of declining conditions in society and being unpopular.  Jesus loved first, therefore we must share the love of Christ with all.  I must pray for those who want to shut us down and persecute us.  Missionaries will continue to carry the gospel forth to the remaining unreached people groups and Jesus will return so I must stay focused on His eternal glory and be ready.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word and the warning you give us to stay  ready by thinking of heavenly things.  Let the power of the Spirit give me strength, courage to have unwavering faith for you.  Give me endurance to love you and others when evil appears to be in charge and persecution at hand.

Journal Matt 23 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “The greatest among you shall be your servant.  Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matt 23:11-12

 

Observation: I am seeing right now where Jesus isn’t speaking in parables or stories.  Am I tired of indirect sayings?  If so, I get the 2×4 between the eyes right here…

 

Analysis: Right in verse 1, the writer of Matthew says that Jesus is speaking to the crowds and the disciples.  Just a little bit later, it is evident that ruling/leading Pharisees and Scribes are in that “crowd.”

I don’t think that all what Jesus is saying is only for the Pharisee/Scribes; it is also for me to pay attention to.

I see the preface “Woe to you…” 7 times in this chapter.  Categorizing each ‘woe to you’, I get:

1. V13: Hypocritical leadership.  “Do what I say, don’t look at my life.  I lead/teach, you follow.”
2. V15: Hypocritical evangelizing.  I make a public effort to evangelize.  When I get the “yes”, I notch my Bible and leave the “convert” to his own devices.
3. V16: More hypocrisy concerning oaths.
4. V23: Hypocritical religious lives.  I do the “outside”, checking the boxes on the list stuff, but no further.  I don’t seek God.
5. V25: Hypocritical presentation of the outward, refusing to address the heart.
6. V27: More definition of outward hypocrisy.
7. V29: Overestimating myself compared to others in the past: “I know that I wouldn’t have done what they did…”

It is evident the common word is hypocrisy.  “Woe to you, you hypocrites”, says Jesus.  “Let me list out in detail what I mean…”

While I can say, “They deserve it, evil Pharisees”, I must realize these are about me, also.

Two examples, one from the NT, the other from life.

1. Prodigal Son story, but not the wayward son, the stay at home, dutiful older son.  The older son at the end of the story whined and complained.  “No fuss is displayed over me and I do all the right things, Dad.  What’s up with that?  It isn’t fair.”  I see more than a little hypocrisy going on here and, worse yet, I see it in the Mirror.

 

“Jesus’ criticism of the older brother is implied rather than stated.  But it is obvious that He puts the older brother in the same category as the self-righteous Pharisee.  Yet the older brother would have qualified as an elder or deacon any of our churches today and would have been highly regarded.  We need to learn the lesson Jesus was teaching and to se the hideousness of the sin of self-righteousness.”  Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace, Chapter 2, page 39.

 

2. Witnessing.  Let me tell you about Jesus, but don’t look at my life.  Directionally true, but can it be an excuse for me NOT to pursue God and maturing in the Faith.  Sure, it can.  Happens all the time.  “I want to tell you about the Pearl of Great Price, it is worth everything, but….I am not trying to actively purchase it so if you are going to be serious, don’t use me as an example to follow.”

It is difficult to walk down the path of holiness, of servanthood, of humbling myself.  But that difficulty is only because I must repudiate my sin daily.

After all, Jesus said His yoke is easy and it is a light burden.

Prayer:  Lord God.  I want to flee hypocrisy.  Only way to do that (from my bone-headed POV) is to be fiercely transparent—no other way.  I don’t want to present transparency, I want transparency to be a solid reflex in my life.  Make me fear You, rather than be afraid of others.

Bring revival, AMEN.

Journal Matt 22 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying:

 

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast—but they would not come.

 

Again, he sent other servants, saying, “Tell those who are invited, “See?  I have prepared my dinner…and everything is ready.  Come to the wedding feast.”  But (the invited) paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.

 

The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

 

The (the king) said to his servants: “The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy.  Go therefore to the main roads and invite as many as you can find.”  (And the wedding hall was filled with guests).

 

But when the king came to look at the guests, he saw a man who had no wedding garment.  And the king said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?”  And (the guest) was speechless.

 

Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness.  In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

 

For many are called, but few are chosen.”” Matt 22:1-14

 

Observation: Long reading.  But necessary.  This story/example/comparison is about the Gospel as well as many other references in the Bible.  The Gospel isn’t only about Man’s redemption through faith in the Blood of Christ, it is also the Celebration of the Unchangeable attributes of God.

 

Analysis:  Sitting here, I am thinking how uncomfortable thinking about God and his Gospel is.  I am very comfortable to think about Him, His love and mercy, grace extended to me so that I may approach him without fear, etc.

I am not so comfortable thinking about the other side of Him: Where his Justice kicks in and the many implications of that.  Part of that uncomfortableness is because I can only think in two dimensions (maybe—jury’s out even for that) but God is Eternal and Omniscient—He thinks in all dimensions at the same time.

Here is the story of a king, throwing a party for the Son, and in exuberance inviting a specific guest list (Israel maybe?).  Perhaps it was too much bother and they made excuses and wouldn’t participate.

The king made another plea but those invited guests were rude up to the point of killing the messengers.

The king sent out a broad invitation to everyone not of the original guest list.  Many came.

Even then, the king saw a man who was in the Wedding Hall but not attired properly—kept his old clothes and didn’t change.  This man, although responding to the Invitation, knew the password and the secret handshake, was found by the king not to be worthy of the Wedding Feast of the Son and was tossed out into the Darkness.

I can read this story and say to myself, “This is about all those poor souls who need Jesus.”

Maybe the more correct way of thinking about it is, “Did I take my old clothes off and am I dressed for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?”

Prayer: “Many are called but few are chosen.”  This godly principle holds a lot of folks up, O Lord.  It is that two-dimensional thinking we are saddled with, that my obligation to decide is contrasted with Your eternal Sovereignty of decision.

The scripture says, “Examine yourself; see (determine) if you are in the Faith.”  Help me to do that without fear of reprisal, acknowledge issues, confess them to others, and repent.  I want to be godly in my transparency, O Lord.

Bring revival, AMEN.

Journal Matt 21 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple and he healed them.

 

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!!” they were indignant—and they said to (Jesus), “Do you hear what these are saying?”

 

And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read:

 

Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies

You have prepared praise?””  (Matt 21:14-16, Old testament reference Ps 8:2)

 

Observation: The Gospel is counter to the world’s view of propriety.  At times the response to the Gospel is counter to the Church’s view of propriety.  What shall we do, what shall we do?

 

Analysis: Any good and biblical response to the Gospel is going to find resistance.

I remember Matt 13 and the Parable of the Sower to see one side of that resistance (conscious or not).  The above is the other side: that of the Establishment fussing.

Reviewing this chapter, Jesus:

• Colt riding into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday;
• Tossing money changers and sacrifice vendors out of the temple, and then;
• Healing the lame and the sick.

Jesus can make an entrance.

The leaders of the Temple had issues.  “Are you going to let them yell praises and not correct them?  That’s just not right…”

Of course, Jesus didn’t correct the children, he corrected the Priests and Scribes.  Why?  Because they are missing the boat, establishing their own sense of propriety (how to act) in place of what is a biblically demonstrated response.

I miss the boat…often.  Why?  A lot of self-consciousness I suppose.  And laziness.  It is hard to lift my hands lately.  If no one else is doing, why not slide into the greyness of the crowd.  Sing?  Blend–don’t stand out.  Shout?  Isn’t happening—I might get a “look” from someone.

It is way too easy to merge into the background.  I spend too much thinking about a demonstration of pride in “drawing attention to myself.”  That kind of self-examination is good, talking to the face in the mirror, but I don’t think at the expense of the biblical mandate.

Acting for the “audience of One” is a proper attitude.  There is a point that I must be primarily a “Servant of the Most High God”—to the expense of my pride, becoming a “fool for Christ”, and witnessing for the change in my heart.

Prayer: Father, I think this passage has more to do with my imagining what other folks might be thinking (like the observation of the priests and scribes—so-called leaders of the congregation), than what You think.

Please give me freedom from looking over my shoulder for the approval of others.  Set me free from this, O God.

Bring revival.  AMEN

Scripture

 

VS 1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house …

Vs 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

Vs 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle … ⁴ and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’

Vs 5 Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same.

Vs 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing.  … He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’

 

Vs 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages ..

Vs 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.

 

Vs 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius.

Vs 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house

 

Vs 15 Am I (the Master) not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’

 

Observation

 

Jesus tells another parable of the kingdom of heaven.

He compares God’s kingdom to a field and God to the master.

God determines what each would receive.

The workers willingly accepted the offer from the master.

Yet, the “early” people still “grumbled” when they received what they agreed to.

 

Application

 

God makes the rules in God’s kingdom!

I want to make my life about my “kingdom”.

And I want to make my rules in my kingdom.

 

What’s more, in my “kingdom”, I can boil it down to “resource management”, or “stuff”.

In other words … “What do I get for what I do?” … “I want what I want!”

 

And a “worldly” kingdom can so often become about who makes the money.

But God’s kingdom is about who makes the rules.

 

God makes the rules. … It’s been that way from the garden.

But I want to make the rules. … It’s also been that way from the garden.

 

So why can’t I be content with what God has granted me?

Because I think maybe He’s holding out on me … I deserve something more.

And I especially deserve something more when I compare myself to others!

 

I just pick who I want to compare myself to …. The “late” workers!

I compare myself to the most recent to the Kingdom.

 

But comparison is a trap … a trap that leads to “grumbling” … every time!

Since my kids were very little, we’ve had a household mantra … “Compare and Despair”

When you compare you despair. … I need to remind myelf.

 

In the kingdom of God, however, how could I ever “grumble”, or despair?!

I’ve been granted access to the Kingdom … and to the King!

In fact, Jesus says it is the Father’s great pleasure to give me the Kingdom!

 

And with a proper understanding of what that is, I should celebrate for others to receive the exact same as I have!

 

Grumbling is of a worldly kingdom.

Celebration is of God’s kingdom.

 

Prayer

 

Thank you again for your Word, God

And thank you for entrance to your kingdom

And a welcome to yourself the King

Help me Holy Spirit to celebrate other

And to cease my grumbling

In Jesus name

Amen

Mt 19

Scripture:

[3] And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” [4] He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, [5] and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? [6] So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Observation:

As usual, the Pharisees wanted to trick Jesus into saying something and for Him to take a strong stand one way or another about their opinions and mosaic law.

Jesus would have none of that trickery and directed them straight back to Scripture. It doesn’t matter what Moses said or why he said it. It doesn’t matter if you have a very liberal or very conservative opinion on the topic. What does Scripture say?

As Jesus directs them to Scripture for their answer I notice that He implies that, if they knew Scripture as well as they claim, they should know this already – “Have you not read..”.

Application:

I am seeking the approval of God, not man. So, I don’t need to worry about answering this type of question to please one man or another. There is only one place to go to look for the right answers when I’m asked questions like this and may not have the answer. I need to open my heart to be guided by the Holy Spirit, look to the Word, and God will reveal his good and perfect will. My answer will be there if I are open to hear it.

Prayer:

Lord, I love you. Help me to glorify you an all I do and say. Guide me with your Word and Spirit as I search for answers. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen.

Journal Matt 18 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault—between you and him alone.

 

If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.  But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you (that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses).

 

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.  And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.  (Matt 18:15-17)

 

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me and I forgive him?” (Matt 18:21)

 

Observation: Forgiveness verses accountability; confrontation verses overlooking a fault.  This may be one of the most misapplied in process and action scriptures in the Gospels.  What is “going overboard” and what is “doing it correctly?”

 

Analysis:  Lord God: You know I struggle with this subject.  I really don’t like confrontation of others—I readily shift to the “overlooking of sin.”

Three things that are predominate subjects in this section of Matt 18:

• Identification and definition of “sin against me”;
• Confrontation to elicit a confession and repentance; and;
• When to escalate?

This section is usually identified as the “process to church discipline”, but I notice that this starts with a thought of “so and so” did something to me.  Was it something that I think I should care about “so and so’s” soul about?  Or is it a misunderstanding and/or something that could/should be discussed to the end of extending grace about?  Should I care at all and chalk it up to diversity of opinion?

Extending grace in forgiveness is what Peter is looking for clarification about.  Jesus’ answer of basically “you can’t count that high” to be a forgiver is the Believer’s direction from God.

That makes confrontation and “holding someone accountable” a little tough: When do you forgive and forget; when not?  That is the binary choice facing folks like me.

I have found that there is no easy answer.  Practical education comes from two ends: experience in the trenches of life and; examples from local church policy.  I can’t speak for local church policy.  From the scriptures, check out Acts 5 for the extreme example—I haven’t seen that done lately (and am grateful—scary).

Trench experience is very educational.  Drives me back to the scriptures and SPECIALLY to seeking God and prayer.  Why?  Because when I have attempted to engage in “confrontation” I have usually come away with “well, that didn’t go well”, red-faced, and quavering in my conviction that this was the right thing to do.  Try doing this with a spouse—I find my blind spots in a flash.

Forgiveness is way easier than concern for another’s soul.  Note this is NOT witnessing to unbelievers—that is a separate subject and category.  This is a process about so-called and/or professing “believers” and my relationship with them.

Bottom line: I must be courageous and bold but not prideful and projecting misplaced authority.  I ask a ton of clarifying questions, keeping the Gospel in the forefront of my mind, knowing that I am no better, being forgiven much…just like this person.

It is extending care for the soul that drives this process—but it starts with extending friendship and a loving hand of concern.

Prayer:  Father, hopefully reading this section results in a spontaneous result of self-confession, preemptively reducing the need to “confront.” (Confess faults to one-another—c. James 5:16).  Help me approach another with fear and trembling before you, but with faith and courage that (seeking confirmation from you), it is the right thing to do.

Bring revival, O God.

 

Scripture –

Daniel 4:37 – Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Observation –  

Nebuchadnezzar at the height of his pride and self-glory in his own majesty was sent by God to live in the field as an ox.  A king who once built an idol for himself was humbled by the God of heaven.  Nebuchadnezzar realized that God is righteous, just and he praised God.

Application –

Pride comes before a fall and is a sin that can keep us separated from God.  While we may be doing well in our career, sport, ministry or anything it is important that we not be prideful but use this as an opportunity to point to God for whom we owe everything.  God’s grace is abounding and this is a great story to show that no one is ever too far gone.  We shouldn’t judge someone’s spiritual shortcomings.

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word as you are just.  Let me humbly submit to follow you and point others to you.  Don’t let me judge others as too prideful or undeserving of your grace.

Journal Matt 16 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

 

(Jesus) answered them, “When it is evening, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.” And in the morning, “It will be stormy today for the sky is red and threatening.”

 

You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.

 

An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.”  So, he left them and departed.” Matt 16:1-4

 

Observation: Sounds innocent, except it is not.  “Give me a sign, please.”  Jesus replied, “Check out Jonah for the answer to your request…”

 

Analysis: This is where many folk skips to the next section of Matthew 16 because of the reference to read (and understand) Jonah.  “He got swallowed by a whale and spit out later; what kind of sign is that?”

Why ask for a sign?  What did the Pharisees and Sadducees want of a sign?  Why does anyone want a sign?

This is not theological at all, but what do I use a sign for?  Information, direction, and authorization.  Take Stop signs for instance: Everyone is supposed to heed Stop signs on the road.  Everyone stops when they are supposed to—all do it the same way—note: no character change is involved; it is just outward compliance.  All signs are like that.  Put any sign into this word equation and a similar answer pops out.  Why obey/pay attention to signs?  Because they are the physical manifestation of a power and authority greater than me.

What was the question of the Pharisees/Sadducees?  Could it have been as simple as “Show me your authorization for the stuff you do and the demands you make by showing me a Sign?”  Basically: “Who are You to tell me what to do?  You aren’t my Boss; you aren’t my Daddy…”

That rebellion, which lives in me, is on full display in the religious Pharisee and Sadducee.  They want to bow to an outward sign.

But what is the sign of Jonah?  Repent.  Repent from my wicked ways.  Everything that is in opposition to the rule and reign of God is the definition of wicked.  Wicked can be an action; it also encompasses my thoughts.  Bowing to God isn’t an, “Ok, you win this one”, it is the attitude of surrender in every portion of my being.

Prayer:  Father, sin is easy to define.  Sin is harder to recognize.  Open my eyes to see the sin in my life, courage in my heart to confess it openly, and determination to actually effect repentance—and, if need be, over and over and over again until You drive it out, O Spirit.

Walking hand in hand for sanctification, AMEN

 

Journal Matt 15 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And (Jesus) called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person…

 

But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.  For out of the heart comes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.  These are what defiles a person; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone…”  Matt 15:10-11; 18-20

 

Observation:  This is an example of the way Man wants to deal with rationalizing Sin and separation from God: Sin and separation happens because of stuff that comes from the outside.  Jesus came to conquer my heart…

 

Analysis:  Traditions of religion: How I dress, how I talk, how I conform—all of this is about how “religious” I look, paying attention to the “appearance of godliness, but denying its power…” (2 Tim 3:5)

This was not an isolated observation by Paul: “We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart…” (2 Cor 5:12) and “These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion…” (Col 2:23)

Jesus spoke to the crowd about correlating what I do outwardly to being godly (or acceptable): If I watch what I eat, wash my hands, make gestures, etc., then God will look favorably upon me.  Today, it is attending church on Sunday (maybe Wednesday), dress right, maybe don’t cuss, etc.  For a bunch of American folks, it is “Sunday is God’s, the rest of the days are mine.”

That even carries into people who could be considered serious about God.  Why is that, though?

It is because of this simple thing: Sin is pervasive.  It is in my life.

Deep down inside I want to declare my righteousness by what I do.  I create a punch list of objectives.  And, if I complete them, I want to give myself an “A”.  That is not bad in itself; it is the right thing to do to be intentional in my discipleship.  And, if I want to mature, to progress, anything worth doing is worth measuring.

However, in doing that “doing and measuring”, I must (repeat: MUST) put it in context to the GOSPEL.

So, back to the original scripture reference: It is a simple cause and effect analysis.  If unwholesome words come out of my mouth, then is it because there is unwholesomeness in my heart?  How about wandering eyes?  A wandering heart?  Bad thoughts?  Evil heart?  Sexually immoral thoughts?  Am I drawn to profane things?  Movies?  Books?  Television shows?  My mouth becomes “loose?”

The picture and relevance is clear: There is a heart issue involved, stretching from my outward appearance and actions to be parallel to the condition of my heart.

Prayer:  Father, it is good that you are Father in this, otherwise I would be crushed before I even started.  Please make me sensitive to this topic; keep it front of mind—not in a condemnation sort of way, but in a continuous improvement sort of way.

I want to walk worthy of the Gospel; I think that even means talking worthy, acting worthy, having worthy thoughts and actions of the Gospel.  Help me have godly attitudes in all I do.

Bring revival, O Lord.  Cause it and let it start with me.  AMEN

 

Journal Matt 14 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “At that time Herod…heard about the fame of Jesus and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist.  He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.”  (Herod said this because he had John beheaded.  John’s disciples collected the body and buried John—then went to tell Jesus, John’s cousin.  Summarized for sake of space.)

 

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself.  But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.

 

When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”  (excerpts from Matt 14:1-14

 

Observation:  What caught my eye this morning is Jesus’ mourning/grieving of John.  I see godly character in his actions.

 

Analysis: Do I have a license to grieve?

Short answer: yes.  Additional question: How long or in what form can I grieve?  Ah, that is so much gray—there is not a cut and dried answer.

John and Jesus were family; cousins.  John was 6 months older than Jesus.  Scripture seems to allude that they were sort of aware of the connection that God had established between them.  I must assume that, no matter how scripture talks about them (the conversation of Jesus being baptized by John, for instance), they knew about each other.

Therefore, when Jesus heard about John’s horrific death, he may have reacted in a crushed manner.  “Guys, I need to take some time to myself, take care of things and I will be back soon…” and went off to be by himself; may have let the 3 disciples tag along—maybe not.

How did Jesus mourn?  Scripture doesn’t say specifically, but scripture tells us about other men who did.

What the scripture does indicate is: Jesus went away to mourn; Other people were crass enough to chase him down; Jesus wasn’t so into himself that he had compassion on them—healed, taught, and even fed the crowd.  Did he do all of that with tears?  Maybe a heavy heart?

I imagine he didn’t quite put on a happy face, a mask, to face these strangers.  I imagine that he slightly compartmentalized/subjugated his emotions so that he could serve well.

The scripture that bounces in my mind is about tears in a bottle (God is faithful) and weeping with those who weep.  Grief is a part of life.  How I manage my part of grief (whether for and to somebody or looking to be alone for a short while) is important to find biblically.

It is another part of developing godly character.

Prayer:  I am empty, O Lord, and dredging through the mud of my feelings.  Isolation is taking a toll.

“It is not good for man to be alone” and I am grateful for the companionship of my wife…still…

You provide for all my needs.  I know my prayer is not in harmony with my post above, but You show some opposed things can be held lightly while looking to You for answers and support.  Help me, Spirit, not to bore down into myself; reconcile me to the facts of my existence and the promise of the Things to come.  AMEN

Scripture

 

9 “He who has ears, let him hear.”

 

11 (Jesus) answered (his disciples), “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven,

 

13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

 

14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

“‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.

 

15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.

 

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.

 

22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful

 

23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit

 

 

Observation

 

Jesus is telling about the secrets of the kingdom to his disciples.

He does not do this in plain simple language, though.

Jesus uses parables to tell “the secrets of the kingdom”.

Jesus states that every person “hears” the word.

But not every person “understands” the word.

 

Every person can “see” the world.

But not every person can “see” the kingdom.

 

Application

 

I am struck by a big question confronting me this morning …

Do I want to be comfortable or do I want to understand the word and see the kingdom?

I’m not sure I can do both.

 

Two words are repeated before during and after Jesus’ parables.

“Hearing” and “understanding”.

And the two could not have more strikingly different outcomes.

Everyone hears, few understand.

 

And Jesus says, “to you have been given the secrets”.

So certainly there is a giving from God involved here.

 

As proverbs say to lean not on my understanding.

Also, repeatedly in Job it is stated that understanding comes from God.

 

What does soil do with seed? It receives.

So, I️ must receive what is being given.

 

But Jesus does not want me to simply lay back and “listen”.

This is more than simply hearing.

 

I️ can hear a lot through any given day.

I️ can surround myself all day with religious background noise through podcasts, online messages, music, even church activity.

How much am I️ receiving the kingdom, though?

 

A telltale signal will be: “Do I share in the “cares of the world” and the “deceitfulness of riches”?

Everyone wants to be comfortable in this world.

 

Do I simply seek the same comforts in this world?

Or do I seek understanding in the word?

 

The irony is only one is actually possible.

I will never be truly comfortable in this world unless I have understanding from the word!

 

Jesus says I must “understand with my heart and turn”.

So it is not about just “listening”.

 

Truly “hearing” is in the “giving of the secrets” from God.

But there is also a “turning of my heart” by me.

(Of course, this also is an act of grace we can discuss for another 1,000 years.)

 

And in a true turning of my heart, I will see the kingdom with a clarity that the cares of this world will look dull and empty to my newly opened eyes!

 

Prayer

 

Thank you, God, for your Word

And that you enable me to understand it

To see your kingdom

And hear your voice

Help me Holy Spirit to share in your cares

In Jesus name

Amen

Journal Matt 11 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “As they (the disciples of John) went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see?  A reed shaken by the wind?  What then did you go out to see?  A man dressed in soft clothing?  Behold, those who were soft clothing are in king’s houses.

 

What then did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  This is he of whom it is written, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you…”  Matt 11:7-10

 

Observation: Going to see the latest preacher is more than another form of entertainment.

 

Analysis: Ok, I admit it.  There are those preacher types that I put on my bucket list and are just for the purpose of saying “Yep, I saw that guy—he preached like a son of a gun…rocked the building with the Holy Ghost!”

Pure spectator sport.  Pure entertainment.  My attitude needs adjusting.

Jesus is addressing expectations of the crowd.  “Listen up, folks, what did you go to see: some weird guy making a commotion?  A cultured and well-dressed fellow?  A (gasp) for-real prophet?”

I think the point that Jesus is making is “What is my attitude?  What is my motivation to see anybody?”

At the beginning of Chapter 11, this is the statement: “When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.”  Key phrase here?  Instructing his disciples.

When I go on Sunday to hear Kel preach, why am I going?  There are three things that I am considering:

1)      Heb 10:25 “Not neglecting to meet, as in the habit of some…

2)      Worship and Fellowship,

3)      I want to hear the word of the Lord

Unfortunately, it is adherence to Heb 10:25that drives most of my motivation for Sunday… Reality?  I am not actively managing my expectations throughout the week, daily.  About instructions, like in Ps 119, I am not delighting in his commands—emphasis on delighting (c. Ps 119:35; also cp. Ps 1:2, Ps 112:1 and Ro 7:25)

I remember being taught that daily emotion has a strong influence on my expectations about following Christ.  Therefore, these emotions are a focus of control needed by the renewed mind in accordance with the Scriptures: Ro 12:2 “…but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God…”

Rambling…but rambling with purpose.  I hope I remember what I just wrote frequently.

Prayer: Lord, you see the status of my heart, that it is low.  What is to be done?  Change my heart, O God; renew a steadfast spirit within me…

Cause revival.  AMEN