“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV
The apostle Paul writing in the New Testament book of Ephesians lays out the pattern believers in Christ are to follow. As members of Christ’s church, we are to adhere to the new requirements of every child of God. Paul writes we are to walk in unity, each of us is to administer their gift God has given for the building up of the saints. We are not to grieve the Holy Spirit by walking in our former worldly conduct, and we are to have compassion for one another, willing to forgive as God, in Christ, forgave us. Paul had Matthew’s account of Jesus’s instruction about forgiveness in mind. It is possible Paul was familiar with Matthew’s writing as Ephesians was written some ten years after the gospel of Matthew.
Painting entitled ‘il Mantovano’ by Domenico Fetti
Jesus had been teaching His disciples that forgiveness should be always be granted to those who repent. Peter questioned Jesus by asking if there were any limits to forgiveness. Jesus simply answered forgiveness was limitless and then went on to explain why a follower of Jesus would always forgive over and over again.
Jesus used the illustration of an earthly king who began settling accounts with governors who owed the king money through taxation. A certain governor owed a tremendous about of money he would never be able to pay back in a lifetime. The king demanded he be sold along with his wife and children, and all he possessed to make payment. The debtor begged for mercy and the king had compassion and forgave him his debt. It is an example of Jesus, the king, forgiving each of us our debt of sin which we could never pay. Being released from so great a debt should encourage every Christian to forgive others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Unfortunately the forgiven debtor did not show the same mercy and compassion afforded him when he demanded payment from one who owed him money, a small amount at that. When the king discovered the forgiven debtor’s actions he was angry and handed him over to the jailers. Although his debt was already paid, the king put him in the hands of the jailers to suffer severe discipline until he was willing to forgive others.
Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation. When we, as Christians, consider the forgiveness shown to us by our Lord, how is it possible that we find it hard to forgive others? Let not our ingratitude come to the surface by not forgiving fellow believers for the little debt against us in relation to our great debt we have been forgiven by the Lord. Let us forgive each other as God forgave us.
I can say with confidence that there is not one person alive today who has not had their heart broken. If by chance you claim you have not, may the Lord bless you but keep on reading for that day will come. Brokenheartedness is set in motion for many varied reasons. The death of a loved one, the loss of a of budding relationship, a marriage ending in divorce, the need to move away from your family, the loss of a job, rejection by your children or parents, and loneliness are just a few of the causes of a broken heart.
King David penned Psalm 34 exalting God with praise and thanksgiving and stressing the goodness of the Lord. David is one who has had a broken heart on more than one occasion. The death of his best friend Jonathan, the rejection by King Saul and his desire to kill David, the death of David’s first child with Bathsheba, and the rebellion and death of his son Absalom are examples of David’s firsthand knowledge of brokenheartedness. Yet David was always ready to praise the Lord and seek Him for he knew only the Lord could bring comfort to a broken heart.
To those of you who may be brokenhearted today and your spirit crushed, we have a great comforter in the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah prophesized of His coming, referring to Christ, Isaiah wrote “He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.” (Is.61:1 nlt) Jesus does indeed comfort those with a broken heart. He came to release us from the captivity of sin by dying on the cross for our guilt. He has set us free, but not to be on our own. He is with us promising never to leave us or forsake us and that includes comforting us when we are broken-hearted.
Psalm 137 known as ‘The Song of the Exiles’ is a psalm about the people of Judah during the Babylonian captivity. Judah was overrun by the nation Babylon and taken captive due to their continual sins against the Lord God. It was during these years of living in a foreign land they realized what was lost and left behind, being able to worship God at the temple in Jerusalem. Their captors mocked them by asking them to sing songs of worship, by saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ They knew it wasn’t possible for they were in a place among the ungodly who had no regards for worshipping God.
There are many Christians today who find themselves in the same place. They long to recapture the true worship of God they experience when they first knew Him. But those true worship experiences are not possible because they are living in a foreign land. A wall has built over the years in front of their heart’s door separating them from the joy of being with the church family worshiping God. This wall has been erected by wrong choices and unconfessed sin which holds them in captivity.
Perhaps this describes you this day. Are there choices you have made that put you in captivity and separated you from God and His people? Do you have the feeling you are not where you should be even though your desires put you where you are and with people who now mock those who sing a song of worship to the Lord? You do not need to stay there. Ask the Lord to change your desires and forgive you. He will break down the wall you have built and welcome you back. You can then sing the songs of the Lord with your church family and not be held captive in a foreign land.
“Jesus returned to the Sea of Galilee and climbed a hill and sat down. A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn’t speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all.” Matthew 15:29-30 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
Do you place limits on your compassion? Are there times you avoid people to not deal with their concerns, or do you put others ahead of your own comfort? Christians are to have compassion, which is why I do not ask if you have compassion, but do you place limits on your compassion. If we are honest with ourselves we will notice there are times when we have failed. I must own up to my own limits when desired quiet time is interrupted by others or situations beyond my control. Particularly, I confess even as I am writing this, my compassion is limiting an opportunity to show itself by being interrupted by a recently reconnected old friend several times. The Lord is showing me I am not doing well in being compassionate. He has a way of doing that.
The Lord Jesus never put limits on His compassion. He has given us many examples of His compassion in the New Testament. Jesus is fully God and fully man. The fully man was as we are in His physical nature. Jesus experienced hunger, weariness, emotion, and compassion, but He never lost sight of those in need even as He was in need Himself.
The gospel of Matthew records several stories of Jesus’s compassion. In Matthew chapter 15, Jesus twice attempts to find some quiet time with His disciples but is overrun by people seeking healing. His renewal time is no match for His compassion. Scripture says the people laid those in need of healing before Jesus and He healed them all. He had compassion for those in need over His own need. For three days Jesus and His disciples were with the crowd who had followed Him, and now they were all hungry. Matthew 15:32 says, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.” (esv) Jesus’s compassion for their hunger and well-being is illustrated by His miracle of feeding them all with seven loaves and a few fish.
Jesus’ ministry was a tiresome venture. He was often weary and hungry and had countless people following Him. His time alone at rest with His disciples was limited, but even in those precious moments He had compassion for those in need of Him. Our Lord Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His compassion for those during His earthly ministry is the same for us today. Let us praise the Lord that although our compassion may fail, ‘his compassion never fails.’
“May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” Ruth 2:12 NLT
Last week, in our story of Ruth we left off with Naomi trying to persuade her two daughters-in-law that it would be better for them if they returned to their homeland and their families. Orpah finally decided to go back, but Ruth held steadfast clinging unto Naomi. Ruth’s mind was made up. She would return with Naomi. That did not deter Naomi from trying to convince Ruth to follow her sister-in-law Orpah. ‘“Look,’ Naomi said to her, ‘your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.’” (Ruth 1:15 nlt) There was something going on in Ruth’s mind and heart. She not only loved Naomi, but she now has also come to know the true God. Ruth stated Naomi’s people will be her people and Naomi’s God would be her God. Ruth had forsaken the gods of the Moabite people. Naomi realized Ruth was determined and consented. Ruth will accompany Naomi back to Bethlehem.
“So the two of them continued on their journey. When they came to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited by their arrival. ‘Is it really Naomi?’ the women asked.” (Ruth1:19 nlt) Naomi looked as though she had a rough ten years or more. The trip of seventy miles took them 7-10 days, so I’m sure they both looked a little rugged. The women who knew Naomi were excited as everyone else but they noticed something deeper than just her physical appearance. They were actually saying, ‘is this the same person who left the city some years ago.’ What happened?
Naomi aware of their tone in questioning answers them by confirming they are right and here is why. ‘“Don’t call me Naomi,’ she responded. ‘Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me.” (Ruth 1:20 nlt) Mara means bitter. Naomi is bitter of her circumstances. She still recognizes God as the Almighty God, but she is having a tough time dealing with what has taken place in her life. We too at times can feel as Naomi did, bitter of tragedies that come into our lives. It is understandable, but Naomi gives us a notable example to follow in knowing that God is still God and He is the Lord Almighty. I am sure it wasn’t easy for Naomi and it is not easy for us, but the Lord will help us struggle through it. Naomi explains she went away full as the famine was beginning but has now returned empty, no husband, no sons, and no food. She did return with “her daughter-in-law Ruth, the young Moabite woman. They arrived in Bethlehem in late spring, at the beginning of the barley harvest.” (Ruth 1:22 nlt) The famine was over and the Lord is blessing the people in Bethlehem. Naomi and Ruth arrive as the barley is about to be harvested. Barley was the first of the grains to be harvested. In ancient Canaan took place in April and May.
Chapter 2 begins with an introduction of another main character, Boaz. Boaz was a relative of Naomi’s late husband Elimelech. He was a wealthy and influential man, but in those days it also meant Boaz possessed the finest qualities. He was an upright man. After a short while Ruth understands she needs to help support herself and her mother-in-law. Ruth requested that she go into the fields as the barley is being harvested and glean what was left behind. According to Mosaic Law grain was to be left after the first cutting for the poor. A person was permitted to follow along and pick up the fallen stalks.
“So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.” (Ruth 2:3 nlt) By chance, but not really by chance, Ruth winds up in Boaz’s field. God’s providence is at work here. The Lord leads her to the field of an upright influential godly man who is a relative.
Boaz arrives to check on the workers and the harvesting being done. He notices Ruth right away. Ruth, being from Moab, was not dressed as the other women. He asks the foremen about her and finds out she is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi. The foremen told Boaz that she asked to glean in the field which by right she did not to do because it was left for the poor. We do not know if Ruth was aware of this, but either way she politely asked if she could gather the leftover grain. The foreman then told Boaz what hard worker she was working continually except for a few minutes rest.
“Boaz went over and said to Ruth, ‘Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field.’” (Ruth 2:8 nlt) Boaz’s kindness is seen immediately. His sense of protecting Ruth is also noticeable telling her not to go any other fields but to stay in his. He told her to stay behind the women and follow them. The women, or maidens, would bind the stalks that were cut down from the men and get them ready to be brought to the threshing floor. Ruth would follow behind and glean what was left over. Boaz made Ruth feel safe by warning the men not to be rough with her and she was assured of drinking water when she felt the need for it.
Ruth is overwhelmed by Boaz’s kindness. “Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. ‘What have I done to deserve such kindness?’ she asked. ‘I am only a foreigner.’” (Ruth 2:10 nlt) Ruth shows her humility knowing she is Moabite and not an Israelite receiving such kindness. Boaz is well aware of this Moabitess and we will find out what he already knows about her next week in Biblical Insights.
Full disclosure, I am not an expert on AI, in fact I do not understand most of it. Do I use it, yes, but that doesn’t mean I understand it. One thing I do know from observation over the years is that during an election year issues pop up that have always been there, but all of a sudden, they are important to the point of being life threatening if a certain party does not get elected. And it doesn’t matter what the issue is. If it helps me get elected, that’s my issue. (Even though I didn’t care about it until two months before the election)
AI is such an issue during this year’s Mid-term elections in the United States. The concerns about AI have been around for years with ever increasing uneasiness in the last decade. Are there legitimate concerns? Yes! What are they? Well tragically it varies depending on which side of the aisle you’re on, as they say. This does not give the American voter much confidence in their representatives if their only reason for their stance is to support their party. Notice how often views change. (They were for it before they were against it and they were against it before they were for it.)
As far as AI, it is a critical issue. Let’s face it. It is here and it is not going away. Yes, it is a tool to use and has many advantages for everyone. But just as in any other advancement in technology safeguards must be put in place. AI in the stages it is in now and where it is expected to be in the future if fallen into the wrong hands would be catastrophic. Every achievement man has made for centuries has improved our lives, but Satan, the evil one, has always seized those developments for his purposes of evil in the world. AI will be no different if he hasn’t started already.
Christians in America need to pray for wisdom and discernment when going to the polls this year. Christians in America and around the world need to pray for the future of AI and its advancements that it will be used for good and not evil. Let us keep a watchful eye on the development of AI and use the wisdom the Lord has given us.
Everything has a beginning; your life, a relationship, a new year, a new school year, a semester, a job, an idea leading to a new consumer product, even this devotional. Everything has a beginning to point to. The most recognizable quote of a beginning is in the Bible in Genesis 1:1 which says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The earth and all of the universe had a beginning. There was a time when the universe did not exist but then came into being. This view is to be understood as God creating everything in the beginning, in the beginning of our time.
Our time began when God created man in His image, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Gen.1:27 nkjv) We had a beginning. God created us. But God had no beginning. He always was. This is hard to understand and truthfully, I would not even try, we need to accept it by faith. God in a true sense is the beginning although He never began. He is God. Everything that has ever come into being is from His hand (figuratively) and His voice as God spoke the universe into existence.
Another amazing fact that is hard to comprehend is God had us in mind with our lives planned out for us ‘in the beginning’ before He created. God knew we would fall into sin and need a savior redeemer. He had that planned also. To show us the way, God gave us the Holy Scriptures written by men through the power of the Holy Spirit. The whole Bible speaks of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Do not think you do not need to wait until you get to the New Testament to hear the good news of a coming savior, it is all in the Old Testament. In fact, ‘in the beginning’ of the Scriptures, God tells us all we need to know about His plan of salvation through the first five books known as the Pentateuch, the book of Moses. It’s all there ‘in the beginning.’
“A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses.” Luke 14:16-18 NLT
Have you ever been invited to a social function such as a birthday party, a special dinner, or a neighborhood get-together which you have accepted but then looked for a way out of it? I know I have and to my shame it wasn’t the right thing to do. Jesus tells a story of those who accepted an invitation for dinner and then backed out. Their refusing to attend had deeper consequences than a missed meal.
This story (or parable) is about the future Messianic banquet table in the kingdom of God. Jesus is speaking to the Jewish people with the religious leaders also in attendance. Jesus’ intent is more aimed at them as they were constantly trying to trap Him in His words. The man in the story sent out many invitations to his banquet. Jesus is referring here to the Old Testament that speaks about Him. His audience are Jews who have accepted the Old Testament and were looking for the Messiah to come. But when Jesus, the Messiah, came they rejected Him. “He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.” (Jn.1:11 nlt) They began to make excuses why they could not come when in fact they were simply rejecting Him. They said they were too busy.
Today we have many people who have accepted the historic Jesus. They believe He was on earth, did great things, and taught us all about love, but when it comes to accepting Him in a full-blown commitment, they are too busy. They are looking for a way to get out which conjures up all kinds of excuses. Don’t be too busy to accept God’s invitation of salvation by making excuses. There is no legitimate excuse that will stand.
“Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out. Each morning the priest will add fresh wood to the fire and arrange the burnt offering on it. He will then burn the fat of the peace offerings on it. Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.” Leviticus 6:12-13 NLT
The Old Testament book of Leviticus describes the sacrifices that had to be made to forgive and cover sins that were committed. The sacrifices didn’t take away the sin, only covered it. Someone had to pay for that sin committed. A blameless animal’s blood was shed on the alter with the perpetual fire of God under it. The fire was never to go out signifying God’s willingness and readiness to receive confession and offer forgiveness. The people of Israel needed continual atonement for their sin and the Lord would always accept their sacrifice on the altar. The fire was always burning.
Today we do not need to offer daily sacrifices to cover our sin. There was a perfect sacrifice made for us once and for all in the God-man Christ Jesus. “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.” (1Pt.3:18 nlt) Not only are our sins forgiven but we gain entrance into the kingdom to God as we accept Christ as our savior. Our sin that kept alienated from God has been forgiven and taken away. We have now been reconciled to God for the sin that kept us apart. It has been taken away by the blood of Christ, something that the blood of bulls and goats could never do.
But, we still have a problem. Although assured of forgiveness and eternal life with Christ we still sin in this life. So what do we do? The symbolism of God’s perpetual fire still applies for us today. Fire destroys but it also purifies. God is ready to forgive us our sins and restore us to fellowship with Him as we confess them to Him. The fire still burns. Ask Him daily to purify you as you confess your sins to Him.
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” Romans 8:26-27 NLT
Do you ever have trouble finding the rights words in speaking to someone? It may be a delicate subject and you do not know how to start the conversation. You start with common pleasantries hoping to find an opening to express the matter that is on your heart. Once starting the conversation you still fumble and stumble not knowing what to say. For a lot of Christians, praying to God feels the same way. We cannot find the words to communicate to God our needs and concerns. Not to worry, the Lord knows all about it and has given us a helper when we pray.
First of all, we Christians need to understand that the Lord knows our need before we even ask Him. “….for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” (Mt.6:8 nlt) Now, that does not mean we do not pray, God still wants us to ask Him. He wants us to have that fellowship with Him through prayer. Secondly God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us by guiding us through our prayers. When our hearts are burdened with specific issues sometimes it is hard to find the right words. Again, not to worry. The Holy Spirit will pray for us taking what is on our hearts and expressing to the Lord perfectly.
We can be assured that God hears our prayers. Having that confidence should inspire us to reach out to God each day in prayer. We know God knows our need and will hear our prayer through our own lips or our hearts through the help of the Holy Spirit. Our prayers will be in harmony with God’s will and He will answer according to His will.
