The First Amendment of the United States Bill of Rights, emphasizing the freedom of speech and the right to peacefully assemble.
One of the many rights enjoyed by every citizen in the United States is the right to protest. In fact, it is the very first amendment to the constitution. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” It is worthy to note that it states the right to ‘peaceably assemble.’ I am sure we can all relate to what has been demonstrated as peaceful protest over the years as not being very peaceful. That is not to say there have not been peaceful demonstrations or protests, there have been, and that is the way it should be, especially among Christians.
Living in the first quarter of the 21st century has certainly brought about many issues to protest, both as citizens of the United States and members of the Christian church. Christians have an obligation to present the truth to those who don’t know the truth. Here in the United States we are afforded the freedom to do so in a peaceable manner. Christians are also to live honorable lives before the general public and governing authorities to dispute any false accusations that may be brought against us.
Whether we gather with others to protest an injustice on biblical grounds or stand our ground individually by not engaging in the sins of the world we are protesting, let it be done by way of a ‘silent protest,’ peaceably and by living a life honorable to Christ. Peter encourages us it is God’s will that our honorable lives will silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against us. (1Peter 2:15) Let us as citizens of heaven be humble and obedient citizens here on earth bringing honor and glory to God so all may believe in Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.
“It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.” 1 Peter 2:15-16 NLT
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15 NLT
Christians have an obligation to be an example to others in this world in the things of God. He saved us for a purpose other than to fill another place in heaven. Jesus is not currently living on earth, but we are. We are His hands and feet during our time here. Jesus gave us many examples in Scripture to follow on how to live the Chrisitan life and lead others to Him. The question remains, are we doing that?
One of the greatest examples Jesus gave us was on the night before His death. He washed His disciples feet. Jesus humbly took care of a need His disciples had, to have their dirty feet washed. People we come across everyday have needs to be met. It may not be dirty feet, but dirty laundry in need of being washed. It may a ride to the store or having the store brought to them at our expense. It may be lending a helping hand in a difficult family situation. Jesus’ example of washing the disciples feet extends far beyond the scene itself.
Jesus’ main point is for us to be humble enough to address any menial task that comes our way, especially if it is someone in need. These examples we follow from Christ is the essence of Christianity. We do them to show people Christ, the light in a dark world. We do them in Jesus’ name to lead them to the Savoir their greatest need, and we do them to be the example the Lord desires us to be.
“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 NLT
Some Christians struggle with the possibility that they could lose their salvation and eternal life. The Bible has several verses that can ease those unfriendly thoughts. In Peter’s letter to Gentile and Jewish believers he quotes from Isaiah to illustrate the power of the Word of God to renew souls unto the Lord, the Word that lasts forever. ‘“But the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.” (1Pt.1:25 nlt)
A person is saved as they are drawn by God through the Holy Spirit to Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said, “For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.” (Jn.6:44 nlt) And Paul writes in Titus, “ he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5 nlt) Peter is expressing in 1 Peter the importance of the Word of God in salvation. The Bible points us to look at ourselves as sinners in need of repentance and belief in Christ. He is leading us to the Word of God, which contains the good news of the gospel.
Peter says in our text verse those who are born again now have a life that will last forever. The Holy Spirit uses the eternal living Word of God to convict us of our need of salvation. The ‘forever’ Word of God clearly defines the good news of salvation through Jesus. We can be sure as the Word of God will last forever, our salvation in the Lord will last forever. No worries.
The historic Jesus did not begin at His birth 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. Scholars note the period of time Jesus was on the earth as history for our time, which is correct, therefore the term ‘the historic Jesus.’ True, the history of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth started on the night He was born, but the Biblical Jesus has a history that never began, yet it is still history. (I don’t understand it, either) Jesus never had a beginning, that is why He was able to claim to the Jews, ‘before Abraham was even born, I AM!’ (Jn.8:58 nlt)
The people knew what He meant because they picked up stones to stone Him for blasphemy. Jesus claimed to be God. The apostle John wrote concerning the deity of Jesus, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God.” (Jn.1:1-2 nlt) John is, with certainty, equating the ‘Word’ with Jesus. They are one and the same. John later writes in chapter 1, “So the Word became human and made his home among us.” (Jn.1:14 nlt) No doubt, John is referring to Jesus Christ. The Word is Jesus. The Word is God.
So, what does this have to do with us today. Our belief in Christ is to be more than doing the good deeds Jesus did and commanded us to do. Do them, yes, but also understand who He truly is and why He came. He gave up heaven’s glories to be born into this world to save those who will believe on Him. He paid an awful price, which was our debt, but he did it willingly. The historic Jesus is the one and only Jesus, God the Son, from eternity past who had one mission in which all His commandments flow. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt)
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 ESV
Following Jesus in today’s world is not easily done. Oh sure, there are people who have no trouble following the Jesus they have set up in their mind. This Jesus is loving and kind (which He is), cares for the poor and underprivileged (which He does), and is all about justice (and He is). Following Jesus in each of these character traits is a godly endeavor every Christian should strive to achieve. But only following these traits about Jesus is not following the Biblical Jesus. It’s not following Him completely. If we are following the Biblical Jesus there will be some suffering involved. Peter tells us, ‘For to this you have been called.’
Peter was writing to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor due to persecution for living out their faith in Christ. Living for Jesus involves all those things listed above and so much more. If attending only to those Christian deeds you probably won’t come under persecution, but if you stand for the truth of the gospel the stones will begin to fly. Peter encouraged his readers by saying, “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called,” (1Pt.2:20-21 esv) Every true Chrisitan has received the efficacious call to salvation, and with that call the suffering of injustice when we live out and proclaim the truth of the gospel.
Jesus completed His mission in suffering and dying for our sins. That was the plan. What put Jesus on that cross was His outspoken words of truth against the religious rulers of the day. It cost Him His life, but that was the plan. Peter says Jesus left us an example that we might follow in His steps. Jesus patiently endured His suffering for us; may we patiently endure our suffering for Him. If you have not been suffering in any way for Jesus, who is the Jesus you’re following?
You may be thinking this is a ‘Christmas in July’ devotion, well almost, but not quite. My church is having Vacation Bible School this week with the theme ‘Wonder Junction’ a curriculum from ‘Answers in Genesis’. (1) It’s a week of wondering about Jesus and what better way to start than with His birth. Since we really don’t know exactly when Jesus was born, it could have been in July, so we may not be that far off. The main thing is Jesus did come down from heaven to be born of a virgin. Jesus, Immanuel is God with us.
The birth of Christ doesn’t cover a lot of pages in the Bible. In fact, there are only four chapters in Scripture that tell us the story. They are the first two chapters in each of the New Testaments books of Matthew and Luke. We have many references to Jesus the Messiah coming into the world scattered throughout the Old Testament. Our text verse notes that a virgin will give birth to Him who is called Immanuel, ‘God with us’. Of all the verses the predict Jesus’ birth, the most significant ones are those declaring His deity as God the Son. The prophet Isaiah also wrote this of the coming Messiah, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is.9:6 nlt)
It is vital for our salvation that Jesus is indeed God the Son. A perfect sacrifice was needed to pay the debt owed to God the Father for our sins. We could never pay it, but Jesus could, because He was the sinless Son of God, perfect in every way and willing to sacrifice His life for our salvation. Yes, let us remember Christmas is all about ‘God with us’ whether we celebrate it in July or on December 25th.
“Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!’” Mark 11:9-10 NLT
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Last week we followed along with Jesus as He made His final trip to Jerusalem. Chapter 11 begins the final week of Jesus’ life known as the ‘Passion’ week. Many events and plenty of teaching from Jesus take place during the next four days before He is led to a cross and crucified. “As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead.” (Mk.11:1 nlt) Jesus and His companions are now on the outskirts of the city. He sends two of His disciples to the next town over to retrieve a donkey for Him. The town was Bethphage, a small town east of Jerusalem, whose name means ‘house of unripe figs.’ Jesus told them they would find a young colt in which no had ever ridden. They were to untie it and bring it to Jesus. Jesus further instructed them, if anyone asks why they were doing that, there were to say, “The Lord needs it and will return it soon.” (Mk.11:3 nlt)
In our study we have seen many miracles from Jesus with His all-knowing attributes and here is one more. Jesus knows there will be a colt in that town no one had ridden, and they would give permission for its release. The disciples left and it all turned out just as Jesus said it would. “Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.” (Mk.1:7 nlt) In Jesus’ day to come in riding on a colt represented a man of peace. Jesus didn’t come into the city on a war-horse to conquer but to suffer as the suffering servant on a cross. That first Palm Sunday morning fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah. “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.” (Zech.9:9 nlt)
As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, crowds of people led the way as others followed spreading their coats along the road in front of Him while others spread branches on the road from nearby fields. The spread of clothing was a practice of welcoming a new king in those days. Notice the difference in Jesus’ acceptance of this response as to other occasions. Jesus’ avoided recognition in the past as to not interfere with the work He still had to do because His time had not yet come. But now, His has come. The people were beginning to shout, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!” (Mk.1:9 nlt) Many other translations use the familiar word “Hosanna!” meaning ‘save now.’ The people were shouting out in song from Psalm118, a Psalm usually sung at the Passover festival which was currently going on. “Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD.” (Ps.118:25-26 nlt) Another undeniable proof in the accuracy of seeing references to Christ all throughout Scriptures.
Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus headed to the Temple, His Father’s house. Mark records He looked at everything. You can be sure Jesus didn’t miss a thing of what was going on in the Temple. Jesus had the authority to look and carefully inspect every inch of the Temple, and that He did. Late in the afternoon, Jesus and the disciples left for Bethany where they were staying in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus each night of this week.
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The next morning, Monday of Passion week, Jesus and His disciples headed back to Jerusalem. On the way Jesus became hungry and saw a fig tree in the distance along the road. As they got closer, Jesus saw that it was full of leaves appearing to have figs ready to eat. Fig trees would start to bear leaves in late March or early April and be in full bloom with figs in June, however this tree was already full of leaves. Jesus did not find any figs to eat on that tree for it was not the season for figs. But the tree gave the appearance that it was able to meet the need of the hungry, it gave a false impression. So like many of the false teachers and preachers of our day who entice us with their appearance, style, and convincing words of joy, love, and positive thinking with a little Bible mixed in. Their fruit is not satisfying, nor is there much of it. Jesus cursed the fig tree for its falsehood. Today’s modern preachers need to beware. Individual Christians also need to beware of false impressions we may give without any fruit to show for it. The world will notice, and the Lord certainly notices.
“When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace.” (Mk.11:15-16 nlt) Jesus was using His authority on what He saw the day before as He looked over the Temple. This area was the outer court of the Gentiles. It was the only place where non-Jews could gather to worship God. The area was now a place of business, and corrupt business, taking away the right of worship from the Gentiles. Jesus said the Scriptures declare God’s house was to be a house of prayer for all nations and they turned it into a den of thieves. The book of Isaiah says, “I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the LORD, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Is.55:6-7 nlt)
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The Jewish leaders of the Temple were prohibiting proper worship from the Gentiles and had no regard for the sanctity of the Temple. The Jewish rulers (Scribes and Chief priests) saw their way of life being interrupted and were not pleased. They decided to do something about it, plotting Jesus’ death even though they were afraid of Him “because the people were so amazed at his teaching.” (Mk.11:18 nlt)
Jesus’ first day of Passion week was an eventful one. He returned back to Bethany with His disciples for the night. Tuesday begins another eventful day with Jesus’ teaching and debating with the religious rulers who are determined to have Him done away with. Until next week…….
It is said that things happen in three’s. I don’t believe that, for it leads to superstition and the like along with other non-proven sayings of the world. But having said that, the world has lost three famous and influential people in the course of a week. As I write this, news broke of the death of the most popular wrestler in the WWE, Hulk Hogan. Suffering a heart attack at his home in Florida, the 71-year-old was a hero to many people both young and old. Hogan (Terry Bollea) was known across the world representing professional entertainment wrestling for over four decades, he had a lot of fans.
This week started with the news of television actor/director Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death on Sunday by accidental drowning. A family vacation in Costa Rica turned tragic unexpectedly for Warner, 54, and his family. Known for his breakout role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1985-1992, he also had a large following of admirers.
Between these two deaths, Ozzy Osbourne, a pioneer in the startup of ‘heavy metal music’ passed away on Tuesday. Ozzy (John Micheal Osbourne) co-founded the band Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England in 1968 as the lead singer. Combined sales from the band’s albums and his solo projects total over 100 million copies. No doubt, he had millions of fans across the globe. Osbourne diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003 still continued to perform as he was able. His last performance was just 17 days before his death where it all started in Birmingham, England. Ozzy was 76 at the time of his death and left many of his fans wanting.
We all have people we admire and even call them our heroes. But as Christians we realize there is only one true hero, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will never leave us and never leave us wanting.
Every Christian has a special obligation to live carefully in this world. The Lord God has brought us out of darkness and into His light. We should reflect that light in every endeavor of our lives. Paul instructs us to live wisely and not like fools. Fools live in darkness, but Christians live in the light.
We live in the world, but we are not to be part of the world. Christians are part of the body of Christ, separate from the world with its lusts and desires. When we engage in worldly behaviors we are committing spiritual adultery. “You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.” (Ja.4:4 nlt) Being a friend of the world is not living carefully, but foolishly.
Paul tells us, “Don’t participate in the things these people do.” (Eph.5:7 nlt) We have a special obligation not to, so let’s not. Paul continues, “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. (our obligation) Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.” (Eph.5:10-12 nlt) Our godly character will expose those sinful acts without saying a word. And doing what pleases the Lord will add to our godly character as we live in His light.
Living carefully in a fallen world is not easy for the Christian, but it is our special obligation. The Lord has not left us to live this life alone; He has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in every believer to help us fulfil our obligation to live carefully in this world. Now it’s up to us to live in the light.
What is your definition of ‘holy’? Does it match with Webster’s New World Dictionary’s #1 definition, ‘dedicated to religious use; sacred.’ How about the Biblical definition, ‘being set apart, dedicated to God and His purposes’? I hope it is at least one of the two because they are the same.
Has anyone ever referred to you as holy knowing you are a Christian? They may say in jest or really mean it. I’ve had that experience many times in my life and always would come back a response of ‘no not me, I’m not holy!’ But when I think about it they are right whatever their intent. Being holy is being separated from the world and unto the Lord. Scripture conveys the idea that all Christians are holy unto the Lord. The apostle Peter wrote, “So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’” (1Pt.1:14-16 nlt)
Not before we get carried away with being holy, may we keep in mind there is only one who is truly holy. Holy in the sense of being ‘sinless, spiritually pure, deserving deep respect, awe, etc.’ as defined in the dictionary. And as we study the Bible and read all of God’s attributes, observe His ways and His love for the world we come to realize there is no one Holy like the Lord. So let us rejoice in being holy unto the only true Holy one, the Lord God.
Word for the Soul 