Word for the Soul

“The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away.” Mark 12:12 NLT

We’re back this week in the book of Mark on Biblical Insights. We left off two weeks ago as Jesus was being questioned as to His authority after He cleared the Temple of the merchants and money changers. The religious rulers were incensed by Jesus’ actions, and more so by the people following Him. They saw their authority and way of life slipping away right before their eyes and were determined to do something about it. Today, Jesus gives the rulers another reason for their hatred towards Him by speaking a parable against them.

In New Testament times large estates were put into the hands of locals to farm and care for while the owner was away. They worked as tenant farmers farming the land paying the owner a percentage of the profits as rent keeping the rest as payment for their work. Palestine’s hillsides were covered by grape vineyards as this was the main source of income in the region especially in Galilee. Jesus, once again, took a familiar way of life as an example to make a point. Jesus’ main audience this time are the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders who questioned Him about His authority. Jesus is about to reveal their hidden agenda by putting this parable squarely on them.

Jesus sets up the story in verse one of chapter twelve, “A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.” (Mk.12:1 nlt) Jesus describes the very details of a working vineyard from planting the seed, a wall to mark its boundaries, a place to press out the grapes, and a lookout tower for security and storing seed and tools. Everyone listening to it would be reminded of the local vineyards they see frequently on their journeys through Palestine. They would also be familiar with the tenant farmer scenario in Jesus’ story. Jesus will now begin to make His point of the story.

This parable, or story, Jesus is teaching is based on the ‘Song of the Vineyard’ in Isaiah 5:1-5. It describes Israel’s unfaithfulness. Jesus is addressing this to the Jewish rulers and applying it to them. The fact that Israel is represented as the vineyard in Isaiah makes it hard not to connect the dots and see Jesus is talking about the Jewish people and their leaders. They all knew who the story was about, it was about them. In this story, the man is God, the vineyard is Israel, the servants are the Old Testament prophets and John the Baptist, the Son is Jesus, and the tenant farmers are the religious rulers.

Jesus continues with this parable. “At the time of the grape harvest, he (the owner) sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed.” (Mk.12:2-3 nlt) This went on and on with the owner sending servant after servant who were either beaten or killed. This is a picture of the prophets God sent to Israel in the Old Testament which they either ignored, beat up, or killed. The owner finally sends his son who he expects would be respected by the tenant farmers. But the tenants had other ideas. Jewish law stated that a piece of unclaimed property by an heir could be claimed by anyone. They assumed the son was coming to claim his property, so, if they killed him they could claim it for themselves. “But the tenant farmers said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they grabbed him and murdered him and threw his body out of the vineyard.” (Mk.12:7-8 nlt)

The tenant farmers not only wanted the entire harvest for themselves but the vineyard estate. The Jewish leaders, as the tenant farmers, wanted to see Jesus dead for He claimed to be the Son of God. Jesus was keeping them from power and total rule over the religious affairs of the people. Jesus then asks those around Him what they thought the owner of the vineyard would do. Before they could answer, Jesus told them. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others.” (Mk.12:9 nlt) Then Jesus asked another question which should have been answered ‘yes.’ “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’” (Mk.12:10 nlt) Teachers of the Law and the Old Testament certainly knew of the passage Jesus was referring to, but they refrained from answering. The rejected ‘stone’ is the rejected ‘Son’ in Jesus’ parable. Although Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leaders, He is the cornerstone and rightful heir to the throne of David. He is the Messiah who was to come to save His people from their sins, to the Jew first then the Gentile. The hostility towards Jesus by the Jewish rulers clearly show their rejection of Him.

Once again, the leaders walked away for fear of the crowd, but eventually they will get the crowd on their side in just a few days. This event occurred on Tuesday of Passion Week. Jesus will continue His teaching to His disciples the next two days in between the religious rulers continually attempting to trap Him. Jesus has a lot to say and little time to say it. Until next week……..

A Christian Perspective

A Message to World Leaders

August 16, 2025August 13, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 96 NLT – Psalm 96 – Sing a new song to the LORD! – Bible Gateway

“Tell all the nations, “The LORD reigns!” The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly.” Psalm 96:10 NLT

As of this writing there is a summit scheduled between the United States and Russia on Friday August 15, 2025, which was yesterday. Obviously the outcome of that first summit in four years between the two countries is not known to this writer at the moment. What is known is that each side will try to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine to their advantage. This, of course, is not the only on-going war in the world on this day. Israel and the terror group Hamas has been fighting now close to two years with no end in sight. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost in both conflicts and lack basic needs in each area is added to the suffering.

I may be skeptical, but I don’t believe either side will open the summit with the words of the psalmist in Psalm 96, “Tell all the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’” The leaders in our world, as a whole, do not recognize God as in control and reigning. They do not hold to looking up to Him for wisdom on how to judge when Scripture says it is He who ‘will judge all people fairly.’ But then again most do not recognize the Bible as an authority that was written by the creator of this world. It is as if the psalmist is pleading with our world leaders, “O nations of the world, recognize the LORD; recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong.” (Ps.96:7 nlt)

Scripture declares all authority comes from God. Every world leader’s authority is ordained by God. That is hard for some of us to accept, nevertheless God declares it. Those in authority have the responsibility to govern by Biblical standards. We all know that is not the case, and why we have continual wars and crime running rampant. This current world will never be perfect, but world leaders can make it a lot more peaceful and livable if they only recognize the Lord and have Him lead in their governing by His glorious and strong hand.

Devotionals

Having Continual Faith in God

August 15, 2025August 12, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Hebrews 11:4-12:2 NLT – It was by faith that Abel brought a – Bible Gateway

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11: 6 NLT

The writer of the book of Hebrews says, ‘it is impossible to please God without faith.’ (Heb.11:6 nlt) We may think by just being good and behaving appropriately would be enough to please God, and He wouldn’t be disappointed in that, but there is more to it. First of all, we are to believe that He is, that He does indeed exist. Those of us who have accepted Christ as savior have come to faith in this manner, by believing in Him and by His grace through faith. (Eph.2:8-9) It is by God’s grace that we are saved. We had nothing to do with it. In the same way, if we want to please God we must have continual faith in Him and by His grace we will please Him.

Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews is sometimes referred to as the ‘Hall of Faith.’ It lists various characters throughout the Old Testament who had accomplished great things for God through their faith. Some even suffered and died for their faith, but they are considered heroes of the faith just the same. They had continual faith in God. It was by God’s grace they were able to endure the sufferings and the hardships that came along with their faith in Him.

If we desire to do a great work for God individually or part of our church family, having a continual faith in Him is essential. The Lord God will give us the grace we need through faith to please Him and find His work being accomplished in and through us.

Devotionals

Our Wars Will End

August 14, 2025August 12, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 2:1-4 NLT – The LORD’s Future Reign – This is a – Bible Gateway

“The LORD will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” Isaiah 2:4 NLT

Photo by Chandler Cruttenden on Unsplash

Eighty years ago today marks the end of World War II with Japan’s unconditional surrender to the United States. It was formally announced by President Harry Truman on September 1, 1945, and declaring September 2^nd as V-j Day. (1) All the world celebrated the end of the deadliest war in history. “The conflict resulted in the loss of an estimated 70–85 million lives, which was approximately 3% of the world’s population at that time. It was marked by atrocities such as the Holocaust, where six million Jews were exterminated. Cities across Europe and Asia were reduced to rubble, impacting millions and disrupting civil life on an unprecedented scale.” (2) Our world has seen its fair share of wars throughout its history, but there will be a time when wars will cease, and it may be sooner than we think.

You have heard, I’m sure, people express ‘we are living in the last days.’ Before you discount it, this is very true. We are living in the last days. The last days era began at the birth of Christ over two thousand years ago. It is the Messianic era where the Messiah has come for the salvation of those who believe in Him. These last days will be completed at Jesus’ second coming, and at that time there will be peace on earth for there will be no more war. The prophet Isaiah wrote of that day, “Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” (Is.2:4 nlt)

There will be no wars and only peace for one thousand years on the earth. It’s hard for us to imagine, but it is true. Will you be there during Jesus’ millennium reign on earth? The only sure way to know you will be there is to accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation. “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’” (Ro.10:13 nlt) Don’t put off another day of accepting Christ for we never know when our wars will end. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Ro.6:23 nlt)

(1) What (and When) Is V-J Day? | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans

(2) Top 10 Worst Wars in History

Devotionals

Lifted Up His Eyes

August 13, 2025August 11, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Genesis 13:1-13 ESV – Abram and Lot Separate – So Abram went – Bible Gateway

Read: Genesis 19:23-29 ESV – God Destroys Sodom – The sun had risen – Bible Gateway

“And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)” Genesis 13:10 ESV

You wouldn’t think taking a good look around, analyzing what is best for you and your family, then proceeding in that direction would end up in tragedy. But that is exactly what happen to a man named Lot in the Old Testament book of Genesis. Lot and his uncle Abram were both wealthy with many flocks and herds. As they traveled together it became increasingly difficult for the land to support both of them, so, Abram proposed they separate. Abram gave Lot the choice in which direction he wanted to go and then he would go in the opposite direction. Lot made his choice and moved on and Abram went his way in the opposite direction.

There is nothing wrong with choosing a good path to travel and then settle down in a prosperous area to make a living. But if your choice is based on greed or selfishness you are bound for trouble. When Abram told Lot he could choose first, the Bible says, “And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD.” (Gen.13:10 esv) Indeed, it was the better of the two directions. Yes, he took what was best for him by sight as he looked around. But he could have offered it to his uncle to see if he wanted it first, no, instead he looked and took what he saw.

Lot’s choice did not work out. It brought him and his family into the area of Sodom and Gomorrah, eventually living in Sodom itself. Many Christians today find themselves being tempted to take the road that seems best by what they see with their eyes without consulting the Lord. We see only on the surface, but the Lord is able to see what lurks underneath what we desire in our greed and selfishness. Let God guide our decisions and not lift up our eyes.

Devotionals

Are you ready for the unexpected?

August 12, 2025August 11, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Luke 12:35-40 NLT – Be Ready for the Lord’s Coming – Bible Gateway

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Luke 12:40 NLT

You have a close friend who departed years ago promising to come back and see you again. With no definite time frame set you still eagerly anticipate the day you will see your friend again. The years go by and although you communicate quite frequently even talking with each other daily, your thoughts about the return are in a distant future. Then one day, unexpectedly, your friend shows up at your door. You’re overjoyed to see your friend but embarrassed by not being ready because you put off the importance of such a meeting concentrating on your own needs and desires.

Just like an unexpected visit from a close friend, Jesus promised to return for those who believe in Him. He also did not set a time but told us to expect His return by being ready. Jesus teaching His disciples said, “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.” (Lk.12:35-36 nlt) Believers in Christ should be in constant service waiting for His return. The Lord should find us faithfully doing His will on that day. A sure way to get ready is to speak with Him daily in prayer as you serve Him knowing that this could be the day.

Jesus says He will reward those who are ready. “But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.” (Lk.12:38 nlt) That doesn’t mean those who are not ready will be left behind, but with no reward they will be embarrassed as when you friend arrived at your door unexpectedly. It’s time to get ready for the unexpected.

Devotionals

Boast that you know the Lord

August 11, 2025August 10, 2025 Loring Schultz

“This is what the LORD says: Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!” Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Some successful, well maybe more than some successful, people do their fair share of boasting, or what I would call bragging. Their intelligence and wisdom are well known, but they feel a need to tell you about it. You can see for yourself they are well-off financially, but again they inform you how well-off. They tell you how they achieved their status in life. And then we have those powerful people either in business or politics or both that don’t need to tell you how powerful they are, they show it by controlling you and the things around you that you have no control over.

Boasting is not a modern-day problem. It is as old as sin itself. The Lord speaking to the people of Judah through Jeremiah warned them of the coming disaster that was upon them for their continua sin. He also told them not to boast, or brag, about such things mentioned above. But if they really felt the need to boast they should boast that they knew the Lord. Afterall they owed everything they had to Him in providing for them. The Lord wanted them to know His love for them, and it is He who brings justice and righteousness to the earth.

The Lord God can speak the same words to us today in 2025. Whatever our position in life, however successful we are, we owe in all to God. It’s inappropriate to brag, because it is God’s work done through us. Sure, we are the hands and feet, but the Lord supplies the wisdom, knowledge, and strength to achieve any success we come by in this life. So, let’s put off boasting and boast that we know the Lord.

Devotionals

JESUS; AN OLD TESTAMENT STORY

August 10, 2025August 8, 2025 Loring Schultz

Sunday’s Biblical Insights “The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark” will pick up next week. Today’s devotional speaks of Jesus in the Old Testament!

“Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Luke 24:25-26 NLT

The story of Jesus is not only a New Testament story, but an Old Testament one as well. Some people today dismiss the relevancy of the Old Testament scriptures in modern day Christianity. But it is in those very books of the Old Testament that speak of Him and actually predict His birth and His death to save sinners. Jesus Himself said concerning the Old Testament scriptures, “it is these that testify about me.” (Jn 5:39)

On the evening of Jesus’s resurrection, two men were on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem. As they were discussing the events of that momentous weekend, Jesus came alongside and walked with them. He asked them what they were talking about. They found it hard to believe that anyone would not have known the events of the last three days. They told of the crucifixion of Jesus occurring on Friday, and noted that they anticipated that Jesus was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Then they told of the amazing discovery that morning of finding His tomb empty with angels declaring He was alive.

Jesus responding to His travelling companions points to the Old Testament scriptures and admonishes them that if they had clearly read the scriptures and believed them, they would have not been surprised at the events that took place. Isn’t that much like today? We do not read the scriptures as we should, both the Old and New Testaments. They both tell of Jesus, His Story of redeeming sinners and reconciling us to God. It’s time to familiarize ourselves once again or perhaps for the first time, with the Old Testament of the Bible, it’s about Jesus; an Old Testament Story.

A Christian Perspective, Uncategorized

One God One Salvation

August 9, 2025August 9, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 43:7-13 NLT – Bring all who claim me as their God, – Bible Gateway

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:28-30 NLT

Believe it or not, there are approximately 4,000 religions in the world. Common sense tells us they all can’t be right. Although there are many religions there are five that are the most prominent. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism share roughly 80% of the world’s total religions. Again, they all can’t be right. Adhering to anyone of these in total faith and commitment cancels out all the others. You cannot be accepting to all these for the same reason. It doesn’t work. You may think it is inclusion and right for this world, but what about the next one when this life is over. You may be familiar with the ‘coexist’ image. ‘Coexist’ is meant to bring people together through the major religions that we may live in peace in this world. We all know it is not working. ‘Coexist’ is not the way to peace and salvation in this world and certainly not in eternity.

The Hebrew God said in Isaiah, ‘“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!’ says the LORD. ‘You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be.’” (Is.43:10 nlt) This same Hebrew God sent His Son Jesus Christ as the Messiah to be the savior of the world both to the Jews and to all who accept Christ in repentance for their sins. Jesus Himself said, “The Father and I are one.” (Jn.10:30 nlt) God the Father says, “I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior.” (Is.43:11 nlt) Coexist does not exist, it’s One God, One Savior.

Devotionals

Leading a Life Worthy of Your Calling

August 8, 2025August 6, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Ephesians 4:1-6 NLT – Unity in the Body – Therefore I, a – Bible Gateway

“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” Ephesians 4:1 NLT

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he begs them to lead a life worthy of their calling. Note, he is not encouraging them but begging them to lead their life in this manner. It must have been important to the apostle to state it this way. It also shows his love for the church and his desire to have their Christian walk be the best it could be. This should be the desire for us and for every local church in our modern world.

So, how should our walk be? Paul begins with being humble and gentile. Some might think Christians are always this way, but we know better. Our sin nature has its way with us more times than we like to admit. We also are to be patient with one another, especially when a wrong is done to us. Paul tells us to “Make every effort to keep (ourselves) united in the Spirit, binding (ourselves) together with peace.” (Eph.4:3 nlt) This is our responsibility to see this happens in our churches. For we all share the same hope, the glorious future hope with Christ.

If we are going to be true disciples of Christ leading others to be followers of Him it is vital we lead a life worthy of our calling. The Lord God has called every Christian unto Himself through the Holy Spirit. For, “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.” (Eph.4:5-6 nlt) May we be authentic representatives of the only true God who sent His Son to be the savior of the world and be worthy of our calling.