“…… (Jesus) said to his disciples, ‘As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’” Matthew 26:1b-2 NLT
An idiom most of us have heard is ‘carved in stone’ meaning something is permanent and cannot change. It has been used to get a point across in accepting new rules or policies that have been adopted, which I admit I have used during my retail career. Some people view it as the opposite, believing things will always stay as they are, ‘carved in stone’ when that is not the case, I have used that as well. Point taken, when something is said to be ‘carved in stone’, it is nearly impossible to change, except by the original creator should they decide to change it.
God the Father had His plan for salvation ‘carved in stone’ from eternity past and nothing would be able to change it, not even an attempt to delay it. The Religious rulers of Jesus’ day, the leading priests and elders, were plotting to have Jesus killed. But they were afraid to attempt it during Passover in fear the people who supported Jesus might cause a riot. So, they decided to wait a week until after Passover. (Mt.26:3-5) They may have thought their plan was ‘carved in stone’, but God’s plan was also ‘carved in stone’ and it would not change.
Jesus predicted His death would occur at Passover. “…. he said to his disciples, ‘As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.’” (Mt.26:1b-2 nlt) It was not the plan of the plotters, but God’s plan and it could not be overruled. Jesus is the perfect lamb of God without blemish that would be sacrificed at Passover. His death would do more than cover our sins but take them away permanently for those who trust in Him for salvation. (Jn.1:29) God’s plan, ‘carved in stone’!
“The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.” Luke 16:8 NLT
This week’s parable comes directly from life itself, an earthly story where all the characters are unjust and corrupt. How can we derive a heavenly meaning with such deception? With our sinful minds this is not possible, but Jesus is telling the story.
A rich business owner had a manager working for him who ran the operation. The manager had authority over the business as granted by the owner. He was trusted in all areas of the business including financial terms, acting as an agent for the owner. It was reported to the owner that his manager was wasting his money. Jesus doesn’t give us the exact details of the mismanagement only that he was wasteful to the point the owner demanded an accounting. “So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’” (Lk.16:2 nlt) The manager, realizing his position was about to come to an end, worked his status as a trusted agent to his advantage one more time.
As Jesus describes, the manager acted shrewdly. He had a plan and said, “Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.” (Lk.16:4 nlt) He secured his future with the means he had afforded to him although unjustly. The manager arranged a meeting with his boss’s clients and adjusted their bills to a lower amount which he had the authority to do. They would be grateful for the reduced payment and most likely will remember him when he was unemployed. Not unlike how business is done in 2024, people acting shrewdly to line their own pockets taking care of number one, themselves.
The owner, though outsmarted, revealed his character by commending his manager for his wittiness. “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd.” (Lk.16:8a nlt) And this is where Jesus turns this earthy story of dishonest rascals into a heavenly meaning. Jesus says, “And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.” (Lk.16:8b nlt) Jesus makes the comparison between non-Christians and Christians on how they use earthly resources for the future and to gain friends. The unbelievers of this world do a better job. Jesus now gives us the lesson, “Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” (Lk.16:9 nlt)
Jesus noted that the unjust and corrupt of this world are smart enough to use their resources to make friends and plan for the future benefiting themselves. Christians today should do the same, but to benefit others. Clever Christianity is using our earthly resources for more than earthly matters but also heavenly ones. We are to use our resources honestly and wisely to help others, to gain friends, to lead others to Christ populating heaven so when we arrive, they will welcome us. And the Lord will commend all clever Christians for using what He has given us to serve Him.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2 NIV
No pain, no gain is accurately applied to the struggling person in a rigorous exercise program either to lose weight or achieve an athletic goal. The pain involved is overwhelming at times, but as time goes on you notice a change in your overall appearance, strength, and athletic ability. The pain became gain, and you are better for it. The same process works in your spiritual life. No pain, no gain. The difference is that it is not you that is initiating the pain but God through His hand and His pruning shears. And the results are the same, you will be better for it.
In Jesus’ Farewell Discourse to His disciples the night before His crucifixion He covered many topics of which one was ‘bearing fruit’. Using an agricultural example Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” (Jn.15:1 niv) The very essence of being able to bear fruit for Christ or do anything in life is to remain in Him. Jesus also said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn.15:5b niv) Your success in life and your ability to grow spiritually is to remain in Christ.
Just as a gardener prunes a vine to remove dead branches, bubs, and leaves that are unproductive cutting it back for future growth, the Lord God removes from us what is unproductive and hindering our growth in Christ. He uses His pruning shears to cut away anything that is not pleasing to Him pruning us in a way that alters our behavior to be more like Christ through circumstances He allows us to go through. Notice the gardener will cut off every branch that doesn’t produce any fruit. These non-producing branches are those who professed Christianity but show no visible signs of it. Take note Jesus also says those branches that are bearing fruit, true believers in Christ, are still subject to pruning. The goal is spiritual growth in Christ, so don’t resist God’s pruning shears, remember no pain, no gain.
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.’” Ruth 1:16 NLT
‘“Yes,’ Jesus replied, ‘and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.’” Luke 18:29-30 NLT
Our current society has helped drive families apart with a self-interest attitude towards others, it’s a ‘me first’ society. Over time some families are restored but there needs to be forgiveness and a complete ‘same mind’ agreement for reconciliation. Many families struggle with problems in the home, forcing some to abandon their family, leaving them all behind. Societal ills make up most family break-ups today, but believe it or not, a deep faith in God and trusting in His Son Jesus for salvation made up the rest.
The book of Ruth gives us one of the earliest pictures of someone leaving their family to serve the Lord God of heaven. Ruth, a Moabite woman, became a widow at a young age. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, was returning to her homeland in Judah from where she, her husband and their two sons left due to a severe famine. Ruth wanted to return with Naomi back to Israel. She had a great love for her mother-in-law, but also a great love for God. Perhaps Ruth saw something in Naomi even through the bitterness of her sorrow of losing her husband and two sons that caused Ruth to say, “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth1:16b nlt) Ruth left her family behind to serve and worship God.
Jesus confirms there is a cost in following Him. In speaking to His disciples Jesus acknowledged there will be those who leave their families for the sake of the gospel, but they will be richly rewarded. Some will leave in pursuit of ministry work for Christ, but some others will be forced to leave their families who have rejected them for following Christ. If you are in this latter group know that Jesus understands, for He was also rejected by His family. Continue to follow Jesus, pray for your family, and don’t look back.
Misinformation is a term that has received much recognition in recent years. Media outlets are quick to point out certain news stories are false or misleading to the public. News organizations are pitted against each other with the backing of their fact checkers to debunk a news story. There is plenty of misinformation in the news outlets of our day. But the most tragic source of misinformation are certain religious organizations, even some Christian churches, who insists your good works will get you into heaven and there is no hell to fear.
Matthew’s gospel is all about presenting Jesus as King to the Jewish people of his day. It is also relevant to all people in our day for Jesus is Lord and King. Jesus’ disciples questioned Him when the kingdom would come about. They were expecting it would be in their lifetime. Jesus’ answer to their question about His coming kingdom concludes the Olivet Discourse.
If anyone has doubts that Jesus is King, Jesus Himself makes clear His royalty and authority by saying, “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence.” (Mt.25:31-32a nlt) Jesus always referred to Himself as the Son of Man, and this Son of Man will sit upon His throne and all the nations will be called before Him, therefore Jesus is indeed the King. And there will be a great separation of those who believed in Jesus and those who have not. “He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.’ Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.’” (Mt.25:33-34, 41 nlt)
Jesus’ reference to the sheep and goats in His answer to the disciples compares those who have treated His brothers and sisters with kindness and those who have not as if they were doing it to Him. This passage of Jesus’ words is often mistaken as the acceptance of good works for entrance into heaven. Jesus stated earlier, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.” (Mt.25:34 nlt) Salvation is a gift of God, not something to be earned through merited deeds. It is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Eph.2:8-9) Those who know the Savior will indeed do good works as verification of a changed life in Christ. “I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” (Ja.2:18b nlt)
We all struggle understanding Scripture and some passages are hard sayings, but it is all God’s Word to us. Some passages we would rather ignore for what it contains, but it is all truth. For us, are we among the sheep or the goats, are we people of faith or people of works?
“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” Luke 10:33 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
Continuing our study of Jesus’ parables in Biblical Insights, this week we look at the Parable of the Good Samaritan. We have said a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meeting, and we are going to stick to that. However, it is interesting to note the Wycliffe Bible Commentary suggests this parable may have been a report of an actual occurrence. Nevertheless, Jesus told the story so we can be sure it has a heavenly meaning whichever the case. It is another one of Jesus’ teachings for us to pay particular attention to.
The backstory to this parable is what preceded the question ‘Who is my neighbor?’ The question was asked by a Religious Jewish Law expert who wanted to trap Jesus in a question. He asked Him, “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk.10:25b nlt) Jesus asked him ‘how do you interpret the Law’ since he was an expert. The man answered correctly, “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.” And “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Lk.10:27 nlt) But after Jesus confirmed his answer, the expert revealed his self-righteous character by asking ‘who is my neighbor.’ Strict religious Jews would never consider any non-Jew as a neighbor. He needed further explanation which Jesus was more than willing to provide.
Jesus tells the story of an unfortunate Jewish traveler on the road from Jerusalem down to Jericho. It was a 17-mile journey descending over 3,000 feet into Jericho on an isolated, rocky, and winding road known for its many assaults from robbers hiding among the rocks. The man was attacked by the waiting criminals, “They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.” (Lk.10:30b nlt) What happened to this traveler is also a common occurrence in our day. People are victims of assault among other crimes within our society. How we, as Christians, respond to these victims will indicate how well we understand who our neighbors are.
Three individuals had shown their true understanding of being a neighbor. Sadly, two religious ministers, a priest and a Levite temple worker failed miserably. They both passed by on the other side without giving it a thought to help. “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.” (Lk.10:31-32 nlt) One could speculate the reason or reasons these two failed to help the wounded traveler. Whatever it was outweighed the importance of caring for one in tremendous need. Perhaps it was religious pride or their religious legalism not to be defiled if they had touched him and he was dead surfaced in their mind. Either way they both left him unattended.
In life it is often those we expect to help that do not, and those we wouldn’t expect to help do so and even go the extra mile. The same was true in Jesus’ day. In our story it says, “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” (Lk.10:33 nlt) The Jews and the Samaritans did not get along. The Samaritans were looked down upon by the Jews, yet this Samaritan had compassion on this Jewish man when his own fellow Jews passed him by. This good Samaritan cleaned and bandaged the man’s wounds, put him on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and nursed him overnight. Then this despised Samaritan went the extra mile, “The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” (Lk.10:35 nlt) The good Samaritan accurately displayed his understanding of who is his neighbor. Anyone with a need, anyone who needs help, whether rich or poor, regardless of skin color or ethnic background, male or female were all the good Samaritan’s neighbors and should be ours.
FreeBibleimages.org
After telling the story, Jesus asked the Jewish Law expert, ‘“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?’ The man replied, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Yes, now go and do the same.’” (Lk.10:36-37 nlt) The lesson for the Law expert and us is that every person has the responsibility to be a neighbor to all who cross their path, especially those in need. There are no exceptions.
Everything is constantly changing, in fact the only thing that is constant in life is change. All changes have their own speed at which they develop. Some changes happen slowly over time in which you hardly notice and some very quickly that you need to hold on to get through it. Constant unpredictable changes that are difficult to handle at times not knowing where to turn is known as ‘shifting sands.’ We have all gone through them, perhaps you may be going through shifting sands this day, well there is good news. There is someone to turn to for help.
Managing change is not easy for some people. It takes us out of our comfort zone. We like things to stay the same as they are. Shifting sands tend to move quickly causing anxiety. The unexpected of what may occur next is in the forefront of our minds. How do I deal with this change before the next one comes along? Shifting sands are aways moving and are not limited to any one scope, but to every individual, all matters of business, society and culture, family structures, and even in the church. So OK, who do I turn to?
There is no one who knows more about change than one who does not change. This sounds like an oxymoron. Who would know more about the effects of change and how to deal with it than one who has experienced quite a bit of it. This may be true for us who are able to help our friends and loved ones handle changes they are going through, but not all of us experience changes in the same way. There is only one true source of help in our time of changing needs and that is the one who does not change, Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the one constant in life we can count on not to change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is also our strong anchor in the storms of life to hold on to. His love, mercy, and grace towards us are the same, and His will for us is the same. The shifting sands in our lives are all part of God’s design for us and He who does not change will see us through the constant unpredictable changes. You can count on it!
“‘Abba, Father,’ he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’” Mark 14:36 NLT
FreeBibleimages.org
Yesterday our devotional study focused on the two-step process in how to make God’s desires our desires. Today’s devotion falls along those same lines but with a twist. God promises our hearts will be filled with our desires when they match God’s desires for us. How well then do you handle God’s desires and His will for you when it brings pain and suffering into your life?
Jesus, the God-man, faced the reality of following His Father’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion. He knew of God’s plan of salvation for each of us before the world began and He followed every detail. The time had come for the payment of sin to be completed. The sacrifice for sin would be made in a few short hours. Jesus was about to experience the most excruciating pain and suffering imaginable as the sins of the world would be laid upon Him. His Father would turn His back on Him causing Jesus to call “out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” (Mk.15:34 nlt)
In the garden that night Jesus knew His Father was capable of an alternative plan if it was His will to do so. Jesus prayed for this to be so. “‘Abba, Father,’ he cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me.” (Mk.14:36a nlt) The physical pain in the ‘cup of suffering’ will be accompanied by the spiritual separation from His Father that was forthcoming. Jesus asked that it be taken away, but then said, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mk.14:36b nlt)
Whatever your pain and suffering may be, it is understandable to ask the Lord to remove it and He will not fault you for that. There are times when He will remove it completely or partially, and times when He does not. Knowing that God desires your heart to be filled with His desires and for His will to be done wouldn’t you rather God’s will than your own will? May we all be able to say with the Lord Jesus, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mk.14:36 nlt)
“……So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.” 2 Corinthians 12:7 NLT
Trimming rose bushes for an inexperienced gardener may be hazardous to their flesh, I know. My wife is the gardener around our home, but last fall I decided to contribute and cut down the rose bushes. They were cut down extremely low from their present state as they grew wildly blocking my view from our front porch. So, truth be told, I had a hidden agenda. But as experienced gardeners know rose bushes grow back, and with my wife’s guidance as I was trimming last fall, they are now growing rapidly and fuller and it’s only the beginning of May. Looks like I’m in for some more thorns in the flesh this fall.
A thorn in the flesh is not enjoyable, it is painful. It is a nuisance as you do your trimming. They are always in the way. There are many ‘thorns in the flesh’ in life, therefore the saying of ‘dealing with my thorn in the flesh’ is a way to express frustration with annoyances that hinder your ability to accomplish your goals or so you may think. The thorns could be a physical ailment you are dealing with, constant disruptions in your employment or place of business, or even that annoying obnoxious neighbor who knows the right thorny buttons to push. As much as we don’t appreciate the annoyances there may very well be a good reason for them. And they most likely come from a source we think not.
The apostle Paul tells us the story about his thorn in the flesh, not what it is but why he has one. Paul details an amazing experience he had fourteen years earlier, “…. I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell…. even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.” (2Cor.12:4, 7 nlt)
The purpose of Paul’s thorn in the flesh was to keep him humble. The Lord did want a proud apostle boasting in himself, but in the power of the Lord Jesus. So, Paul was made weak to show the power of God through his weakness. (2Cor.12:9-10) This thorn also came from an unlikely source, Satan, but under God’s direction. And even though Paul prayed three times for it to be remove, God allowed it to remain saying to him each time, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2Cor.12:9a nlt)
Whatever your thorn in the flesh may be, thank the Lord for it and allow His love guide you through your weakness into His strength and say with the apostle Paul, “…. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2Cor.12:9b nlt)
“After they gathered again in Galilee, Jesus told them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.’ And the disciples were filled with grief.’” Matthew 17:22-23 NLT
There comes a time in everyone’s life when a little straight talk is needed. The best way to handle this is to give it to them straight. Important matters needing attention should not be dismissed due to not wanting to hurt or offend someone. When one is mature enough to handle the truth, an honest conversation from one who is trustworthy will be beneficial helping them to go forward in life.
Jesus’ disciples needed a little straight talk. It is not that Jesus was not forthright in speaking to them. In manners they were able to understand, Jesus explained everything to them plainly. Jesus didn’t ignore His disciples’ questions answering them in their ability to comprehend. When Jesus spoke in parables to the people, He then privately explained them to the disciples. But when the disciples began to realize that Jesus was truly the Messiah, the time had come for some straight talk. Jesus was about to tell them of His betrayal, His death, and His resurrection; His mission.
It was difficult for the disciples for accept this especially Peter who ‘took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.’ (Mt. 16:22 nlt) Sometimes straight talk is hard to handle but it is necessary. In Peter’s case and in ours as hard as it is to accept, Jesus’ mission on earth was to live a perfect life and to lay it down by being betrayed, crucified, and rising from the dead so that we may have eternal life with Him. It has been said, ‘a little straight talk never hurt anyone’, and in fact this straight talk saves everyone who believes.
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16 nlt)
Word for the Soul 