Jesus – Page 34 – Word for the Soul

A False Impression

November 10, 2023November 9, 2023 Loring Schultz

“In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ And immediately the fig tree withered up.” Matthew 21:18-19 NLT

An outward appearance can give a false impression. Examples can be found on realtor’s website listings, pre-owned automobile lots, even restaurant meus (it doesn’t look like the picture!) I am not being critical of those in the auto industry, food service or in real estate, but we all know there are times when the product does not meet up to the standards that were presented once examine. Jesus found this to be true on His way back into Jerusalem with His disciples.

Walking with His disciples on the road back to Jerusalem early in the morning, Jesus became hungry and noticed a fig tree up ahead. From a distance it looked green and full of leaves. It gave the appearance of being able to supply ample nourishment to one who is hungry. However when Jesus and His disciples got close enough for a closer look, they found nothing but leaves, no figs. The tree gave a false impression of what could be on it, but was not!

Jesus’s reaction to this false claim was immediate judgment, He cursed the tree, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ The result, the fig tree withered up immediately. Some theologians see this as an illustration of the nation Israel that was unfruitful despite being God’s chosen people. Our application for today is for those of us who claim to be Jesus followers, Christians in the true sense of the word with all the external trimmings, but showing no fruit. There are Christians who give a false impression of who they are until someone gets close enough to see otherwise.

Jesus became hungry on the road into Jerusalem and needed the fruit from the fig tree to sustain Him the rest of the way. Unfortunately there was no fruit to be seen. People today on life’s road need the fruit of Gospel, spiritual nourishment for this life and for eternity. When they see us up ahead, observe us, and move closer to us, will they find that we are true followers of Jesus and able to show them the way or will they only find a False Impression?

Devotionals

How deep are your roots?

November 9, 2023November 8, 2023 Loring Schultz

“The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.” Matthew 13:20-21 NLT

Deep strong roots are vital to a tree’s survival in storms with heavy winds. The deep seeded roots prevent the tree from falling over and at the same time are growing stronger by the wind during a storm by pulling and stretching. Throughout the life of a tree, the roots are working its way downward in search of water and nutrients. For a tree to flourish and survive its roots must continue to grow stronger by absorbing what is necessary; fertile soil with the proper nutrients and just enough wind to keep them stretching from the swaying of the tree.

In Jesus’ Parable of the Soils, He gives us four examples of different types of soil the farmer incurs as he is planting seed. Some seed fell by the wayside, or foot paths along the border of a field. Some seed fell on rocky places or shallow soil. Others fell among thorns and still others on fertile soil. The seed represents the Word of God (the gospel) that is planted in the hearts of people. There are many who hear the gospel in various forms. Some take to it enthusiastically as soon as they hear it representing the shallow soil. Then there are those who hear it but do not understand for the seed never penetrated into their hearts, and still others hear the word, but also hear the word of worries of this life and accumulating wealth crowding out the truth of the gospel. Then there are those who truly hear and understand the gospel representing the good soil.

As Christians, we are to live our lives in a manner that will draw individuals to Jesus Christ. We are to take advantage of every opportunity to share the gospel message. Jesus’ Parable of the Soils informs us of the possible reactions of each one who hears the Word. Not all will respond in the same way, and some not at all. We are only called to be faithful in presenting the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to do the work.

The seed falling on rocky and shallow soil can be taken a step further for Christians who have already accepted the salvation of the Lord. How deep are your roots? Believers today need strong deep roots to carry on God’s plan for them. Just as a tree planted in fertile soil needs water, nutrients, and winds to develop deep roots, Christians need to drink from the well of living water, feast on the nutrients of God’s Word, join in prayer with other believers, and receive with joy the winds of change in their lives which help develop Deep Roots.

A Christian Perspective

The Christian Counter-Culture

November 4, 2023November 3, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6 NLT

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NLT

Think of the following statements. “Going against the grain,” “swimming against the tide,” “going against the flow.” What comes to your mind as to their meaning? A summary of their meanings are as follows; “different from what is normal or usual. It takes courage to go against the grain and stand up for what you believe in” (1) “to not followwhat everyone else is doing” (2) “to do things that do not agree with what most other people are doing.” (3) The opposite statement would be “going along with the crowd.” It may be popular with your friends, peers, and society at large, but it has the potential of being extremely dangerous. The majority is not always right. Jesus confirms this in His Sermon on the Mount concerning life in the Kingdom of God.

Speaking to His disciples, Jesus says, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Mt. 7:13) Jesus also said to His disciples on another occasion during the Last Supper, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me,” (Jn. 14:6) and Luke writes in Acts chapter 4, “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) If we as faithful Christians adhere to Jesus’ sayings and Luke’s words through the Holy Spirit, then we are going against the grain, the flow, and against the tide. We are going against the culture. We are the Christian Counter-Culture.

Our current culture, as with previous historical cultures, expounds many ways to enter God’s kingdom. It is careful not to be labeled non-inclusive, but advocating all roads lead to Heaven. Our Lord Jesus is the ultimate example of one who is counter-cultural. He doesn’t hold back, but explains concisely the truth, His truth. “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Mt. 7:14)

The world culture provides a wide gate for all to enter and be included among the many with different beliefs leading to so-called peace in this life and a heavenly destiny in the next. Christians today need to follow Jesus’ example and speak lovingly right to the point as He did and show the world He is the only way, and be The Christian Counter-Culture.

Devotionals

Jesus; The Lord of the Temple

November 3, 2023November 2, 2023 Loring Schultz

“He said to them, The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” Matthew 21:13 NLT

For centuries theologians have debated the authenticity of Jesus Christ. Is he truly God in the flesh, the God-man, or is he just a good-man? Whichever side one is on all would agree that he was a good man. More would go on to say he was a mighty prophet, a great teacher, and one who could do great things. We still have the debate going on today in the 21^st century. I find it amazing for those who say they believe the Bible is the word of God, yet doubt many portions of it such as Jesus’s own words in John 8:58, “…….I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!” (NLT) Jesus declared Himself to those who doubted to be Yahweh, the Lord of the Old Testament who eternally self-existed.

During Jesus’s three years of ministry before He went to the cross He made several references to God being His Father and being equal to Him. When questioned by the rulers of the Jews in order to accuse and attack Him, Jesus told them, “The Father and I are one” (Jn. 10:30) They knew what He meant proclaiming to be equal with God picking up stones in order to stone Him for blasphemy. Another occasion occurred the day after Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem when He went into the temple. Jesus had witnessed the buying, selling and exchanging of money permitted outside the temple area for travelers coming a great distance for the Passover had made its way inside the temple sacred courts. Not only was business being conducted, but deceptive means were being used to cheat the pilgrim travelers.

Scripture tells us Jesus drove out those desecrating the temple with authority. “He said to them, The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” (Mt. 21:13 NLT) Jesus had the authority to do so because He is the Lord of the temple. In the same respect scripture also tells us, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” (1 Cor. 6:19-20 NLT) May we be careful not to desecrate our bodies, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and remember who is the Lord of the temple.

Read Matthew 21:12-17, Jesus clears the temple: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+21%3A12-17&version=NLT

Devotionals

Walking in Freedom

November 1, 2023October 31, 2023 Loring Schultz

“I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.” Psalm 119:45 NLT

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36 NLT

It is hard to imagine today in the 21^st century there is still slavery going on across the world. It is known today as ‘Modern Day Slavery’ or ‘Contemporary Slavery.’ According to ‘The Guardian’ from July 2018 it is estimated that close to 50 million people are enslaved in some form of servitude. The U.S. State Department website has the following: “Human trafficking can include, but does not require, movement. People may be considered trafficking victims regardless of whether they were born into a state of servitude, were exploited in their home town, were transported to the exploitative situation, previously consented to work for a trafficker, or participated in a crime as a direct result of being trafficked. At the heart of this phenomenon is the traffickers’ aim to exploit and enslave their victims and the myriad coercive and deceptive practices they use to do so.” (1)

We are living in a fallen and broken world with sin running rapid in every corner. Perhaps it shouldn’t surprise or shock us, but it does right down to our core. As Christians we need to be aware of the plight of these individuals supporting efforts to stop the spread of trafficking and to pray for those affected. In addition to ‘Modern Day Slavery’ there are many people in our society who feel trapped by addictions, abusive situations, emotional stress, and anxiety. Although not intentionally held against their will, they are being held against their will. Again, as Christians we need to pray and support those in need.

Perhaps you may be one of the above feeling trapped or in a situation held against your will. Even in your confinement you can find and have freedom in Jesus Christ. The Psalmist writes when devoted to God’s commandments, His Word, he would walk in freedom or liberty. The Lord can lift the heaviest burden you are facing making it durable for you and give you joy and peace you thought not possible. And Jesus says to us who are trapped and overcome by sin, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free……I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (Jn. 8:31-32, 34-36 NLT) The Lord Jesus can set you free from your sin establishing a permanent relationship with Him now and in eternity walking in freedom.

Read Psalm 119:41-48: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A41-48&version=NLT https://www.state.gov/what-is-modern-slavery/

Devotionals

Matthew’s Gospel; Prophecy Fulfilled

October 27, 2023October 26, 2023 Loring Schultz

“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.” Zechariah 9:9 NLT

The result of the 2020 Untied States Presidential election is still being disputed some three years later. The media and politicians are labeling those who disagree with the outcome as ‘election deniers.’ The deniers’ rejections are founded on witness statements, number of ballets casts in conjunction with voter rolls, missing ballets, voter machine irregularities, mail-in ballots, and other missteps by election officials. Those who accept the results claim the lack of evidence to irregularities or misconduct proves the election is valid. I suppose it will continue to be disputed for years to come for we live in an imperfect and fallen world, and as much as we try to get things right our fallen nature always gets in the way.

The gospel of Matthew was written by one of Jesus’s followers, and it bears his name the disciple Matthew. The book’s main purpose is to prove Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, the King of the Jews to a Jewish audience. Just as in our day there were those who rejected Jesus as King, the Jewish Messiah who was to come. We could call them ‘prophecy deniers.’ They rejected Jesus who had been prophesized to come all throughout the Old Testament. The disciple John wrote, “He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.” (Jn. 1:11 NLT)

Matthew presented plenty of evidence from the Old Testament in his writing starting with Jesus’s genealogy proving His royal lineage. In Matthew 21 we have an undeniable prophecy seen and fulfilled as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on what is known as Holy Week. From the Old Testament book of Zechariah, Matthew records the events from that day which was prophesized years before. “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.’” (Mt. 21:5 NLT)

Though we may have difficulties in our fallen world to find and prove evidence which cannot be disputed, there is plenty of evidence in the pages of the Old Testament proving that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, the King of the Jews and the Savior of the world. Will you continue to be a ‘prophecy denier’ if you tend to be one, or will you trust the findings in Scripture which are true and infallible and accept Him as your Savior, Lord, and King.

Read Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus’ Triumphant Entry, Prophecy Fulfilled: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+21%3A1-11&version=NLT

Devotionals

For the Sake of the Call

October 24, 2023October 23, 2023 Loring Schultz

“Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” Matthew 4:21-22 NIV

In the year 1990, Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman illustrated what it cost to be a follower of Jesus through the lyrics he wrote and setting it to music in “For the Sake of the Call.” The story of four fishermen giving up their only means of support to follow Jesus is found in the book Matthew chapter 4 in the New Testament. Jesus was in the beginning of His public ministry and had now moved on to Capernaum. Seeing Simon Peter, his brother Andrew along with James and John at work in their trade, Jesus called them to leave it all behind and follow Him. He would make them fishers of men. We read their response was immediate. They left it all. James and John even left their father in the boat. A radical move to say the least.

Steven Curtis Chapman put it this way;

“Empty nets lying there at the water’s edge
Told a story that few could believe
And none could explain
How some crazy fishermen agreed to go where Jesus lead
With no thought to what they would gain
For Jesus had called them by name
And they answered…

We will abandon it all for the sake of the call
No other reason at all but the sake of the call
Wholly devoted to live and to die for the sake of the call
The sake of the call” (1)

When the Lord calls us today, how do we respond? Are we willing to leave it all behind and serve the Lord where He calls us? He may not be calling you into full time service, but make no mistake, the Lord has a special calling for each one of us to serve Him where he has placed us. We are to answer the call and abandon all this world has to offer FOR THE SAKE OF THE CALL.

(1) Steven Curtis Chapman, “For the Sake of the Call” Sparrow Records, 1990.

Read the story: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%204%3A12-22&version=NIV

Devotionals

Recognizing the Messiah; the Light of the World

October 20, 2023October 19, 2023 Loring Schultz

“The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’” Matthew 20:31 NIV

Our world is currently going through dark times, in fact we could say it seems that total darkness cannot be far away. Darkness in the world has troubled humankind since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Although I must admit darkness has been progressing deeper into our society blinding any light trying to dispel it. The apostle Paul addressed this in his letter to the church at Ephesus by saying, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12) Also in writing to Timothy he said, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1) Our world is certainly a dark place and growing darker.

But rest assured for all is not lost for the believer in Christ. Even in the darkness of our world, Christians can live in the light of Jesus Christ, and in the light of His Word. John writing about Jesus said, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (Jn. 1:5, 9) Jesus is the true and only light in the world.

The world is in darkness due to all of mankind being in darkness, spiritual darkness. We are in spiritual darkness due to our sin nature and nothing will eradicate the darkness except the light of Christ in our lives. All of us are in need of confessing our sin and accepting Jesus Christ, the light of the world, as our savior.

The gospel of Matthew tells the story of two blind men who were aware that Jesus was soon to pass their way. They were also aware that He was the true Messiah, God the Son, who was able to cure their blindness. As they sat by the roadside, they shouted out to Jesus, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.’ By referring to Jesus as the Son of David, they were confirming their belief that He was the true Jewish Messiah who was to come. They had need of physical healing of blindness and asked to receive their sight, knowing that He who heal spiritual blindness is able to heal physical blindness. They believed in Jesus’s divine power.

Have you recognized the true Messiah, the true and only light of the world, Jesus Christ? The two blind men above recognized Him as the only one who could cure their physical and spiritual blindness. Scripture says, “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” (Mt. 20:34) We are living in a dark world, but we do not need to live in a dark spiritual world. Receive the light of the world and gain your spiritual sight and follow Him.

Read Matthew 20:29-34 Two blind men receive sight: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A29-34&version=NIV

Devotionals

Jesus; an Old Testament Story

September 25, 2023September 24, 2023 Loring Schultz

“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.

Devotionals

Only one road that leads to heaven

September 18, 2023September 16, 2023 Loring Schultz

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12 ESV

“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1 ESV

A familiar saying throughout the years has been, “All roads lead to heaven” or “All roads lead to God.” Many times this statement goes unchallenged, but those who adhere to this logic are an example of Solomon’s proverb, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” What seems right based on feelings, philosophy, astronomy, good works towards mankind, or being a follower of one of the many religions in our world today is a false hope. God has laid out His plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ in the written scriptures, His book to us, the Holy Bible.

By rejecting what is clearly spelled out for us in the Bible, one is actually portraying what Solomon’s father, King David wrote, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” As the masses flock to the false religions of the world or try to fend for themselves with good works, they are saying the God of the Bible does not exist. They imply He misspoke and has given us an incomplete Word, but God’s Word stands complete and it stands true. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn. 14:6)

So how about you? Which road are you on? Are you on one of many religious roads throughout history? Are you relying on your good works, your kindness, and your love for others? Are you on the road of trusting what feels right and reasoning through science and philosophy? “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Jesus says there is only One Road that leads to heaven.