Have Mercy!

N.T.#103 "Have Mercy!"

June 30, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 11

LET IT GLOW

After Jesus raised the daughter of the synagogue ruler, He had earned a breather and probably returned to Peter's house for some R & R. But that wasn't going to happen. Probably there were 2 blind men sitting along the road begging. Maybe they heard about Jesus raising the 12-year-old girl from the dead. This was their chance fo see again, as Jesus passed by them.

Verse 27 tells us two blind men followed Him, crying out for mercy from Jesus. They declared Jesus to be the son of David, the Messiah. 

Did you notice that nothing happened until Jesus got inside the house? He did not do healings for a show. Jesus intended to heal those two with just a handful of folks present. The blind men barged right in the house without knocking. But first, Jesus asked them if they believed He was able to do it. (verse 28)

When Jesus touched the eyes of the men, He said, According to your faith be it done unto you. (verse 29)

If the men had only half-hearted faith, then they probably would have only been healed in one eye-my thoughts. However, their faith was sufficient for Jesus to completely heal their blindness. We are not told how long those men longed to see. The first thing they saw was the face of Jesus. It doesn't get any better! One day we will all see Jesus face to face. Are you prepared? 

Jesus charged the men to keep quiet about seeing. How could someone do that? What a miracle for them! Well, Jesus might as well put a sign on the door, "The Healer is in," or a receptionist shouting, "Next." Jesus fame was spread throughout the country. 

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Matthew]

Who do you say Jesus is?

LET IT GROW

The prophet Isaiah had lots to say about the Messiah, the King who was to come. He would be a descendant of David (stump of Jesse), Isaiah 11:1. He would bring healing (open eyes), Isaiah 42:7. These men, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, knew what Jesus could do. (Evans)

Jesus did not enquire if the men were wealth, able to pay Him for healing them. He was not concerned with their reputation or possession in society. No, it was their faith. Jesus can see our faith, knows about it, and is well pleased with whole-hearted faith in Him.

Has Jesus opened your spiritual eyes? Do you we Him working around you? Can we see the needs of others?

LET IT GO 

Our God is bigger than our problems. He can see us through it.

Have mercy on us sinners, Jesus, so we are not punished for our sins.

Please give sinners faith enough so they seek You as their Savior today.

Do You Need Lifting Up?

N.T.#102 "Do You Need Lifting Up?"

June 29, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

Do you need to be lifted up today? Is life dragging you down? Read on about a girl that Jesus lifted up. He can do it for you, too. 

So far in this chapter we have read about Jesus healing the paralytic, and the woman with the issue of blood. We left Jesus and His disciples on their way to Jarius' house to heal his daughter (actually raise her from the dead). However, along the way He encountered a woman of faith, who suffered 12 years. It was her faith that made her well, delivered of that awful suffering. She believed if she only touched the hem of Jesus' garment that she would be healed. Now is that faith at the max or what!

by the time Jesus, His followers, and the father, who was a ruler of the synagogue, arrived at the man's house, his daughter was dead. 

He said unto them, Give place for the maid is not dead but sleepeth. And they laughed Him to scorn. (verse 24)

There were professional mourners with funeral music at the house, standing in the way. Jesus told them to leave, for the girl wasn't dead, but asleep. Everyone knew the girl was really dead. It wasn't the family members who laughed at Jesus, but those hired to mourn. (Jeremiah 9:17)

By saying the girl was only asleep, Jesus boldly affirmed that her condition was temporary. After the noise left, Jesus took the girl by the hand and lifted her from the bed, very much alive. Although the room had been cleared of people, news of this miracle spread everywhere. (verse 26) (Swindoll)

LET IT GROW

This father was a highly respected, capable, and popular man in the religious world, and with great power, too. He oversaw the administration of the synagogue. He determined who taught in worship and supervised the whole operation. Quite an important man in his community!

Yet this father loved his daughter so much that he risked his position to get her healing. Jesus was his only hope in a hopeless situation. He was humbled as the father fell down at Jesus' feet and worshiped Him. Luke 8:41)

What can we learn for this passage?

• We must believe Jesus can meet our most desperate need.
• He can give hope to the hopeless and help to the helpless.
• Jesus' touch can raise us up from...
• Even when people scoff at us, He can do kingdom work through us.
• May our heart reach out to Jesus, for He is reaching our to us.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. (Ps. 37:5)

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, You can do the impossible.

Give us strength to carry on Your kingdom work.

Grow our faith.

Lift us above our problems and challenges today. 

Raise us up so we can stand on mountains, walk on stormy seas of life.

Raise us up to be more than I can be.

Faith, Seeking, Touching, Healing

N.T.#101 "Faith, Seeking, Touching, Healing"

June 28, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

Old bottles were not strong enough to contain the new wind, illustrating that Christ brings new life to a believer. We need the old time religion where Jesus is the only way to heaven, the Only Savior, cleanses a dirty heart of sin and makes it new.

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  (2 Cor. 5:17)

We need the Bible upheld as Truth, not new ways or new methods to peace and love, but that which only Jesus can give. No substitutes here. Only Jesus paid the price for us, so we can be set free from the bondage of sin. Have you been freed yet?

Next, we read of 4 healings as others request it on the behalf of others. With no chance to even catch His breath, Jesus was approached by a leader of the synagogue of Capernaum, Jairus. The man bowed before Jesus and begged Him to come to his home to lay His hand on his daughter who had just died. His faith believed Jesus could restore the 12-year-old girl to life. It was a a cry for hope and help by a father. So Jesus and His followers went immediately to the man's house.

LET IT GROW

Yet, while on their way to the man's house, a woman in the crowd approached Jesus. She had a 12 year old problem-hemorrhaging for such a long time. If only she could touch the hem of His garment, she would be made well.  She would have been considered unclean so the woman did not want to touch Jesus, thus causing Him to be ritually impure. So she simply touched the hem of His garment. There was no way Jesus could have felt her touch his outer robe, the tassels hanging on it, surrounded by people. Yet, her faith touched Him as power and life transferred to the woman. 

Virtue left Jesus. Virtue (dunamis, doo'nam'is) means  miraculous power; strength. 

(We get our word dynamite from this Greek word.) 

Jesus turned to the woman, saw the woman, adopted the woman, and made here whole. He saw the sick woman's desperation and need, along with her faith. Jesus asked who touched His clothes. Jesus knew a miracle took place. (The woman received healing.) Don't you think the answer was quite obvious; a woman kneeling down, behind Jesus? 

What did this woman do? She told Jesus all the truth, with fear and trembling.

What did Jesus say? In Mark 5:34, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Wait a minute. The woman was healed before she told Jesus her problem. Did you notice that? New to me. I knew it, but did not realize the sequence until now, the importance. The woman was not rebuked, but adopted into God's family as a daughter. She was made new-body and soul.

Are you in need today of being made whole, friend? Come to Jesus by touching His heart with your faith in Him.

LET IT GO 

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Are you seeking the Savior?

New Ways

 N.T.#100 "New Ways"

June 27, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever been criticized for going good? It is hard to swallow, I know. But look how the Pharisees criticized Jesus and His followers for their good deeds. 

First, they complained that He was eating with publicans (tax collectors) and sinners. Jesus came to show sinners they needed a Savior, and that is who He is. He calls sinners to repentance, admitting they sin and ask for forgiveness. If He avoided those men, how could they find a cure for their spiritual sickness-sin? The Pharisees certainly were not going to provide it.

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins. (verse 6a)

Jesus had just healed the crippled man and they accused Him of blaspheming, of which He was not. Jesus is the Son of God, the Lamb of God that takes away our sins. 

On the other hand, Jesus was gaining numbers of followers and believers. The Pharisees were loosing their influence and domain. Do you know any church members like that? when new folks come into the church, are they welcomed or do those in power feel threatened of loosing their influence? It happens. People loose their focus on Jesus and place it on things.

LET IT GROW

Secondly, the disciples of John the Baptist criticized Jesus because His followers did not fast. Why should they have fasted when they had Emanuel, God with us, among them? Jesus was teaching them God's will (recall the Sermon on the Mount). He was showing them God's ways (mercy, compassion, forgiveness). 

Jesus gave some analogies concerning their circumstances:

1. The wedding guests are happy while the bridegroom is with them. It is when he is taken away that they fast. So it is with the Lord; while He was with His disciples and believing followers, they rejoiced. The time came when His death took Him away and they mourned.
2. A new cloth is not put on an old garment with a hole in it. The new cloth will shrink and rip a bigger hole than was had to begin with. 
3. New wine fermented and would break old skins or bottles as it expanded, so they did not put new wine in old bottles, but used new ones. 

The old religious system of Judaism with its rules and traditions are replaced by the new message of Jesus Christ. Through faith, Jesus cleanses the sinful heart, forgives sins, and reconciles us with God. Mercy and grace are the new ways He provides for us. 

Are we, as followers of Christ, prepared for new ways to live, new ways to look at people, and new ways to serve? 

LET IT GO

Change my heart O God, make it ever true. change my heart O God, may I be like You.

Sacrifice, Obedience, and a Wedding

N.T.#99 "Sacrifice, Obedience, and a Wedding"

June 26, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 7

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

Shall we take a step back and do as Jesus told the Pharisees-learn what Jesus' statement above means? God says many times that He doesn't want our gifts and sacrifices when we give them out of ritual or hypocrisy. If a person's heart is far from God, then sacrifices will become a ritual that is empty mockery. God wants us first to love and obey Him. 

Life Application Study Bible gives us some verses concerning this matter. Instead of sacrifices, what pleases God?

• Obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Sam. 15:22-23)
• God wants us to take joy and delight in doing His will. (Ps. 40:6-8)
• He wants the broken and repentant heart. (Ps. 51:16-19)
• God desires our obedience and promises that He will be our God and we will be His people. (Hosea 6:6)
• God hates pretense and hypocrisy, for He wants to see justice flow like water. (Amos 5:21-24)
• He wants us to act justly, love mercy (faithfulness), and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:6-8)
• God wants us to be merciful. (Matthew 9:13) 

When religious rituals replace our relationship with God, then we are going down the wrong path. However, religious rituals, as baptism and the Lord's Supper can be carried out with an attitude of love for and obedience to God. (Tithing is a heart matter which shows we love God more than money. We trust Him to provide for us. It is an act of obedience rather than a ritual.)

Why do we go to worship services? What is our motive behind our offerings and sacrifices?

Like Matthew, we must decide to leave behind those things that would keep us from fully following Christ.

LET IT GROW

Then a different group confronts Jesus, the disciples of John the Baptist, with a question. (verse 14) Why don't your disciples fast like John's disciples and the Pharisees do? He answered it like this:

Wedding guests do not fast while celebrating with the groom. They can't fast while he is with them. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. In other words, celebrate and be happy, for one day, the church will become the bride of Christ at the Marriage of the Lamb. (Rev. 19)

Are you going to be with us in heaven, dear one? Is your soul washed with the precious blood of Jesus? Have you joined with other believers in Jesus in a church?

LET IT GO

What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. And I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace. And He takes me by the hand and leads me through the Promised Land. What a day, glorious day that will be!

There is coming a day for all of us, when stand before Holy Jesus, our Judge. Are you ready? 

 N.T.#98 "Eating With Sinners"

June 23, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Matthew seems modestly passing over his calling to follow Jesus in verse 7. As the two walked and talked, I can see Matthew inviting Jesus and His followers to a great dinner in honor of Jesus and inviting his publican friends so they could know Jesus, too. Can you imagine sitting there, listening to the Messiah, learning great truths from Him, finding grace and mercy?

When good things are going on, there is usually critics around to try to tear down what is built up. So was the case at Matthew's house. Some Pharisees asked Jesus' disciples why He as eating with sinners. (As though they wear above tax collectors and others. They were sinners, too.) 

As Christians, we need to remain humble. Let's not remain in our little groups at church, but expand, reach out to others. Try not to freeze them out of our fellowship, as McGee put it. Jesus has plenty of love to go around.

LET IT GROW

Oh boy, Jesus heard that comment. 

But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.  (verse 12)

Jesus is the Great Physician. He came to earth in order to heal mankind of their basic problem-sin.  In verse 13, Jesus challenged folks to go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. 

How could the tax collectors and sinners ever get the spiritual therapy they needed if the One with the cure avoided them? Jesus cared enough to reach out to the sick with a cure and compassion.

Are we showing compassion through grace, mercy, and love far more than sacrifice? Jesus gave a homework assignment to the Pharisees. Jesus' heart went out to those who lived in the muck and mire of shame and disgrace.

When Jesus comes to speak to our heart, He is eating with a sinner-you and me. When we study His Word, He speaks to us who fall short daily. Yet, the Savior forgives us, over and over again.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus that You invite us to dine at your table-the Holy Bible.

You feed our souls with so much!

What an Awesome God we serve!

An Unexpected Man With a Purpose

N.T.#97 "An Unexpected Man With a Purpose"

June 22, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

You know Matthew must have been one whom people did not expect to be used by God to share His love and Truth. A hated tax collector. Yet...

We can see the results of Matthew coming to Jesus. This wealth tax collector let his flourishing job to follow the Savior. so he wasn't a blue-collar fisherman like John; not a sophisticated, white-collar physician like Luke; and not a young hanger-on like Mark. No doubt he had heard the stories of Jesus' words and deeds. The Holy Spirit must have already been prodding Matthew's conscience. (Swindoll)

How do I know this greedy man, Matthew, had a change of heart? For one thing, Matthew became a disciple of Jesus and wrote the first of the four Gospels in the New Testament. Such grace and mercy for this man! Yes, Matthew left everything but his pen. He recognized Jesus as the long-awaited King of Israel, the Promised Messiah. Matthew wrote over 65 references to the Old Testament.

Does the Word of God change our heart? Is it something we can live by, count on, draw closer to God?

Jesus can use anyone to bring His message to the hurting, downtrodden.

LET IT GROW

Secondly, Matthew had a great feast. He opened his large home to his sinful friends and officials in the Jewish community, bringing them to the Savior. (Luke 5:29) 

What can we learn from Matthew's example?

• Jesus went to where sinners were, seeking them.
• Sinners felt comfortable around Him.
• Jesus had meals with sinners, immoral people who society and the religious rejected and avoided.
• Jesus and sinners were great friends.                                                                                                 I am not advocating that we go to their drinking and drug parties. However, at work we can talk with the lost, ask them what is happening in their life, give them hope-Jesus. We lift them up, not judging and condemning. (The Holy Spirit does that.) We love them with the love of Jesus, help meet needs, invite them to activities of the church. There have been parents reached through their children as the attend VBS in the summer. That is my mission. This is my fifth year as director. My husband got saved during VBS a long time ago, when he was a 12 year-old, barefoot boy in the country.

LET IT GO

Thank you Jesus that You love this little gray-haired grandma living on a country road.

Praise be to Jesus for saving us from the punishment of sins!

Glory to God on high!

Use us as Your witness today!

Tax Collectors

N.T. #96 "Tax Collectors"

June 21, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Now we have a totally different set of events found in verses 9-12. When Jesus saw Matthew, a tax collector sitting at a toll booth in the street where tax collectors sat to receive various taxes. He was a traitor to his people, a Jew who worked as an agent for the Roman government. He was likely banned from the synagogue, shunned by his countrymen, untrusted as a friend, and numbered with robbers and murderers. Nobody wanted anything to do with Matthew. EXCEPT JESUS.

I wonder if the disciples stood back and thought, "Um, where are you going, Lord?" Maybe some of Jesus' followers were waiting for a tongue lashing from their Master, the preacher of righteousness. Yep, no one deserved it more than Matthew, such a scoundrel. People hated those of this profession. None happened.

The Romans had 2 types of taxes for the people to pay:

1. Similar to our income or sales taxes, these were a fixed rate, so the collector could add his pocket money on top of the charge.
2. The second type was related to customs, imports, and exports. Corrupt officials had plenty of room to collect large, extra amounts.

 

Most tax collectors were cheats, dishonest, and unjust men. (Notice that Matthew was wealthy and had a large house, as well as gave a dinner party. (verse 10) Jesus saw what Matthew was doing and where he was sitting. Yet, there was no rebuke from Jesus. 

How do we treat others? Is it like we want to be treated?

We are no better than this tax collector, yet the mercy of God is shown upon us who love Him.

LET IT GROW

What was it that Jesus said? Not a rebuke, not a lecture. 

"Follow Me." It was forceful and to the point. Don't you think Matthew had heard about this Jesus?  There were no questions asked, no hesitations, no buts, no allowances, no half-heartedness, no delayed decision.

Matthew arose and followed Jesus immediately and with a total commitment. (verse 9) Matthew got up and left all to follow Jesus. When the call came, Matthew answered. Probably, he took care of his business affairs later. this rich man left the material and prosperous world to become rich in faith and love. He is the author of this book in the Bible we are studying.

What a turnaround for Matthew. Once Matthew began to follow Jesus, he never turned back.

Friend, have you answered the call to follow Jesus? He loves you so much that He gave His life so you could spend eternity with Him in heaven. If you haven't yet, please ask Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior. He is waiting.

If you are a believer, are you sharing the love of Jesus with others? 

LET IT GO

Father, You are a God of wonders, holy, Creator of heaven and earth and us.

Have mercy on us sinners.

Praise to Jesus, our glorious Savior, Lord of heaven and earth!

Helping the Helpless

N.T.#95 "Helping the Helpless"

June 20, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

His friends knew He could do it. They knew He would come through for them. He had done it before. He was their only hope for their friend. Four friends carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus. Yet what is so amazing about this is that they did not give up whenever the house was too crowded for them to get to Jesus carrying their friend. It wasn't a maybe faith, but He could and He would help faith. This helpless and hopeless man had caring friends. 

Weren't they obsessed with their mission to get their disabled friend to Jesus? Desperately, they lugged the guy and cot up to the roof of the house, opened a spot in the roof, and lowered him down to Jesus. The friends could have given up whenever they could not get close to Jesus inside the house, but they did not. The cripple could have said, "No way, you might drop me and kill me." 

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

In Luke 10 we read about the good Samaritan, who helped the injured man, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 

Are we taking time to help the disabled, the helpless, the hopeless? What kind of friend are we?

LET IT GROW

Jesus saw the faith of the 5 men. Wasn't it GREAT FAITH? 

What does great faith do?

• It focuses one's belief on Jesus Christ. He alone is the answer to the needy and helpless of the world, no matter who they are.
• It acknowledges that a need does exist and must be met.
• Great faith is doing all one can do to meet the need. 
• It persists until the need is met.                                                                                                       Did you notice those 5 men said nothing, as far as it is recorded? What did Jesus do first? He forgave the crippled man of his sins. Of course, that caused problems with the scribes-they accused Jesus of blaspheming. The amazing thing about all of this is that Jesus forgave the man, not that He healed the man. Do you believe Jesus is truly living, the Son of God, risen from the dead? Do you believe He loves you so much that He wants to save you? Simply ask, and Jesus will. [Resource: The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible]

LET IT GO

Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me. On and on it goes. What a Savior!

It overwhelms and satisfies my soul.

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, to see the needs of others and meet those needs. 

Healing of Soul and Body

N.T.#94 "Healing of Soul and Body"

June 19, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Somewhere four men heard or saw what Jesus could do-heal the sick. so when He came to Capernaum, the devised a plan. We don't know how long this man had palsy (was paralyzed). the thing is, he had 4 good friends, full of faith (not halfhearted or double-minded belief in Jesus). They were willing to go great lengths to get him healed. And they believed Jesus could such a thing. When the 5 got to the house where Jesus was, it was crowded; it was too crowded to even get the cot through the door. (Apparently, no one was willing to move so that could happen either.)

So the men devised a plan-lug the paralytic up to the roof, climbing to a flat roof, and then lowering him carefully down through a hole so Jesus would see him. What a task! What faith in his friends the palsy man had, too! And Jesus saw their faith, too. It was a bold, risky move that required absolute confidence that Jesus could do something about this man's condition.

Jesus saw him alright. However, His reaction was not what they expected. (Isn't it just like our Jesus to do the unexpected for us? He often does exceedingly abundantly above all we think.) What was the first think Jesus said to the paralyzed man on a bed? Son, be of good cheer: thy sins be forgiven thee. (verse 2)

Why did Jesus say that? In verse 6, But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins. 

After that, Jesus healed the man, requiring him to Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house.

Mission accomplished. Don't you know 5 guys were dancing in the streets praising God all the way home! Even the multitudes marvelled and glorified God, which had given such power unto me. People were stunned onlookers. They had never seen anything like this before!

Instead of the mat, cot, or bed carrying the man, he carried it home. What compassion and power Jesus showed that day!

Are we letting a burden or problem carry us around in chains of worry, bitterness, or hopelessness? Take it to Jesus and let Him set you free, dear one. 

LET IT GROW

This event does not end there for Jesus. Scribes, the educated men, accused Jesus and said He blasphemeth.

Blasphemeth, in the Greek language, means defame; to vilify (slanderous); to speak impiously (lacking in reverence or proper respect, as for God)

You know, Jesus saw within the hearts of evil in the scribes. He asked them which was easier, to forgive sins or heal. How could the scribes respond to that?

Friend, have you been to Jesus for your forgiveness of sins? Just believe Jesus is Savior, the Son of God, and ask Him. Jesus loves you so much that He gave His life to provide a way to God and to heaven. He met the requirements-perfection. We cannot be perfect, so we needed help. Jesus is God in the bodily form of God.

What a Savior, so forgiving, loving, kind, and faithful! 

LET IT GO

Help us to let go and let God. 

Friends

 N.T.#93 "Friends"

June 16, 2023 

Matthew 9

LET IT GLOW

Jesus and His disciples left the country of the Gadarenes, who did not want Him there after Jesus cast out the legion of demons in two men. It was because those demons requested they go into the swine, which drown in the Sea. So they got back into the boat and sailed across the Sea of Galilee. In the previous chapter we read about the 6 miracles Jesus performed to demonstrate that the King has the dynamic power. After all, Jesus is a God-man. Now we will read about 6 more miracles that Jesus perform, calls Matthew to join Him and the disciples, contends with the Pharisees, and continues His ministry in Galilee. (J.V. McGee)

Verse 1 tells us the group went back to Capernaum, Jesus' own city, hometown if you will. Don't you think Jesus was the kind of guy folks wanted to be around? Obviously they sought Him for healing physically. Perhaps they could feel the love of God with Him, too.

What about us, do others feel the love of God when they are around us? I can feel His love when I am around others at our church. Our VBS begins June 25, so please pray that we have many children come and they come to know Jesus as Savior. I have been working on the plans for months as director and now it is coming together. Glory to God in the Highest!

  

LET IT GROW

Then we read about the 4 friends who carried their paralyzed friend to the house where Jesus was. The crowd was so great that they lowered the man down through the roof in order for Jesus to heal him. Now that is what I call FRIENDS! They went the second mile, didn't they? What love for their friend they showed! If we have a couple of close friends, we are blessed. Are you blessed?

Mark chapter 2 gives us more details. Before Jesus healed the paralyzed man, He forgave his sins. What a healing! Did he have something to share!

What has Jesus done for you lately? Have you shared it?

LET IT GO

It's all about You, Jesus!

How wonderful You are!

Who is Jesus to You?

 N.T. #92 "Who is Jesus to You?"

 June 15, 2023

 Matthew 8-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Who is Jesus? In this chapter, many found out the answer to that question:

• Jesus was Healer to the leper, Pter's sick mother in law, and the centurion's servant.
• Jesus was Almighty God, who controls winds and sea, to the disciples.

Jesus was the Son of God to the 2 possessed men and their legion of demons that possessed them. 

Did you notice that when Jesus calmed the violent storm for His disciples, that the result was a great calm.

Calm means tranquillity, free from disturbance.

In verse 27, after the disciples experienced Jesus calming the storm, the marvelled saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?

So when my life gets disturbing, I call out to Jesus for Him for His great calm in my life. 

LET IT GROW 

Another thing I noticed was those demons knew who Jesus is-the Son of God:

• This meant Jesus is a divine person with almighty power, no match for them.
• They tremble in His presence. 
• They are obligated to obey Jesus' commanding voice.
• However, the demons did not know Jesus as their righteous Savior.
• They knew Jesus Christ is the Righteous Judge and had the pwer to punish them (which is coming). The Day of Judgment was not yet, so they requested Him to send them into the swine for a body to possess.

Jesus granted their request. What did the pigs do whenever that happened? They drown themselves in the very Sea of Galilee which Jesus had calmed earlier.

What was the result of that herd being dead? In Mark 5:15, the people saw one of the demon-possessed men clothed and in his right mind.

The hog owners went into the city, told what occurred, and the entire town told Jesus to leave. Isn't it incredible that the townspeople drove Jesus out of their town after He drove the demons out of the 2 men!

The freed man began proclaiming throughout the Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him. (Mark 5:20)

Swindoll tells us to expect struggles with unseen forces, stand firm in the full armor of God (Eph. 6:11-13), hold up the shield of faith and pray in the Spirit., never forget that we are on the winning side. (Rev. 20:10)

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Who is Jesus to you?

LET IT GO

How great is our God!

Jesus, help those sceptics to believe Your Word is true and You truly are the Son of the Living God!

Deomons and Pigs Are Conquered

N.T.#91 "Demons and Pigs Are Conquered"

June 14, 2023

Matthew 8-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

Previously, Jesus calmed a violent storm with just one word-peace. It sounds like right after the boat in which Jesus and the disciples were in landed, they encountered evil. Evil had tried to drown those guys and now Jesus will drown the evil ones. Take a closer look with me.

What happened?

• They were confronted by two men demon-possessed. These two prevented people from passing that way in order to get to town. (They lived in caves along the sea-side cliffs.)
• These two were exceeding fierce. One that is demon-possessed cannot control their body nor free himself from the demonic control. (Robert Lightner)
• Those 2 men had amazing strength since others tried to bind them with chains couldn't. (Mark 5:3-4) They shrieked in anguish day and night and cut themselves. (Mark 5:5) They dwelt in tombs like a savage animal. (Luke 8:27)
• Probably the bigger and stronger one confronted Jesus. (Keep in mind, Jesus had previously been confronted by The Devil in the wilderness, so He could handle those demons.)
• Jesus had a conversation with the demons.

 I wonder if we realize that demons are still in this world, trying to stop the work of the Son of God. Maybe we should take a step back and look at a situation in spiritual terms. Is evil behind the bad things happening? ?Are people discouraging us, trying to prevent our doing good? 

LET IT GROW

Jesus asked the demon what his name was, which was Legion. (Mark 5:9) A legion was a group of 6,000 men in a Roman army. At any rate, there were many demons in the man.

What do we find out about this?

1. Demons are fully aware of Jesus' identity and His power. Standing before them was Jesus, the Son of the Most High God, the One with complete authority over them. (Mark5:7; Luke 8:28)
2. The demons knew there ultimate destiny. The wondered if Jesus was going to torment them "before their time." (verse 29) Eternal fire was prepared for the devil and his angels.(25:41) Soon their afflicting, tempting, oppressing, and possessing people was coming to an end. 
3. The number of demons possessing the men was great. 
4. They requested to be cast into a herd of 2,000 swine.

When Jesus said "Go!" the demons went into the pigs and drown themselves by running over the cliff.

Insted of focusing on the demons and their power, it is best for us to focus on God, His character, and His power in our lives. 

LET IT GO

Clothe us in the spiritual armor You have provided for us, Jesus. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

We bow before You, Almighty God.

Please protect us from evil today.

 

How Big is Your Faith?

N.T.#90 "How Big is Your Faith?"

June 13, 2023

Matthew 8-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

In verses 23-27, the disciples encounter a storm in a boat. Jesus and his disciples got into a ship and sailed away from the crowd on the Sea of Galilee. He must have told them where to sail to-Capernaum. It was about 10 miles by boat, which should only take a couple of hours. Jesus must have been exhausted from the overwhelming pace the last few days, for He fell asleep in the boat. (verses 23-24) 

Then a massive storm blew in. It is typical event for that area. The lake is surrounded by mountains, causing a sort of gigantic funnel potentially making catastrophic winds that could topple a midsized fishing boat. Probably, the group started out with a clear, sunny, calm day on the lake, but it quickly turned into a dark, stormy day with high-velocity winds and crashing waves. (When we were there, a storm was brewing suddenly out of nowhere.)

Now, these guys were fishermen, had experienced this type of weather and had survived. But this time was different, for they had sheer panic. Waves were splashing water into the boat. What did the men do? The woke up Jesus, who was sound asleep. Isn't it amazing that Jesus had remained asleep during such a rough ride? It shows us that Jesus was fully human, so physically exhausted that He could apparently sleep through anything. Also, Jesus is fully divine, utterly unworried about the violent storm. As long as the God-man was on board, nothing catastrophic would happen to that vessel. 

Lord save us: we parish. (verse 25)

In the Greek language, perish means to destroy fully (to perish or lose); die.

Come to think about it, Matthew would have been in the boat, experiencing this. When he wrote this account, he recalled it personally. At a peak of panic, the disciples' first line was a confession of great faith. They believed Jesus could save them. 

Have you been there, friend? One time my husband was driving a curvy road, going too fast as we rounded the corner, we veered off the pavement, heading toward a gate. All I could think and do was call out to Jesus, "Help!" Immediately He responded. We skipped within inches of the pasture's gate. How great is our God! (We could have damaged our car and had to replace a gate.) What a wonderful God we serve! 

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Matthew]

LET IT GROW

Look at this-Jesus did not immediately wake up and rebuke the wind. What was His first response? He shook His finger at the fearful men and asked why they were fearful. He called them ye of little faith. (verse 26)

Don't we know about that? How many times have we been lacking faith in situations? Who can count, huh? 

After acknowledging their little faith, then Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea. Thus, there was a great calm. How many times have I read this and it never sunk in-Jesus brough a great calm to what was troubling His disciples. Can't He do the same for us?! He's got this, dear one! Whatever is troubling you, keeping you awake, giving you a headache-He's got this!

I needed to hear this. I have been very busy getting decorations and materials and people ready for Vacation Bible School, that I have worked myself into a frenzy. Needing to replace workers going on vacation that week, having a helper have surgery, not knowing what materials are needed for crafts. Whew! What did I get myself into? (I am 10 years older now.) So I step back and ask for Jesus to help me get it all ready. I lay it at His feet, to do as only He can do-solve problems and meet needs. (It is all done for His glory anyway.)

Oh me of little faith! If it only takes faith the size of tiny mustard seed, then I can do this! No, He can do this through me. 

How big is your faith?

LET IT GO 

Jesus, take charge of this. Do what only You can do-work it all out for Your glory.

I thank You and praise You, my God!

Use us for Your honor as You see us through our problems.

Whithersoever

 N.T. #89 "Whithersoever"

June 12, 2023

Matthew 8-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Talk is cheap. Some people are running off at the mouth. Shallow words, no action. That seems to be the case of the 4 groups encountering Jesus with a desire to follow Him.

1. First was the crowd gathered around Jesus. They were curious, in awe at His teachings, saw Him as unique.  However, Jesus was not interested in numbers for followers who were shallow spiritually, but desired making disciples for the Kingdom of God.
2. Secondly, the scribe who sounded spiritual, a Bible scholar with skill and intellect, and a high social ranking man thought he desired to follow Jesus full time. Yet, did he really think he could survive with a group of ragtag band or scruffy looking fishermen?
3. Another follower wanted to follow Jesus on his own terms. He desired to go bury his father first. Maybe he had to settle his father's estate, or perhaps the father had not even died yet. There is no raincheck in following Jesus, but today.
4. Finally, the last group was actual disciples who thought they would die, those closest to Jesus. They were the real thing, those who got into the boat with Jesus. Yep, they were keepers. 

We don't know what happened to most of the crowd, or to the scribe, or to the man who wanted to go home to daddy. We do know that the disciples encountered a testing storm while sailing across the Sea of Galilee. They were headed to Capernaum, about 10 miles by boat, which would only take a couple of hours by boat. Jesus took the opportunity to get some much-needed rest. (verse 14) We will leave them there today.

Which group of desired followers do we fall into? Do we leave Jesus when it becomes inconvenient, not fun, or not easy? We need to get into the boat of God's will for us, know that Jesus is there beside us, and will get us through whatever.

Whitersoever means an indefiniteness or uncertainty; when; where; at whichever spot; in what place. 

Can we say whitersoever you lead, Lord Jesus, I will go and share Your love and Word? It takes faith and surrender of our will to do this. But what blessings flow when we get where Jesus wants us to serve Him, and in what way!

LET IT GROW

Swindoll's Living Insight on Matthew gives us some insights into these excuses:

• Don't follow Jesus because of the size of the crowd. Guard against becoming a "groupie" of a church, a ministry, or a celebrity preacher or teacher. Steer clear of becoming a "fan."
• Don't follow Jesus full of yourself. Don't be a person with lots of words nor who's short on humility.
• Don't follow Jesus with reservations or with a hidden agenda. A call to follow Jesus is a call to urgency. 
• Don't follow Jesus if you fear storms of life more than you fear the Lord of life. There is not situation-natural or supernatural-that Jesus can't handle. 

Stick with Jesus for the adventure of your life! 

LET IT GO

Help me let go of comfort, low risk, posh, and we be willing to follow You Jesus wherever, whenever, and whatever.

Drop Those Doubts and Trust Jesus

N.T.#88 "Drop Those Doubts and Trust Jesus"

June 9, 2023

Matthew 8-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

It was the Sabbath and Jesus had been ministering in the synagogue. When we visited Israel, we went to Capernaum. There we found the remains of a synagogue and Peter's mother in law's house. Perhaps Jesus was very tired by this time, yet He took the time and energy to show compassion and touch Peter's wife's mother. She was an individual in a single home, where no crowds were, no publicity was, and certainly no recognition. He did what He could, forgetting about Himself. Jesus touched the woman and she was healed immediately. She arose and ministered to Jesus. Probably she fixed dinner for her guests. 

The rest and peace and quiet did not last long. That evening many people came to Jesus that were possessed with devils and He cast them out with His Word. He healed all from their sicknesses. (verse 16)

We should not give up on the influences we have with others. Keep praying for them. Did you see the word all? That can include you and me. However, some folks are not completely healed until they reach heaven. God gets more glory from that. 

We can count on Jesus to take care of us, in His way, at His time, as He pleases. Don't be afraid to ask.(Swindoll) 

LET IT GROW

In verse 17, Matthew is quoting part of the prophet Isaiah in 53:4, Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. (KJV)

The New Living Translation says weaknesses and sorrows.

Jesus has met the needs of individual, families, and multitudes, and continues to do so. He has proven His Messiahship in doing so. We cannot be too poor or unimportant for Jesus to visit us and help us.

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matt. 9:13)

Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11;28)

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Lord Jesus is intimately interested in the details of our lives-disfigured lepers, servants of pagans, family members of believers, and all who are physically and spiritually afflicted. The love and power of Jesus is like no other we have heard or seen before. It is inexhaustible. Jesus is ready to hear us when we call. 

LET IT GO

Just now let your doubtings drop, just now reject Him no more, just now throw open the door of your heart. Let Jesus come into your heart.

How faithful and merciful You are Sweet Jesus!

Do You Need a Special Touch Today?

N.T.#87 "Do You Need a Special Touch Today?"

June 8, 2023

Matthew 8-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Isn't it marvelous that we have a Savior who helps us, heals us, gives us patience, and endurance! My mother in law suffered with cancer almost a year before she found relief in heaven. Her faith did not waver. She proclaimed that Jesus was going to heal her-here or there. And it was so. How we prayed for her healing, and it came in a way we did not prefer, but God willed. Family ministered to her during that time of suffering. Jesus kept loving her through it. Her faith ended in sight. We still miss her, but one day we will be with her in heaven.

Peter had a sick mother in law, too. How did here life's story work out? Read on friend.

Have you noticed in this chapter that whenever Jesus touched the sick or spoke the word of healing, it happened? He touched the leper, spoke healing for the centurion's servant, and now Jesus touched Peter's mother in law. They were all three healed instantly. 

When the divine powerful Jesus, the Son of God, spoke things into existence with just a Word of God, and instantly it appeared (light, earth, physical features on earth, animals, birds, fish, and Adam and Eve) so healing occurred, too. Just a word from a distance is all it took. 

Jesus and his disciples (plus followers) went to Peter's house. There his wife's mother lay sick with fever. This was a personal touch of Jesus. Apparently, no one asked Him to heal the woman, nor did she reach up and ask healing for herself. such compassion!

Dear one, Jesus sees your situation. He knows your needs. Sometimes we ask Him for help, other times we may be so brokenhearted that we can't mutter "help." Jesus comes and strengthens us, heals us, guides us, fills us, forgives us, comforts us. 

Do you need a touch of the Master Jesus today? 

Whatever your need, Jesus is able. (Swindoll)

 He is only a prayer away. 

LET IT GROW

What did the mother in law do after she was healed? She jumped up and ministered unto her guests. 

Ministered means to be attendant; wait upon (as a host).

Don't you know the woman was so grateful that she wanted to return the kindness and meet the needs of the men in her home. We don't know how long she lay sick in bed. She could have been there a while or not. she may have been in agony, wasting away in the dark. Did she become depressed, lonely, cut off from the world?

Are you in that situation? Have faith that Jesus can be counted on to take care of you, in His way, at His time, as He pleases. Don't be afraid to ask.

 Do we know others walking that road of suffering? Extend comfort, love, kindness, and encouragement to the suffering. 

 I wonder if Jesus and His disciples were looking forward to a rest over a quiet meal. Maybe it happened, or not. 

LET IT GO

Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me, Jesus Your love!

There is going to be some brighter days, here and there.

You can see us through this, Jesus.

Please touch the sick and afflicted today. 

Great Faith

N.T.#86 "Great Faith"

June 7, 2023 

Matthew 8-Part 1

When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great a faith, no, not in Israel. (verse 10)

LET IT GLOW

In this chapter we read about 4 healings and calming of a storm that Jesus performed. We read of the unclean leper which Jesus touched and healed. It was for God's glory as people saw His mercy to perform a mighty act. It was Jesus' will to do that for the man. (Sometimes it is not His will to heal. We found that out when my mother-in-law passed away of cancer. His purpose for her life was accomplished and it was time for her to go on to heaven.) Our faith continued to grow, though.

The second healing for the servant of a centurion soldier, a Gentile. What do we learned happened?

• This powerful officer in the Roman army (controlled 6,000 men) had love for his servant in that he desired for the man to be healed of palsy which was grievously tormenting the man.
• The centurion acknowledged Jesus as a superior being and Messiah when he called Jesus Lord. He had a need that other men could not meet, but faith to believe Jesus could. 
• He knew where to go in order to get that need met-Jesus.
• He was willing to do whatever it took for his servant to be healed.
• He had a sense of unworthiness, in that he didn't want Jesus to come all the way to his home to heal the servant.
• What faith by the centurion as he told Jesus that if He would only speak the Word, his servant would be healed. (verse 8)

Now that is faith! This man knew where to go and to whom to seek for the desired healing. Do we take people to Jesus for spiritual healing of the soul that is sin-sick?

Do we pray for loved ones lost and in need of Jesus?

LET IT GROW

How did Jesus react to the centurion's request? He marvelled at such great faith, for He had not seen such in Israel.

Marvelled means to wonder; to admire.

What a recognition, to have Jesus marvel at your faith! Such faith, true belief, is rare. Not many believe in Jesus Christ , for they deny Him, ignore Him, and neglect Him.

Does Jesus marvel at our faith? Does our faith move mountains, enemies, troubles?

Jesus looks for faith, great faith. We do not have to be of the lineage of Abraham by birth to come to Jesus for acceptance.  (verse 11) We only become a child of Abraham by faith. (Romans 4:11-12) The conversion of the centurion was a foreshadowing of the coming conversion of the Gentiles.

Friend, do not one who is cast into outer darkness for eternity because you put off coming to Jesus, believing in Him as God's Son, the Savior. Simply ask His forgiveness of your sins and to be your Savior. He is faith. Jesus sees a heart of faith.

Was the servant healed? Yes, that same hour. (verse 13) You, too, can be healed from all infirmities

LET IT GO 

What a Mighty God we serve! 

Thank You, Jesus, that we come to You by faith, not by good works, blood, or demand.

Such love, that You would die for us sinners in order for us to go to heaven!

Jesus I thank You! Thank You for loving and setting me free, for giving Your life just for me, how I thank You! Jesus I praise You.

Healing of a Leper by FAith

N. T. #85 "Healing of a Leper by Faith"

June 6, 2023

Matthew 8

And, behold, there cvame a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. (verse 2)

LET IT GLOW

You know, there is no other person who's words can be compared with our out reach the heart than Jesus's words, right? His words are not suggestions of a successful life, by they can be heart wrenching and life changing. Shakespear's writings, Ben Franklins' writings, nor Mark Twains' writings can measure up to the teachings of Jesus recorded in the four Gospels.

Every so often we need some spiritual evaluation of ourself. Are you up for it?

• Is our light shining?
• Is our cheek sore from turning it for bashing?
• Where's our treasure and heart-focus?
• Are we serving God rather than money?
• Is our faith growing into a huge plant or is it reamining a seed?
• Are we still judging others or ourself?
• Have we stopped casting our pearls before swine?
• Are we faithful in pray, asking, seeking, and knocking?
• Are there still logs in our own eyes, preventing us from helping remove dust from others' eyes?
• Logs, dogs, hogs can cause us problems. [Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights of Matthew]

I don't know about you, dear one, but I need it every once in a while. I get into ruts, self-rightousness, prideful. You can stop me anytime. I need to reach out to others, practicing the Golden Rule-treat others like I want to be treated. Loving my neighbors as myself should be my practice. How can I help? Don't we need spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear the needs of others? Are we being Jesus hands and feet?

No appologies. I need the Lord's Spirit today. There is so much hurt and uncertainty in this world.

Let me tell you about my Jesus. Jesus makes a way when there seems no way. Rises up from an empty grave. Ain't no sinner that He can't save. Let my Jesus save your heart.  His love is strong and His grace is true. The good news is He can do it for you. Precious Jesus!

LET IT GROW

In this chapter, we are going to read about the good things Jesus di for the people in the crowds He attracted. It is like little snapshots of events as needy people experience who Jesus is and what He could do. You will recall that the people were astonished with the teachings of Jesus. He didn't ramble on like others had. He touched on everyday life for us.

Jesus finished His Sermon on the Mount and went down to demonstrate His Words previously spoken on the hillside. come with me as we take a closer look The first to approach Jesus was a leper. This was an incurable disease with smelly sores of infection oozing out. And it was contagious. Can't you see the crowd parting for the leper to approach Jesus? (Were the disciples antsy to have him near? They didn't tell him to leave, like they did the little children.)

Notice what happened:

• What was the first thing the leper did, even before asking for help? He worshiped Jesus. He called Jesus Lord. (I dought the man had been in the crowd on the hillside listening to Jesus' sermon.)
• He showed faith as the leper acknowledged the power of Jesus-If You are willing, You can heal me and make me clean.
• Jesus reached out and touched the leperous man, which would have been a risk had He been an ordinary man. Did the onlooking crowd gasp?
• Jesus was willing to heal this man who came to Him by faith believing all things are possible with God, I think.
• Be healed! 
• And the man disappeared. Jesus told him not to tell anyone what had happened.
• Go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.That was the healed man's instructions.
• However, the report of Jesus' powe spread even faster and vast crowds came to hear Him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 
• But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. (Luke 5:16)

Jesus is omnipotent, all-powerful. If it be His will, God is able to heal any problem, sickness or disease, stop any addiction, and relieve any phusicla, mental, or emothinal affliction. If He does not heal, then it is not His will, for He receives more glory. What an awesome God we serve!

The leper believed Jesus had the power to heal him, but he wan't sure it was Jesus' will for it.  

LET IT GO

All that we do should stem from a heart of love for God and others. (1 Cor. 13)

Thank You Jesus that You divine power never changes.

What love You show us daily. May we return it by loving others. 

How to Apply the Golden Rule

N. T. #84 "How to Apply the Golden Rule"

June 5, 2023

Matthew 7 Summary

LET IT GLOW

Did you notice as we reviewed the Sermon on the Mount, there was one major point I left out? (previous post) It was the Golden Rule, a very important point which Jesus made. Treat people the way you want to be treated. 

This would include not judging others justly. (The degree to which we judge others ,we ourselves will be judged.) It would mean modeling for others the rich, loving benevolence God the Father has poured out on us. Because of the inexpressible, unconditional grace God bestows upon us, we ought to show the same kind of unconditional grace toward others. We are to live in this selfless, other-centered way, thus fulfilling the Law and the Prophets.

[Swindoll's Living Insights, Matthew 1-15]

Are we showing others grace that we want God to show to us?

LET IT GROW

We can gain 4 life-changing principles to help us on our journey of discipleship in service of the King Jesus. How can we apply the?

1. Exhortation must come from a position of love and humility rather than hypocritical pride. (verses 1-5) Examine our own behavior before speaking about another's behavior.
2. Discernment must temper our declaration. (verse 6) Be alert, sensitive, and discerning as we share the gospel with others.
3. Persistence must characterize our prayers. (verses 7-11) Trust the Lord's wisdom, goodness, and power to give us what we pray for as we seek what He wants for us.
4. Modeling must accompany our message. (verse 12) Our action of the Golden Rule needs to reflect grace, mercy, love shown to us by our loving heavenly Father. (Swindoll)

Are we doing for others what Christ wants to do through me? Is our personal life, family life, community life, and church life reflecting Jesus?

LET IT GO

                     ... of self and let God rule in me.

Life's Foundations

 N.T. #83 "Life's Foundations"

June 2, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 11

LET IT GLOW

There is a rock provided for us to build our house/life upon, and that rock is Christ. He is: for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. (Isaiah 28:16)

For other foundation can no many lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 3:11)

If your life is built upon the things of this world, money, then when the storms come, it will crumble. On the other hand, if your life is built upon the Rock Jesus Christ, then it will stand by faith in Him. Storms will come, but our survival is based upon our foundation of faith. Jesus is faithful.

The Sermon on the Mount was a message given for Christians to grow their faith and obedience in Christ. We are to have life-changing qualities He gives to us. Looking back over those, we are to:

• be merciful and meek,
• seeking the righteousness of Jesus,
• pure in heart and peacemakers,
• blessed when we are persecuted for His sake,
• salt and light in a sinful world,
• not angry and lustful,
• speak the truth, forgive and love our enemy,
• faithful in marriage and oaths made,
• give alms, pray, fast, give,
• not worry or be anxious,
• remain on the straight and narrow way to heaven,
• bear fruit,
• do the will of our Father, 
• be wise and keep our life's foundation on Rock Jesus and His Word. 

We practice those because of their moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings by the Preacher Jesus Himself. I know that is a lot of do's and do not's, but as situations and temptations arise, we are to react in those ways. 

Jesus is our Good News of salvation and hope for eternal life in heaven. He is the only Way there. He can change sinners into saints.

LET IT GROW

How did the people react to Jesus' sermon? First, they were astonished. 

Astonished means amaze; exceedingly (abundantly above).

Secondly, they noticed He preached with authority.

Authority means force; control; freedom; power; strength.

Scribes quoted others to establish authority of their teachings. Jesus didn't need to quote anyone, like scribes did, because He was the original Word. (John 1:1). 

Are we astonished and amazed at the love of Jesus and His teachings? He is our authority for life. Thank you for following along with me in the first book of the New Testament.

LET IT GO

And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. Oh, the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

Help us let go and let God.

Rock of the Wise and Ssand of the Foolish

 N. T. #82 "Rock of the Wise and Sand of the Foolish"

June 1, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 10

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. (verse 24)

LET IT GLOW 

I have shared about the strong straight winds that came across our farm years ago. It happened before we moved into our farmhouse. (It is probably a century old by now.) We happened to be in the northeast visiting our daughter when it happened. (We think it was a tornado because a piece of tin wrapped around a tree.) The result of the storm was the top of our pine tree in the yard came off and the tree eventually died; our old barn my grandpa and dad built decades earlier imploded; tin from the old chicken house lay in the eastern field; the south wall of the house has a gap between it and the rock wall around it. Had the house not had a 4' rock wall around it, our house would have fallen too. What a merciful God we have! 

You may recall the childhood song about the wise man who built his house upon the rock. The rains came down and the floods went up and the house upon the rock stood firm. In contrast, the foolish man who built his house upon the sand had his house fall down and go splash when the rains came down and the floods went up. the thing is, those two had different foundations for their house. Here is the source of this song, verses 24-27. Let's take a closer look at the two contrasting results.

Jesus is concluding His Sermon on the Mount, which explained what kind of life pleases the Father. Yet, Jesus knew some of His listeners would leave and never apply a word they had heard. Whoever takes the words of God and builds them into their life is like a wise man who builds his house on a rock. Rocks are hard to build on. It takes great effort to attach a foundation to a rock. It requires tedious labor to accomplish this. The one who builds a house on a rock is secure. That rock is the Word of God. We are secure in Jesus when storms of life come. 

[Resource: Experiencing God Day-By-Day, by Henry and Richard Blackaby]

Is your life firmly built upon the Word of God? What about others around us?

LET IT GROW

It isn't so for the foolish person who does not build their life around the Word of God, the rock. It will crumble when the rain and floods come, like the one who built his house upon sand. 

The two men in Jesus' lesson had 3 things in common:

1. Each built a house. (verses 24, 26)
2. Both heard the Words of Jesus.
3. Both men encountered a violent storm. (verses 25, 27)

That is where the similarities end and the contrast begins. One man is wise and the other is foolish. Wisdom is the ability and willingness to apply spiritual truth to life's circumstances. Foolishness is the inability and unwillingness to apply spiritual truth to life's realities.

To build on the rock is harder and more time consuming. To build on the sand is easier, cheaper, and faster to do. How long do we want our house to stand?

If we want stability in our personal life, our family, our ministry, our community, we need a strong, sturdy foundation of God's Word. 

The storm revealed which man was wise and which one was foolish. the trial of life will expose what our foundation is made of.

[The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

Do we desire to be strong in faith, living for Jesus, grounded in His Word, doing His will His way? What an inheritance there will be in heaven for those who are faithful!

Or do we want to live for self, fulfilling our desires? The rewards are experienced here on earth, not eternal.

LET IT GO

Help us be strong in faith, Your love overflowing to others, obedient servants of Jesus.