Just For Who You Are

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:10 KJV

Life is hard. And often discouraging. Even Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” I could talk about how unkind, mean, and even downright evil some people are. I could talk about how one bad thing after another seems to happen. How sinful the world is. About how devasting sickness and disease can be. I could dwell on a multitude of reasons why life is hard and how sometimes it feels like even God doesn’t care anymore. Just like Jesus must have felt when He said, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)

But to dwell on just the “tribulation,” means we have missed the rest of Jesus’ words. The whole verse is:

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33 KJV

And remember that after Jesus cried out to God, asking why He had forsaken Him, He then said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) He willingly faced the tribulation so that He could complete the plan of salvation.

Do you get it?

Instead of focusing on the bad, instead of reading just one part of a verse, look at the bigger truth. Yes, we live in a sinful world. And it’s hard. But God sent His Son to die for our sins and then raised Him from the dead. Jesus has victory over sin, death, hell and the grave! Then, when we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit dwells within us to empower us to live for Christ. We have the Spirit of God and the Words of God, the Bible, to teach us all truth of how to live in this fallen world.

When I stop and really think about what Christ did just for me, I’m humbled. He was persecuted and mocked. Beaten and scorned. He endured more than I can really imagine so that I could be saved. And God has blessed me in so many more ways. I could list blessing after blessing. He has also had to lovingly convict and correct me at times. But this verse sums it up:

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. John 21:25 KJV

If God never does another thing for me, He did more than I deserved. If He never blesses me with another blessing, I will still love Him simply for who He is and what He has already done. I can enjoy His presence and fellowship now, without expecting Him to do another thing. He is my Abba, Father, and I love Him.

All of that was the introduction to tell you about my Dad and his journey.

My Dad has also endured much. His suffering and tribulation has been heavy. It’s been more than five long years now that he has been on this journey. In his weakened humanity, he feels useless, even sometimes forsaken, because of not being able to do the things he once did.

But let me tell a little bit about what he has done.

I remember Dad meeting me one day as I got off the school bus, draping his arm around my shoulder, as we walked to the house. I felt proud and loved that he would do that in front of all the kids watching from the bus driving away. I remember riding in the back of his pickup truck on summer days. I remember going on walks through the woods as he taught me what different trees looked like. I remember Dad teaching me how to ride a go-cart, a mini-bike, a motorcycle and eventually, a car. I remember spankings, but mostly the talking-to before the spankings, and hurting more for knowing I had disappointed him than from the physical punishment.

I remember him pulling me out of the water as I was sinking, saving my life.

I remember how both he and Mom worked hard to provide for me and my brother. I remember him walking me down the aisle when I was married. I remember him bringing a new rocking chair into my house when I had my first baby. I remember him doing the plumbing on our remodeled home. And I could go on and on, but page and time could not hold all that he has already done.

What I really cherish is the many conversations we have had through the years. All the spiritual conversations and truths he shared. The silly jokes and funny stories. The tales of his own childhood. And, oh, his great wisdom.

So, Dad, it’s not about what you can no longer do. It’s for all the things you have already done. It’s the time together and conversations we can still have that makes you so special. It’s simply because of who you are. You are my Daddy and I love you!

Lunch With Jesus

Published on by Joan Category: Lunch With Jesus

Set the table: Take a moment and think of all the things stewing in your mind and heart – and then lay them down. Ask God to clear your mind and to open your heart to hear Him speak.

Create in me a clean heart, God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And sustain me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach wrongdoers Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.  Psalm 51:10-13 NASB

On the Menu

Beverage:  Drink in His Presence.

“I love You, Lord, my strength.”
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my savior,
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
And I am saved from my enemies.   Psalm 18:1-3 NASB

Main Course:  Study His Word.

Matthew 14:15-21; also found in Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-13

Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard about this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 When He came ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is secluded and the hour is already past to eat; send the crowds away, so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go; you give them something to eat!” 17 They said to Him, “We have nothing here except five loaves and two fish.” 18 And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 And ordering the crowds to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looked up toward heaven. He blessed the food and breaking the loaves, He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces: twelve full baskets. 21 There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children.  Matthew 14:13-21 NASB

Main Course 1 – Remain in Christ

This is the only miracle that is recorded in all four Gospels. Although the verses prior to each account is just a little different, we can gather that the disciples had just returned from their journeys and Jesus had called them aside to rest. This was also just after Jesus had heard of the death of John the Baptist. So, both Jesus and all the disciples were probably physically and emotionally weary, needing rest and the comforting company of each other.

Jesus is well aware that we are but human beings who become weary. Even when we are busy doing the Father’s work, we can become tired. But there are times, even when we need rest, that we simply do not have the luxury of pulling away from our responsibilities. What are we to do then?

Remain in the presence of Jesus.

Even though Jesus had attempted to pull the disciples aside, the crowd followed. When Jesus saw the crowd, He had compassion on them and began to minister to them. He did not send them away. The disciples could have decided to go on home and rest and let Jesus take care of the crowd, but they remained with Him and was put back to work. By staying with Jesus, they were allowed to be a part of the great miracle about to happen.

Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 NASB

This verse is not saying we will not have to “work” for Christ. A yoke was put on animals to prepare them for work, not to graze in a pasture. So, when we take on the yoke of Christ, He is saying He will empower and equip us to do whatever He places before us to do, even when we are weary.

Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:9-10 NASB

Yes, we may grow tired, but at the same time, we will have a rest for our souls that no amount of “down-time” can provide. We may even get to experience a miracle when we remain in the presence of Christ!

Main Course 2 – The Compassionate Shepherd

When Jesus saw the crowd, He had compassion on them. He spent time talking with them, teaching them, and healing them. The hour was getting late and they were needing food. Although Jesus came to seek and to save those who were lost, He also had compassion on them for their physical needs. Much like the verse in James, if you speak to someone about their spiritual needs when their physical needs are most pressing in the moment, you do them an injustice.

14 What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.  James 2:14-17 NASB

Works do not save us. However, the end of Galatians 5:6 says, “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” When we have the love of Christ within us, we will naturally perform deeds that clearly show the love of Christ, which may include providing for the physical needs of others just as Jesus did.

When Jesus was preparing to feed the multitude, He told the disciples to direct them to sit down in the grass. This brings to mind the Psalm of the Great Shepherd.

The Lord is my shepherd,
I will not be in need.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For the sake of His name.  Psalm 23:1-3 NASB

A couple other verses that speak of God’s compassion are these:

Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth;   Exodus 34:6 NASB

Remember, Lord, Your compassion and Your faithfulness, For they have been from of old. Psalm 25:6 NASB

So many other places throughout the Old Testament and in the Psalms, God is described, even in His own words, as a compassionate God. It stands to reason then that Jesus, God in the flesh, felt so much compassion on people. He never sent anyone away. And He doesn’t send anyone away today. He lives to make intercession for us, His children, and patiently calls everyone to receive Him as their Savior.

Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.  Hebrews 7:24-25 NASB

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NASB

Just as Jesus showed compassion to others, we are to show compassion to those around us.


Main Course 3 – The Great Prophet

Most of the time when we speak of Christ, we refer to Him as the Promised Messiah. But He was also the great Prophet sent by God.

I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him. Deuteronomy 18:18

14 Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” John 6”14 NASB

And just as the Old Testament is full of examples and types of Christ (people, events, things that foreshadowed Christ, like Adam and Moses), the prophet Elisha also performed a similar miracle as this one performed by Jesus.

Now a man came from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give them to the people that they may eat.” 43 But his attendant said, “How am I to serve this to a hundred men?” Nevertheless he said, “Give them to the people that they may eat, for this is what the Lord says: ‘They shall eat and have some left over.’” 44 So he served it to them, and they ate and had some left over, in accordance with the word of the Lord. 2 Kings 4:42-44 NASB

The King James Version interprets the fresh grain as ears of corn.

And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat. 2 Kings 4:42 KJV

The Israelites esteemed Moses and the prophets. Under the leadership of Moses, God fed the multitude of people with manna. And in this instance from the life of Elisha, he fed a hundred men with very little. By feeding the multitude of people, Jesus was identifying Himself as a leader and Prophet sent by God to be among the people. But Jesus was even greater than Moses and Elisha. He was the complete fulfillment of all the prophecies foretold in the Old Testament. He was Prophet, Priest and King!

Main Course 4 – The Ultimate Provider

The disciples came to Jesus and urged Him to send the crowd away so that they could go into neighboring towns to find food. When Jesus told them that they should feed the multitude, they said they had very little food and even said it would take more money than they had to go buy the food themselves. In John 6:6 we are told Jesus was testing Philip when He questioned how they should provide for the people. Jesus already knew what He was going to do.

God already knows what’s ahead for each person and already has a plan for us. We are told this in that very familiar verse from Jeremiah.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Once again, we are reminded how occurrences in the Old Testament reveals New Testament truths. This miracle is similar to when the Children of Israel started asking for meat in the wilderness. Moses began to get angry with the Lord, tired of hearing the complaining of the people. When the Lord told Moses He would provide food for the people, Moses gave this reply.

But Moses said, “The people, among whom I am included, are six hundred thousand on foot! Yet You have said, ‘I will give them meat, so that they may eat for a whole month.’ 22 Are flocks and herds to be slaughtered for them, so that it will be sufficient for them? Or are all the fish of the sea to be caught for them, so that it will be sufficient for them?” 23 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s power too little? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.”  Numbers 11:21-23 NASB

The disciples, just like Moses, were only focused on the things right in front of them instead of the Person speaking to them. How often do we focus on our circumstances instead of our Lord? How much trust and faith do we put into ourselves and our material possessions instead of in God? Just as the Lord said to Moses, do we think His power is too little?

When we are faced with a need, we need to remember that all we have comes from God. He knows exactly what we need and we can trust the Lord to give it to us. And He doesn’t just give a little, He blesses us from His abundance.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19 NASB

So Jesus took the bread and fish given to Him and fed all of the people. Not only was there enough for all of the people to be filled, but there were leftovers. I’m sure the people were grateful to Jesus for filling their need. But we later learn that Jesus knew many were following after Him just so He could meet their physical needs instead of their spiritual needs.

Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate some of the loaves and were filled.”  John 6:26 NASB

Lest we look down on those folks, we ought to ask ourselves this question. How much do we long for the provision more than the Provider? How often do we follow after things in this world instead of laying up our treasure in heaven? Would we continue to seek after the Lord even if He never gave us another thing?

One more point I want to bring out about God’s provisions. I’ve often wondered about the significance of the writers of the Gospels pointing out there were 12 baskets of leftovers. Some have said the number 12 represents the 12 tribes of Israel, and in effect is saying that God has enough to supply all His people. And He does. He can supply everyone’s needs, and still have more to give.

This thought came to me as I was studying these passages. God sent His Son to this earth to be sacrificed in our place. After the resurrection and ascension of Christ, He then sent the Holy Spirit to live within us once we have believed, repented and received Christ as our Savior. So, He has provided all that we need spiritually to meet our needs each day, just as Jesus met the needs of all those people that day. But wait, there’s more!

Because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.  Hebrews 11:40 NASB

Not only has God provided all we need to live a righteous life here and now, we have an eternity with Him waiting for us!

In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.  John 14:2-3 NASB

God provided us with the Bread of Life to enable us to walk daily with Him in this world. But what He provided cannot all be fully consumed or realized now. We can enjoy the fulness of His presence now, but we are limited by our human bodies. The “fragments in the baskets” is a seat with our name on it reserved for us in the heavenlies. We can only comprehend but so much here and now, but one day we will fully understand and experience all He has prepared for us.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known.  1 Corinthians 13:12 NASB

Worship Him for providing for us daily, both physically and spiritually, but look forward to one day enjoying all that He has prepared that we cannot hold now!

Our take-aways from this lesson today.

  1. We may be weary in body and soul, but staying close to Christ will provide our souls with a rest that will refresh us even when we can’t rest physically. And we just might witness a miracle as we stay close to Him!
  2. Jesus exhibited great compassion as He ministered to others. Using Him as the ultimate example, we are to show compassion to others.
  3. Jesus fulfilled all of the prophecies in the Bible. We can trust and believe He is the Promised Messiah!
  4. Jesus is our great Provider. He provides all we need, both physically and spiritually. And just as He has blessed us abundantly in this life, we have even more to look forward to in eternity! I’m looking forward to experiencing the leftovers!

Dessert:

Spend a few moments in prayer

Lunch With Jesus

Published on by Joan Category: Lunch With Jesus

Set the table: Take a moment and think of all the things stewing in your mind and heart – and then lay them down. Ask God to clear your mind and to open your heart to hear Him speak.

Do not get upset because of evildoers, Do not be envious of wrongdoers. 2 For they will wither quickly like the grass, And decay like the green plants. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good; Live in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. 6 He will bring out your righteousness as the light, And your judgment as the noonday. 7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not get upset because of one who is successful in his way, Because of the person who carries out wicked schemes. 8 Cease from anger and abandon wrath; Do not get upset; it leads only to evildoing. 9 For evildoers will be eliminated, But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.   Psalm 37:1-9 NASB

On the Menu

Beverage:  Drink in His Presence.

Sing for joy in the Lord, you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright.
2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.
3 Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
4 For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.   Psalm 33:1-5 NASB

Main Course:  Study His Word.

12 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat. 2 Now when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath!” 3 But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions— 4 how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? 5 Or have you not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple violate the Sabbath, and yet are innocent? 6 But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here. 7 But if you had known what this means: ‘I desire compassion, rather than sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”   Matthew 12:1-8 NASB

(The same occasion can also be found in Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5)

Main Course 1 – Satisfying Hunger

Verse 9 after this passage says Jesus and His disciples went on to the synagogue. So that’s where they had been headed when the Pharisees stopped them. It’s possible they had simply not had time to eat that morning before time to go to the synagogue. Or perhaps they had gotten so caught up in their time of listening to Jesus teach or pray that time had passed too quickly from them. Whatever the reason, they were hungry as they passed through the grain fields. So, they reached out their hand, took some of the grain, rubbed it together to get the hull off, and then ate the grain.

This act of going through someone’s grain field was not in itself unlawful.

25 “When you enter your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand, but you are not to use a sickle on your neighbor’s standing grain. Deuteronomy 23:25 NASB

Neighbors were to allow people passing through their property the option to eat the grain or fruit from their vineyard. But just what they could pick as they were going. This was an act of showing love to their fellow man. A person was not to abuse that right and intentionally try to harvest some of the produce, but simply eat of it to satisfy a need.

That was exactly what the disciples were doing. They were taking just enough to meet the need of hunger. But how often do we have a hunger and try to satisfy it with things that are not ours, or things not right for us? Too many people try to feed the hunger they feel within themselves (which is actually a spiritual hunger and they don’t recognize as such) with all kinds of things other than God. They try to feed that hunger with worldly things that only causes more harm and leaves them even more hungry.

That deep hunger and desire within us can only be filled with a relationship with God. Once we have received Christ as our Savior, we then hunger for even more of Him. But unlike the hunger we had before having a relationship with Christ, the hunger we have as a child of God will be continually filled by God Himself.

14 The Lord supports all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to You, And You give them their food in due time. 16 You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways, And kind in all His works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, To all who call on Him in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry for help and save them. 20 The Lord watches over all who love Him, But He will destroy all the wicked. 21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.  Psalm 145:14-21 NASB

You there! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;  And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. 2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. 3 Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David.  Isaiah 55:1-3 NASB

God will richly supply our needs and hunger out of His abundance. We simply must come to Him.

24 The God who made the world and everything that is in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made by hands; 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; 26 and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they would seek God, if perhaps they might feel around for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His descendants.’  Acts 17:24-28 NASB

Here Paul was talking to the people of Athens who were found worshipping a bunch of different Gods. The people were so spiritually hungry, so craving the blessings of any god, they even had an idol set up for the “unknown god,” just in case they had left one out. Paul explained to them about the one true God, who created all and gives us all we need. It is in God that we live and breathe and have our being. So of course, He will supply all we need, as well. May we never get over being hungry for our Lord!

Main Course 2 – Caught Reaping

Verse 2 says the Pharisees saw the disciples picking and eating the grain. My first thought was, how did they see them? Were the grain fields close to the synagogue where they were headed and the Pharisees were watching people approach? Were the Pharisees following Jesus and the disciples? Or did the disciples still have evidence of the plucked grain in their hands or on their faces when they came near?

We do not know the answer to how they saw, but just that they saw. And once they saw, they started pointing accusing fingers and speaking condemning words.

People today seem to enjoy being just like the Pharisees. They are looking for people who are doing something they believe is wrong, and then they are more than willing to point out those faults to others.

As believers, are to walk in an upright way.

6 For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 Guarding the paths of justice, And He watches over the way of His godly ones. Proverbs 2:6-8 NASB

 14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.  Philippians 2:14-16 NASB

The disciples were doing nothing wrong, but they were still accused of wrongdoing. So how are we to respond when we are striving to walk uprightly, yet are still accused of doing wrong? That answer comes from 1 Peter.

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing. 10 For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days,
Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
11 He must turn away from evil and do good;
He must seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against evildoers.”  1 Peter 3:8-12 NASB

It certainly isn’t easy to be “harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead.” When someone accuses us of something, it is our human nature to want to defend ourselves, to point fingers back at our accuser, or to react in some other way that is less than Godly. But what did the disciples do? They did not speak a word. Jesus is the one who responded in their defense.

Think about that a moment. If we have done nothing wrong, then we have no reason to get angry or defensive. No, Jesus cannot physically speak to our accusers today like He did for the disciples. But we allow Jesus to speak through us and our actions. The way we respond and the manner in which we speak can portray Christ. Jesus even promised that when we are accused of wrong-doing, the Holy Spirit would give us the very words to speak.

11 Now when they bring you before the synagogues and the officials and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11-12 NASB

This world is just looking for a reason to belittle or accuse Christians. May we stand firm in our faith, living our lives unto Him. We can be sure the Holy Spirit is with us, enabling us to live the way He directs us to, and will be our defender when we are unjustly charged.

And on the other hand, we should strive to not be like the Pharisees who were so quick to judge others. The actions of the disciples could have been interpreted as work, but Jesus knew the intent of their hearts. Sometimes the actions of our fellow believers may appear or seem to be one way, when the real intentions are nothing like what our mind interprets. We need to remember we are not to judge others. That is the work of the Lord. What we are called to do is to come along beside those who are of the body, to encourage, edify, and love one another. And if a brother or sister does fall, we are to help them up and restore them to the fellowship of the body. Leave the judging to God.

Main Course 3 – The Charge

The Pharisees accused the disciples of breaking one of the commandments given to the Israelites from God. The reason God gave that commandment is found in Genesis.

2 By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:2-3 NASB

When God met with Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments, this was the fourth commandment given:

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 For six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord your God; on it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male slave or your female slave, or your cattle, or your resident who stays with you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and everything that is in them, and He rested on the seventh day; for that reason the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.  Exodus 20:8-11 NASB

God emphasized again the importance of the Sabbath a few chapters later. This observance of the Sabbath, along with the other commandments, set the people apart from all the other people in the world. It was a symbol that they belonged to the Lord.

12 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 13 “Now as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You must keep My Sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you. 14 Therefore you are to keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it must be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people. 15 For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord; whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death. 16 So the sons of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to celebrate the Sabbath throughout their generations as a permanent covenant.’ 17 It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.”  Exodus 31:12-17 NASB

When the new generation of the Children of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses once again reviewed with the people the Laws of the Lord. Along with observing the Sabbath for the reason of remembering God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, Moses added that they are to remember how they were once enslaved by the Egyptians, forced to work against their will. God set them free from that bondage, giving them rest from their labor, just like God had rested from His labor. They were told to celebrate the Sabbath because they were given rest.

 12 ‘Keep the Sabbath day to treat it as holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. 13 For six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord your God; you shall not do any work that day, you or your son or your daughter, or your male slave or your female slave, or your ox, your donkey, or any of your cattle, or your resident who stays with you, so that your male slave and your female slave may rest as well as you. 15 And you shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to celebrate the Sabbath day.  Deuteronomy 5:12-15 NASB

When the Pharisees accused the disciples of working on the Sabbath, Jesus defended them. Jesus was not disputing the fact that God had commanded people to observe the Sabbath. The problem was that man had added to the Laws of God. They had caused the laws to become burdensome, to the point of observing the day as a day to be restricted rather than a day to remember and worship the Lord.

Man has no right to restrict the worship of God. We are to worship God for Who He is, for what He has done. Following man-made requirements, or rituals, which attempt to make an unholy people become holy, defiles the holiness of God. Only God is holy. We become holy only by allowing His holiness and righteousness control and consume us. It is nothing of ourselves or our actions, it is all Him. Which is what God intended for people to remember when they observed the Sabbath. To remember Him and what He had done for them, and not to try to be holy by performing rituals or restricting movements.

When Christ resurrected from the grave on the first day of the week, believers began worshipping on what became known as the Lord’s Day instead of the Sabbath. But just as observing the Sabbath identified the Israelites as God’s people, observing the Lord’s Day identifies us as a people who believe in the resurrected Christ. To many people, Sunday is just another day of the week. For the Christian, it should be a day to gather with fellow believers and worship as a body before the Lord.

Remember from the scriptures above that God told the Israelites to observe the Sabbath because it was the day God rested from His labor and because He had released the Children of Israel from bondage? When we observe the Lord’s Day, it is also for the same reasons. The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ set us free from the bondage of sin of which we were captives. And the rest God experienced from His labor is a preview of another day to come. One glorious day in the future, we will experience a permanent rest from our labors. But it is only for those who receive Christ now in this life. Those who refuse Him will not enjoy this eternal, Sabbath rest.

Consequently, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. 11 Therefore let’s make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience. Hebrew 4:9-11 NASB

May we make every effort to worship with other believers on the Lord’s Day as we look forward to that eternal day of rest!

Main Course 4 – Jesus Answers

Jesus responded to the accusations of the Pharisees by reminding them of scripture, which they should have been very familiar with.

Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest; and Ahimelech came trembling to meet David and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?” 2 David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has commissioned me with a matter and has said to me, ‘No one is to know anything about the matter on which I am sending you and with which I have commissioned you; and I have directed the young men to a certain place.’ 3 Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.” 4 The priest answered David and said, “There is no ordinary bread on hand, but there is consecrated bread, if only the young men have kept themselves from women.” 5 David answered the priest and said to him, “Be assured, women have been denied to us as previously when I left and the bodies of the young men were consecrated, though it was an ordinary journey; how much more then will their bodies be consecrated today?” 6 So the priest gave him consecrated bread; for there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence which was removed from its place before the Lord, in order to put hot bread in its place on the day it was taken away. 1 Samuel 21:1-6 NASB

Even though only the priest and his family were allowed to eat the consecrated bread, David was given that bread out of necessity to meet his physical needs. Jesus then went on to remind the Pharisees that the priests themselves labored on the Sabbath day.

5 “Then you shall take fine flour and bake twelve cakes with it; two-tenths of an ephah shall be in each cake. 6 And you shall set them in two rows, six to a row, on the pure gold table before the Lord. 7 You shall put pure frankincense on each row so that it may be a memorial portion for the bread, an offering by fire to the Lord. 8 Every Sabbath day he shall set it in order before the Lord continually; it is an everlasting covenant for the sons of Israel. 9 And it shall be for Aaron and his sons, and they shall eat it in a holy place; for it is most holy to him from the Lord’s offerings by fire, his portion forever.” Leviticus 24:5-9 NASB

9 ‘Then on the Sabbath day two male lambs one year old without defect, and two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering, and its drink offering: 10 This is the burnt offering of every Sabbath in addition to the continual burnt offering and its drink offering. Numbers 28:9-10 NASB

Jesus was emphasizing that there were necessities that were more important than ritualistic laws. A man’s body had to have nourishment, and serving before the Lord was of more importance than denying the body to labor.

Even Jesus, Himself, often “worked” on the Sabbath, performing miracles and healings. The Pharisees were aware of that, too.

16 Therefore some of the Pharisees were saying, “This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others were saying, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And there was dissension among them. John 9:16 NASB

After giving examples of how the necessity of tasks such as serving in the temple and obtaining necessary, daily food is acceptable on the Sabbath, Jesus makes the statement that something even better than the sanctity and holiness of the temple was present. And that was Himself. He was God in the flesh. He came to fulfill all that was written in the Law and the Prophets. And if it was permittable for priests to serve the temple on the Sabbath, how much more for the disciples to serve Him, God in flesh, who had instituted the Sabbath day to begin with?

Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17 NASB

If you read the rest of Matthew 5, you will get the understanding that it wasn’t just the letter of the law that God looked at people to fulfill. It was the intent, the motives, in their hearts that God looked at. Which is what Jesus meant when He then quoted Hosea 6:6 to the Pharisees.

 For I desire loyalty rather than sacrifice, And the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 NASB

More importantly than following all of the laws and rituals put in place by man, was to have a pure and clean heart before the Lord. The Pharisees spent their time looking at the outward actions of people while God looks at the inward parts.

Paul touched on this subject in his letter to the Colossians. We are to live Godly lives, but that doesn’t consist of following man-made rules and rituals.

Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food and drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon, or a Sabbath day— 17 things which are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Take care that no one keeps defrauding you of your prize by delighting in humility and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding firmly to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. 20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of man? 23 These are matters which do have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.  Colossians 2:16-23 NASB

Yes, the Sabbath day was an important day. However, Jesus was greater than the Sabbath. God had given the Law to the people to teach them how to honor Him. How to live their daily lives for Him. But when Christ came, lived, died, and resurrected for us, then the new covenant was established in our hearts. We don’t follow laws, we follow Christ. We don’t follow traditions in order to appear holy, we follow a Savior, guided by the Holy Spirit that lives within us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to do His job, then our outward behavior will automatically be in line with God’s commands.

Our take-aways from this lesson today.

  1. We ought to have a hunger for the things of God more than for the things of this world. This hunger grows as we spend more time with our Lord and only He can satisfy our every desire.
  2. Actions speak loudly, but sometimes actions are not what they appear. We should allow the Holy Spirit to guide our every step, and if we are following Him, He will be our defender against those who accuse us falsely of wrong-doing. And we are not to judge others, but instead, love others with the love of Christ that resides in us.
  3. We should remember the Lord’s Day and spend it in worshiping our Savior. It should remind us that we have been set free from sin and we are looking forward to an eternal rest with our Savior!
  4. It is more important to follow the Lord with all our heart instead of following a set of rules in our actions only. The condition of our heart is what the Lord looks at.

Dessert:

Spend a few moments in prayer

Strength and Vitality

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

It has been a while since I have shared anything about my Dad’s journey. I don’t really have a good explanation of why, other than it’s just hard watching someone you love go through difficult things. I’ve never written for the purpose of receiving pity for my Dad, myself, or any of his family members. I’ve always felt that by sharing my Dad’s journey, that it would be uplifting to others and an encouragement to him. Although hard, it has been an honor to watch him struggle, yet whole-heartedly continue to hold on to his faith in his Savior and Lord.

That doesn’t change the fact that cancer is a thief. It has robbed my Dad of quality of life, of strength, and at times, his dignity. It has aged his body beyond his soon to be 81 years. It has caused him to depend on the very ones he once cared for with his own hands and strength. It has caused him to be discouraged and weary of the struggle. Yet not once has he questioned the love and mercy of our Lord.

When the topic of death does come up, he will clearly state he is prepared to go, but he’s not ready to leave just yet. He still has things to do. Even as he sits in his chair outside and watches time and the world pass by, God still sends random strangers to sit beside him – strangers who need to receive the compassion and wise words coming from God’s faithful servant.

When I call and visit, I always ask if there is anything I can get him before I go. His answer for years is always the same. “I could use some strength and vitality.” How often I have wished I could give him just that! I wish there was some magic potion that would strengthen him physically and revive him emotionally and mentally. Something to rejuvenate his weakened body and soul.

But, Dad, you already possess the source of greatest Strength. The One who gives Life more abundantly, resides within you. If only our physical bodies could match our eternal state in Christ!

When I read the following verses, I see them alive in Dad.

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:28-31 KJV

In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. 2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me. 3 Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5 For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. 6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee. 7 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. 8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. 9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. 10 For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, 11 Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. 12 O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help. 13 Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt. 14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. 15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. 16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. 17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 18 Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. 19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! 20 Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. 21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. 22 I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. 24 My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.     Psalm 71 KJV

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.  Luke 10:27 KJV

I could go on and on with verses from God’s Word that speaks of strength found only in our Lord. I am not belittling the physical strength my Dad so longs for, but am just emphasizing that from my perspective, my Dad is still the strongest man I know. He has always lived a righteous and upright life in my eyes. He has preached God’s word from the pulpit and continues to preach it just in how he lives his daily life.

You possess the greatest strength any man could desire, Dad.

So moving on to vitality. I looked up the definition of vitality and found this as one of the meanings:

“Vitality: capacity for survival or for the continuation of a meaningful or purposeful existence:” (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/vitality, accessed 3/22/22)

I thought it fit Dad well. It is against odds and against the doctor’s original expectations that Dad is still alive. And over and over again, we have seen God use him and his condition to touch others. He has had and still has a great purpose in life.

 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. Psalm 17:3 KJV

David purposed to never speak against the Lord in spite of the battles he faced. With all that Dad has gone through, he has never blamed God. He has faithfully continued to trust his Savior.

The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:  Isaiah 14:24 KJV

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV

In our human minds, we cannot fathom a reason why God allows certain things to happen. But just as God had a purpose for everything in the past, He still has a purpose for everything in the present. Every battle, every victory, is under the sovereign control of God. When we accept that, then even in the midst of the struggle, we can rest in Him.

The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. 6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. 7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  Psalm 16:5-11 KJV

Dad, if I had strength and vitality to give to you, I surely would. But know the strength and vitality (purpose of life) that you already possess, is more valuable than any magic potion I could ever find. I love you, Dad.

Lunch With Jesus – Matthew’s Calling

Published on by Joan Category: Lunch With Jesus

Set the table:

Take a moment and think of all the things stewing in your mind and heart – and then lay them down. Ask God to clear your mind and to open your heart to hear Him speak.

 “Vindicate me, Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Examine me, Lord, and put me to the test; Refine my mind and my heart. For your goodness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.”  Psalm 26:1-3 NASB

On the Menu

Beverage:  Take a moment to drink in His Presence.

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who wait for His faithfulness,
19 To rescue their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your favor, Lord, be upon us,
Just as we have waited for You.

Psalm 33:18-22 NASB

Main Course:  Study His Word.

9 As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting in the tax collector’s office; and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him. 10 Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and began dining with Jesus and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Now go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, rather than sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”  Matthew 9:9-13 NASB

(The same occasion can also be found in Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:27-32)

Main Course 1: The Man

Matthew is, of course, the same Matthew as the writer of the Gospel of Matthew. He refers to himself as Matthew, though in the books of Mark and Luke, he is called Levi.

As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him. Mark 2:14 NASB

After that He went out and looked at a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, “Follow Me.”  Luke 5:27 NASB

It was common for people in Jesus’ day to have several names. It may be that he refers to himself this way because he is more commonly known as Matthew to those who knew him well. Some even think that perhaps Christ changed his name from Levi to Matthew after he was called, but we are not told that in scripture.

The name Matthew means “gift of the Lord.” This could also be a reason why he refers to himself by that name, to remind himself of how far he came from the person many thought he was as a tax collector. In the list of the disciples called by Jesus in Matthew 10:3, he does refer to himself as “Matthew the tax collector.” This fact along with a couple others listed later shows that Matthew was a humble man, not trying to hide from his past, or pretend he was something he was not.

The Book of Matthew was written anywhere from as early as AD 50 to AD 70, depending upon which commentary or reference is used. It seems that Matthew wrote more for a Jewish reader. The facts to support that are:

1) Matthew traces back the lineage of Jesus only to Abraham, where Luke goes all the way back to Adam. As prophesied, the Messiah was to come from Abraham and David’s lineage.

2) Matthew quotes OT prophetic passages more than 60 times, which is more than any of the other Gospels, again to support the fact that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies.

3) Matthew also mentions Jewish customs without explaining them, knowing that the Jews would understand.

4) He also adhered to the Jewish hesitancy to speak the name of God by referring to it as the “Kingdom of Heaven,” instead of the “Kingdom of God,” as the other Gospels do.

Matthew probably spoke the local Aramaic language as well as Greek. His job as a tax collector was to collect tolls or taxes. His booth was located on the main road from Damascus to Capernaum. The taxes he collected were probably taken from both local merchants and farmers carrying their goods to market, as well as caravans passing through Galilee.

Tax collectors would lease the booths from the Roman government, paying taxes up front. They would then collect the taxes and tolls from people. They often had a bad reputation because they would collect more than necessary, keeping the excess to make a bigger profit. They were also deemed traitors by the Jews for working for Rome.

However, because of this job, Matthew would have been good at record keeping and writing. He used those talents when writing the Book of Matthew.

Main Course 2: The Call

According to Matthew and Mark, Capernaum was the home of Jesus.

Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. Matthew 4:12-13 NASB

Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over the Sea of Galilee and came to His own city. Matthew 9:1 NASB

When Jesus came back to Capernaum a few days later, it was heard that He was at home.  Mark 2:1 NASB

Although there is no evidence of a previous interaction between Jesus and Matthew,  since Capernaum was the home of Jesus, it is quite possible that Jesus had passed by Matthew many times as he sat in the toll booth. And since the news of Jesus, the miracle-working teacher, was widely spread, surely Matthew had heard of Him. I wonder how often Matthew had seen a crowd following Jesus and wanted to just close up his booth and follow, too? Had he thought to himself that he wasn’t worthy to follow that great Teacher, or that Jesus probably wouldn’t want to associate with him?

How often are we sensitive enough to the Spirit that we can sense Him passing by?

Let’s look at a couple instances where people would have missed out on a blessing had they let the Lord pass them by.

Now the Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 When he raised his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed down to the ground, 3 and said, My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by. 4 Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and make yourselves comfortable under the tree;  Genesis 18:1-4 NASB

Had Abraham not been sitting at the edge of his tent watching, he would have missed these passer-bys, one of whom was the Lord. The Lord and 2 angels were on their way to pass judgment on Sodom. But with Abraham watching, and asking them to come in to rest, they revealed to Abraham a couple of things. First, they told Abraham that Sarah would have a son within a year, fulfilling the covenant God had made with him. That long awaited covenant now was within reach. Secondly, Abraham also found out the direction they were headed and bargained with God to spare the city. The destruction still happened due to there not being at least ten souls that were righteous like Abraham had fought for; but, could it be Abraham had mentioned his nephew Lot or did the two angels “just happen” to stay with Lot that night? We can’t know for sure, but Lot and his family were saved from the destruction.

Now consider this encounter.

Moses had spent much time in the presence of the Lord. On this occasion when the Lord was angry with the people and was telling Moses to lead the people without His continuing presence, Moses begged for God to not withhold His presence. He did not want to continue to lead the people unless the Lord’s presence was with him. He then asked for God to reveal His glory.

Then Moses said, “Please, show me Your glory!” 19 And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion to whom I will show compassion.” 20 He further said, “You cannot see My face, for mankind shall not see Me and live!” 21 Then the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; 22 and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.” Exodus 33:18-23 NASB

And the Lord descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the Lord. 6 Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth; 7 who keeps faithfulness for thousands, who forgives wrongdoing, violation of His Law, and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, inflicting the punishment of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” 8 And Moses hurried to bow low toward the ground and worship. Exodus 34:5-8 NASB

Because of Moses worshipping the Lord and finding favor in His sight, the Lord did as Moses requested and continued to bless the Israelites with His guiding presence.

One more. We know the Lord is always near, watching over us. But even though He is near, it’s even better when we can have a one-on-one meeting with Him.

When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. 48 Seeing them straining at the oars—for the wind was against them—at about the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. 49 But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought that it was a ghost, and they cried out; 50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” 51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, Mark 6:47-51 NASB

Sometimes when we are in storms, we know God is with us. After all, He promised never to leave or forsake us. But when we ask Him to actually get in that boat with us, to pick us up and hold us close, the storm raging around us can feel calm.

We often feel the presence of the Lord when we are singing praise and worship music at our church. You will see people raising their hands in worship and some, like me, can’t hold back tears for the awesome privilege of feeling Him in our midst. But then there are times when I’m struggling with anxiety and depression when I can see others experiencing the Lord’s presence while I’m not. I’ve let Him pass me by.

Let’s not let the Presence of our Lord simply pass near or by us. Let’s invite Him to dwell with us as we fully worship and commune with Him.

Returning to our main passage, notice what Matthew was doing as the Lord passes. Matthew was simply doing his job, minding his own business. Jesus notices Matthew and tells him to follow Him. We are told Matthew got up and followed Christ. In Luke it even says, he left everything. 

And he left everything behind, and got up and began following Him.  Luke 5:28 NASB

Christ called Matthew while he was working, just like He called Peter and Andrew as they were working. Perhaps Christ saw something in him, a man, despite the probable sinning, who would work. God sees our hearts and motives.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.  I Samuel 16:7 NASB

God is the One who initiates a call on our life. We cannot call ourselves and expect to have His favor on our terms. We are to bow to His will and call on our life.

Just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.  1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 NASB

Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it.  1 Thessalonians 5:24 NASB

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 NASB

Our God is the One who calls us, chooses us, elects us, to be His. We have to be willing to leave all behind and follow Him. Those who receive Him as Lord, are called His on this earth. But we shall also be the called ones that will be with Him through all eternity!

These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.  Revelations 17:14 NASB

So, Matthew showed no hesitancy to follow.  We are never told anywhere that Matthew returned to that job. He became a disciple of Christ’s and was eventually martyred for his faith.

But sadly, there are some that try to come on their own terms instead of truly repenting and trusting in the Lord and Him only, for salvation. Or once they hear the Gospel and are asked by Christ to follow Him, they simply refuse.

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.  Matthew 7:21 NASB

For many are called, but few are chosen.  Matthew 22:14 NASB

As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth.” 21 Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. 23 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:17-23 NASB

May we all be sensitive to His voice and heed His call. Pray that when He calls those who do not believe, that they will receive Him as Lord and Savior. And may we all continue to follow Him each and every day, never to return to our old ways of living.

Main Course 3: The Feast

We find in Matthew’s account another way in which he shows his humility. He never states that this home they were eating in was his. He simply states it was “in the house.” However, according to Luke’s account, it was a substantial feast with lots of guests, showing the possible wealth that Matthew had.

And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. Luke 5:29 NASB

We do not know Matthew’s thoughts, but we can surmise that he wanted to honor Jesus by inviting Him for a great meal. He not only wanted Jesus to be his guest, but he wanted all of his friends to come and meet this Man who had changed his life when He called Matthew to follow Him.

We should want everyone we know to know the One who saved us and changed our life. We ought to be inviting them to come and see for themselves the Savior. Another disciple of Jesus did the same thing, inviting a friend to come and see the One who called him.

The next day He decided to go to Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses wrote in the Law, and the prophets also wrote: Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth!” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good be from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel!” John 1:43-49 NASB

It does us good to invite others to know our Savior. They need to see the change He has made in our life. But often they will not believe until they experience the Savior for themselves. So don’t stop inviting.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8 NASB

For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? 15 But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” 16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.  Romans 10:11-17

Let us not grow weary in spreading the Gospel of Christ to others. Let’s continually invite them to meet the One who invited us to follow Him. Throw that feast!

Main Course 4: The Lesson

Since Matthew had been a tax collector, it would stand to reason that many of his acquaintances and friends were of the same profession. As stated previously, tax collectors were often considered great sinners for working for Rome and for collecting more money than required from the people. Because of them being considered sinners, they would have been considered unclean, making those who ate with them unclean as well. We see this was an assumption of the Pharisees when they questioned the disciples of why Jesus was eating with the sinners.

Yet those sinners, they were in need of a Savior just as much as the “religious” Pharisees. The difference between those sinners and the Pharisees is that the Pharisees were sinners who represented themselves as righteous. We find that many of the sinners were actually looking to become righteous.

Now even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what are we to do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” Luke 3:12-13 NASB

Even before Christ began his public ministry, we find common folks looking for answers. But even during the ministry and preaching of John the Baptist, it was the religious leaders who would scoff and question John’s teaching, but the humble of spirit were the ones who sought the way to life.

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near Jesus to listen to Him. 2 And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to complain, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2 NASB

Could it be these tax collectors and sinners who began coming to hear John’s and Jesus’ teaching were some of the same ones who were guests at Matthew’s feast? Or perhaps those who were at Matthew’s house, who saw the change in him, told other friends who also wanted to know more about Jesus. Never underestimate the power of sharing the message of salvation with those God places in our path. It can cause a small ripple effect that will cause more than just the one person we spoke with to seek out the Savior.

There were consequences to Jesus for accepting the invitation to Matthew’s feast. He got a reputation.

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a heavy drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ And yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” Matthew 11:18-19 NASB

John came preaching repentance. He lived a strict solitary life, never partaking of wine. (Luke 1:15) He preached repentance unto the Lord. Yet the Pharisees did not like him because John called them out for living hypocritical lives. And then Jesus came and associated freely with sinners, preaching and fulfilling the same message of salvation, but He, too, was ridiculed by those who deemed themselves religious.

The Pharisees questioned the disciples, asking why Jesus ate with sinners. Jesus never did anything wrong but was always accused of wrongdoing.  The Pharisees were more concerned with outward appearances and following a strict set of rules and laws than they were in allowing God to change them inwardly.

Do we allow the truth of God’s Word to change our minds and thoughts rather than holding to the thoughts and teachings of human teachers? Do we pass judgement on those who do not look or act like we do? Matthew had chosen to follow Christ, yet he still cared enough about the friends from his old life to invite them to know Jesus, too.

What the Pharisees did not understand was that Jesus’ association with the tax collectors and sinners wasn’t His stamp of approval on their lifestyle. Rather it was the fact that He knew they needed Him and His message. We can love people and care about them without approving of and participating in their lifestyle.

Jesus was simply carrying out the task He had come to perform.

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 NASB

Jesus replied to the Pharisees attacks by saying the sick are the ones who need help, not the well. Sin is a sickness – a spiritual sickness. The Pharisees had this same sickness but refused to believe that their form of religion was not righteousness.

And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Those who were with Him from the Pharisees heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now that you maintain, ‘We see,’ your sin remains. John 9:39-41 NASB

Jesus then tells the Pharisees they need to go do something. I find this a little funny. These Pharisees took pride in their great knowledge. They were teachers of God’s Word. Yet when Jesus told them to, “Now go and learn what this means,” He was in effect taking on the role of teacher. The Rabbis would instruct their students in this same way. And here was this Man that associated with tax collectors and sinners giving the religious leaders a little lesson.

The lesson Jesus was wanting them to learn comes from Hosea 6:6.

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 KJV

God knows our hearts and understands completely the motives behind our actions. When the Israelites offered the sacrifices with impure hearts, God didn’t even want to smell the aroma coming from those sacrifices.

I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. 22 Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. 23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. 24 But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Amos 5:21-24 KJV

Jesus was trying to get the Pharisees to see the impurity in their own hearts. They were passing judgement on others when they, themselves, were also spiritually sick and in need of Jesus. May we not be so quick to judge others, but may we be swift in allowing the Lord to search our hearts and correct us in whatever way is needed.

Our take-aways from this lesson today.

  1. Ordinary people can be used by God in mighty ways if they respond to His call.
  2. When God calls, we need to answer immediately. We are not promised that He will call again.
  3. We need to tell others about our Lord. There are many who are searching, but until they hear of the salvation offered to them through the sacrificial death and resurrection of our Lord, they will be searching in vain. Invite them to feast at the table of our Lord!
  4. Don’t hold to the teaching and rituals of man if they are not firmly grounded in the Word of God. Ask God to reveal spiritual truths to our hearts and then follow Him instead of striving to live from our own righteousness based on worldly opinions and rituals created by man.

Lunch With Jesus

Published on by Joan Category: Lunch With Jesus

Set the table:

Take a moment and think of all the things stewing in your mind and heart – and then lay them down. Ask God to clear your mind and to open your heart to hear Him speak.

“Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. You sons of man, how long will my honor be treated as an insult? How long will you love what is worthless and strive for a lie? Selah. But know that the Lord has set apart the godly person for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him.”   Psalm 4:1-3 NASB

On the Menu

Beverage:  Take a moment to drink in His Presence.

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,
And have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried out to You,
And You healed me.
3 O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave;
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

4 Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

6 Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

8 I cried out to You, O Lord;
And to the Lord I made supplication:
9 “What profit is there in my blood,
When I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise You?
Will it declare Your truth?
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;
Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Psalm 30:1-12 NKJV

Main Course

4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after He had fasted for forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”  Matthew 4:1-4 NASB

Right before Jesus experienced His time alone in the wilderness and the temptations by satan, He had another major experience. At His baptism, He experienced the confirmation of His Father and the presence of the Spirit.

“After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”” Matthew 3:16-17

Immediately after the Trinity being reunited, the Spirit leads Him away.

Main Course 1 – The Spirit

In Matthew and in Luke, it says Jesus was led into the wilderness. Luke 4:1– “And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness”

But in Mark 1:12-13 – “And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.” KJV

So right after that special moment of being baptized and having the Father acknowledge Him and the Spirit descend on Him, now the Spirit drove Him – this is strong language suggesting it was divinely necessary for Jesus to be tested. He had to prove His worthiness of being the Messiah. As God’s Son, of course He was worthy. But being in a human body, He had to be tested.

Think about the Spirit for a minute. That same Spirit, the Spirit that settled on Jesus after His baptism, the same Spirit that drove Him to the wilderness and ministered to Him there, that same Spirit that raised Him from the dead, that same Spirit lives in those who receive Christ!

John 3:34 says, “For the one whom God has sent speaks with words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”

We have the fulness of the Spirit dwelling in us. In the Old Testament the Spirit would rest on individuals to enable them to accomplish the work of God, but for us, we have the fulness of the Spirit indwelling us. That alone can help us through any wilderness struggle we may face.

But then Jesus comes face to face with the evil one.

Many times right after something really wonderful happens in which we are lifted up spiritually, that is when satan will come against us the hardest. Even Paul said that there was a messenger of satan sent to buffet him, to keep him humble after he had seen visions and was given revelations of God. (2 Corinthians 12:7) I’ve told new believers before that once they have surrendered to the Lord, they need to watch out. Satan will come at them full force to try to discourage them and steal the spiritual joy they were feeling.

When those moments come, when we feel we are being attacked, we need to keep in mind the assurance God has given us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that we are His and He is ours. When we have that assurance in our heart, it can give us the strength to withstand anything.

Mathew Henry states in his commentary: “The assurance of our sonship is the best preparative for temptation. If the good Spirit witness to our adoption, that will furnish us with an answer to all the suggestions of the evil spirit, designed either to debauch or disquiet us.”

So, when we have those moments of spiritual highs, when we feel the Spirit moving within us, remember them. Then draw on those times when satan comes along to attack us.

But another thought about being “driven” into the wilderness is this. God knew what was ahead of Jesus. The starting of His earthly ministry, the miracles, the mocking, the beatings and His death. To prepare Jesus for all that was ahead, they needed that time set apart, alone. We need to do the same thing. We need to take the time to be alone with the Lord in order to prepare us for what is lying ahead. Especially when we know something big is coming up, take time to be alone with the Lord. Read His word and pray. Ask for Him to speak to you and empower you to handle all that may be coming.  Allow the Spirit to drive you – lead you – into those moments of complete aloneness and oneness with the Father to prepare you for what’s ahead.

Main Course 2 – The Wilderness

Notice the place the Spirit drove Jesus – the wilderness. Matthew Henry says the wilderness is probably in the wilderness of Sinai, the same place where Moses and Elijah had fasted for 40 days. But other theologians say south and east of Jerusalem, much like the area John the Baptist preached in. I tend to think this since one of the temptations refers to the holy city. But it was a wilderness. Since Satan tells Jesus to turn stones into bread, there must not have been any food bearing plants there.

This testing of Jesus also parallels the wilderness wanderings of the Children of Israel. They were driven into the wilderness for God to test them. Jesus stayed 40 days, the Israelites 40 years. All the quotes that Jesus gives satan in response to the temptations comes from Deuteronomy during the wandering years.

Why was He led to the wilderness? To be tempted, tested. To prove He could be the perfect, spotless, sinless sacrificial Lamb. We find these verses in Hebrews.

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:14-18 NIV

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV

Jesus became flesh and blood. So, He knows exactly how it feels to be in a body that is limited, that gets hurt, gets tired. He knows human emotions such as anger, joy, sadness. And He knows temptations. Because of that, He fully understands us. Think about it this way.

I know my husband. I have him fully believing that I can read his mind. Because I know him. I know his personality, how he thinks, his facial expressions and his body language. I can look at his face and pretty well guess what he’s thinking, what he’s going to say or do before he even does it. As well as I know my husband, God knows how more. God knows me more. God knows you more. More than your spouse, your best friend, or anyone else. And yet, He still loves us.

As women, for us to be intimate, to let down our guard and share something with someone, we have to feel we can trust them. We can trust our Lord. Think about it. He could have used His power to turn those stones into bread to meet His physical needs. But He didn’t because He was waiting on His Father to meet His needs. To guide Him. He desired to obey His Father more than to meet His own physical needs. Let’s take that even further. If Jesus so desired to be obedient to His Father that He died on the cross to pay the sin debt of our sins, then surely we can trust Him to do the very best for us. Because He already has.

Because we know that Jesus gets us, we can come to Him with everything. We don’t have to be afraid that He will think less of us because we messed up, again. We can come to Him with confidence that He will offer forgiveness, mercy and grace.

Another reason He was driven to the wilderness was to Learn Obedience. We find verses about this in Hebrews and Philippians.

7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him   Hebrews 5:7-9 NIV

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!      Philippians 2:5-8 NIV

Jesus learned obedience. Sometimes the trials and temptations that come our way are to teach us obedience. To know that we are nothing without Him, but because of His strength and power working in us, we can do anything He asks us to do.

Jesus had to become man. He had to face the same fears, limitations and desires of the flesh as we do. And by doing that, He truly understands us. He gets us. He knows our fears, our limitations and was tempted in every area that we are, yet did not sin.

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.  1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

If Jesus Christ, the Son of God, creator of the universe, humbled Himself before Almighty God, how much more should we?

Main Course 3 – The Temptation

Now notice how satan tempted Him.

Satan said in verse 3, “if you are the Son of God” – satan will put doubts in our mind. Those doubts can separate us from communion with God if we allow them to. And when that communion is broken, satan can have an edge and the temptation looks more appealing.

This statement satan made to Jesus is also like a challenge – “Jesus, prove you are who you say you are..”

Satan tries to make us doubt, too. When we doubt the sufficiency of God, it can also make us look to ourselves or others to take care of our needs instead of God. We trust in ourself, our own resources, our own strength, our own knowledge, etc.. It’s not a real blatant temptation, but subtle, to get us to question God instead of to remember and trust Him.

Or sometimes, matters are small and we think, I can handle this. It’s like it’s a challenge to us. It would not have been a big issue for Jesus to turn the rocks to bread. He did a lot harder things than that during His ministry. In fact, those same rocks that satan was trying to get Jesus to turn into bread, they were created by Him! Jesus was with the Father at creation. So if He could create rocks, He could have surely changed them.

When some small issue comes along that we think we can handle, and then we do on our own, we start trusting in our own strength instead of God. We don’t pause and pray to make sure we are really handling the situation the way God would want us to.  Then when that big issue happens, we can find ourselves struggling to handle that, when we should have turned to God.

But being led by the Spirit, Jesus knew He was still supposed to rely on the Father. He wasn’t supposed to take matters into His own hands. Paralleling the 40 years of the Children of Israel, where God provided the manna, Jesus knew God would provide His needs as well. He also never used his miracle working abilities to supply His own needs. He performed miracles for others, but not Himself. He didn’t have to prove Himself because His Father and the Holy Spirit had proved themselves faithful.

Now the response Jesus gave, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’

The verse Jesus quotes is from Deut. 8

8 Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors. 2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.  Deuteronomy 8:1-3

Being fed spiritually is of much more importance than feeding our physical bodies. God had to teach the Children of Israel that when they complained about their lack of bread. God sent manna to meet their need for 40 years. They even complained about that. But God kept trying to teach them obedience and that trusting in Him and His promises was much better than having bread to eat.

Think of Job a minute. The Book of Job starts out with God talking to satan. God tells satan to look at the blameless and upright man that Job was. God allowed satan to take everything away from Job except his life. And after all that Job went through, losing everything, he still never sinned. I’ve always thought that the key to him remaining steadfast was this verse:

10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11 My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.  Job 23:10-12

Job got it. He realized that God’s words were of great value, more than his daily bread.

At another time, when Jesus had just talked to the woman at the well, the disciples came back  after going into town to get food. And this happened.

31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” 34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.   John 4:31-34 NIV

I wonder if Jesus was thinking about that time of testing in the wilderness when He said this. After we go through times of testing, the lessons we learned in the wilderness should stick with us. There will come a time, a situation, that will make us recall our trials and testing and we will have assurance that the truth we learned in the wilderness, will gave us encouragement to continue in our work for Christ in the present.

Main Course 4 – The Word

John 1 says Jesus was the Word. He knew scripture and He used that to combat the temptations of the evil one. He also quoted the scriptures a lot in the course of His ministry. We can do the same.

Ephesians 6:17 says, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. “

This is the only piece of armor that is offensive as well as defensive. Desire God’s Word. Meditate on it. Soak it in and then use it to speak against satan.

Think about what God’s word does for us. God’s word taught me how to be saved

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 Niv

9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10 NKJV

It taught me when I’m worried or anxious –

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

And when I get angry at the person driving slow in front of me –

44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Matthew 5:44 NKJV

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18 NKJV

God’s Word brings life. It teaches, rebukes, corrects, instructs us in righteousness. It has an answer for everything and we need to soak it in. And use it to fend off our enemy just like Jesus did.

So what do we take away from this? Remember:

  1. Jesus had the Spirit to guide Him. So do we. Allow the Spirit to lead – knowing that even if it’s leading us into the wilderness, it’s for our good and His glory.
  2. The wilderness experience is a time of testing that ultimately teaches us complete reliance on the Savior and obedience to His will. Learn from it.
  3. Jesus was tempted like we are, yet didn’t sin. We can overcome temptations by relying on the Spirit within us and God’s word.
  4. God’s Word is our sword. Knowing it will help us fight off our enemy. It will teach us to live righteously. We should desire it more than our daily bread.

Dessert:

Spend a few moments in prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus into this world to live and die for us. Jesus, thank You for being obedient, even to death on a cross, for all of us. Lord, thank You for enduring the wilderness, to teach us that not only can we trust You with everything because You fully understand us, but to show us how we, too, can face temptation with endurance because of Your Spirit and the Word. May we allow the Spirit to drive us to a deeper reliance on You and less on ourselves. And for all that You have done and will do, we praise You. For it’s in the precious and holy name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

The Separation

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

A couple weeks ago, my Mom had to take my Dad to the Emergency Department. Due to all of the Covid issues, Mom just had to drop him off at the door and was unable to go in with him. This was a little after 9:00 AM. She called to let me know and I went to the hospital to sit with her. Mom wanted to remain close to the door in case someone did happen to come looking for her to give her an update, so we sat on the bench outside the ED most of the day.

I will not go into all the details, but that was just an awful day. Hours went by with no word, no update. When I finally got a number to call directly to the ED, little information was given. It was hard on my Mom just sitting there, unable to be with the man she had been hand-in-hand with for over 60 years. And my Dad was never told we were waiting outside for any word we could get, or that we had called in and asked that he be told we loved him. In fact, he was worried something had happened to his wife and they were keeping it from him.

Mom finally got to go see him the next afternoon. He could only have one visitor but just knowing Mom was with him helped my feelings a lot. After a couple days in the hospital, Dad was able to come home. He is still very weak but will resume chemo treatments next week.

Thinking back on those hours of separation and not knowing what his condition was made me think about spiritual matters. For those who have a personal relationship with Christ, we know where our eternal home will be. And we also know that those who never receive Christ as their Savior will one day be separated forever from Christ and from those loved ones who are in Christ. Thinking of those who will spend an eternity apart from Christ is heart wrenching.

When Mom and I couldn’t get word from my Dad, we were troubled. We couldn’t know for sure that anyone was watching him and taking care of his needs. But when Mom could be with him, it made a huge difference in our anxiety level. She was able to assist him and just be in his presence. When we know our loved one who has passed away is with Christ, it can make a huge difference in our level of grief than when we know someone died without Christ. The difference is in the knowing they’re in loving hands.

The greatest gift you can give to your loved one is to assure them of your relationship with Christ. I praise God that I have parents who will surely spend an eternity in heaven. And if the Lord tarries His coming, the day may come when I am separated from them on this side of eternity. But I know where they will be and where I shall also be when I breathe my last breath.

How about you? Will your separation from those you love be temporary or permanent?

Thank you, Dad, for the assurance any separation from you will only be temporary!

“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a Man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him from the dead, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.” Acts 2:22-24 NASB

“Now I say this, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold, I am telling you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. 55 Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:50-57 NASB

It’s the Little Things

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

My Dad has always been a hard-working man. I believe not being able to do all the things he could once do without help has been the hardest thing about being sick. Sometimes he still will push himself to mow their yard. But if someone else beats him to that task, he at least has to be outside to sit and watch them.

Back when he was physically well, if he was not outside working on something, then he would be just out walking around the property. Sometimes even in the middle of the night if he couldn’t sleep. The weakness in his feet and legs now prevents him from doing a lot. These days he always has a cane or his walker to assist him in getting around.

One day when we had to go to town, my husband found a digital bicycle horn. It will play several different sounds. We took it to my Dad and attached it to his cane that he was using at the time. Of course, he had to play around and push each button. We all had a good laugh.

When his next round of chemo started, he entertained the nurses with the horn. When he got ready to leave, he played the sound of a car doing a burnout as he unsteadily walked along. He was quite the hit.

The next day when he got called to go earlier than he had been scheduled for his treatment, he didn’t have time to switch the bell from his cane to his walker, but he needed the walker because of being weak and dizzy. When he arrived at Levine, the nurses wanted to know where his bell was. When he got home that day, he made sure to get the bell put on his walker and was prepared to use it the rest of the week. And again the next round of treatment he had. That little bell has brought much laughter.

We often take so much for granted in our lives. But watching my Dad and Mom deal with so much has taught me invaluable lessons. We should cherish each moment and each task we have to do. Even the mundane ordinary things that we complain about doing. For one day we may need assistance in doing them.

My Dad loved to witness to others as he went about his active life. He recently stated that one thing that bothered him about being sick was the feeling of not being able to witness and minister to others like he once did. I don’t think he realizes how much just sharing the joy that comes from a little bell means to those around him. Or the kind words he shares with the ladies at Levine. Or getting to visit neighbors and family sitting on the carport. Or waving at each and every car that passes by, whether he knows them or not. All those little things mean a lot. Not just to him, but to the ones who are blessed by the humble and kind man that imparts so much wisdom when you just sit with him and chat. The man I’m proud to call my Dad.

It matters, Dad. You matter. And God isn’t finished with you yet. Keep blowing that horn.

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord Than great treasure, and turmoil with the treasure.” Proverbs 15:16 NASB

Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make His deeds known among the peoples.
2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Tell of all His wonders.
3 Boast in His holy name; May the heart of those who seek the Lord be joyful.
4 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. Psalm 105:1-4 NASB

Reserved Seating

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

There have been some good things to come out of Dad’s cancer journey. One has been the relationships built with the special people who work at Levine. When they found out that Dad would be resuming treatment, they made sure to make him feel special.

He got the nickname of “Superman” the first time he went for treatment because he wore a Superman t-shirt that had been given to him. That nickname has stuck. When he returned for his first treatment this time, his chair had a sign which read: “Superman – This chair is reserved for the one and only Superman!”  That special treatment and care shown to him not only made him feel good, but it touched my mom and us all.

Because of the whole covid issue, the patient receiving treatment can no longer have someone sitting with them while taking treatment. When he went before, my mom would accompany him. I would go sometimes if he was there during my lunch time. Others would occasionally drop by to see him as well. But now he is there alone. Sitting in his reserved chair.

The nurses are good to keep my mom informed during the time Dad is there and they call to let her know when he is close to finishing and can be picked up. So in spite of the reason he is there, he has enjoyed getting out of the house and around people who enjoy picking with him. And those nurses have become friends.

It reminded me of several places in the Book of Acts when Paul was in ministry. Sometimes he served alone, but many times he had friends that would go with him on his missionary journeys. And once when he was imprisoned, the Bible specifically states that his friends were allowed to meet his needs.

“He gave orders to the centurion for Paul to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from providing for his needs.”  Acts 24:23 NASB

Even though Levine is not a prison, Dad is having to go alone and is not there just because he wants to be. While sitting in his reserved seat, restricted by the IV he is hooked up to, special friends are there to meet his needs.

But I also keep thinking about his reserved seat. And how we all who are in Christ, also have a reserved seat waiting on us. In fact, part of us is already there!

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:4-9 NASB

And it’s not just a seat reserved for us, but a heavenly inheritance.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”   1 Peter 1:3-9 NASB

Dad is experiencing his trials now. And his faith is being tested. But that faith has not failed him. He is trusting fully in God. He’s not worried about the cancer. God took it away before, and he knows God will take it away again. It’s the side effects that trouble him the most. The severe physical discomfort isn’t pleasant at all. But even in the midst of his suffering, he has joy inexpressible and full of glory. Joy in the wonderful relationships he has built at Levine. But more than anything, the joy in his salvation and his reserved seat with Jesus.

Your reserved seat awaits, Dad.

“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4 NASB

In the Meantime…

Published on by Joan Category: Dad's Journey

Dad’s last treatment for the t-cell lymphoma was in June of 2019. From the first time he was diagnosed with this rare form of cancer in 2017, he was told there was no cure. That even though it could be knocked down and managed, it would return.

But knock it down, he did. It had been unchanging since then. Each PET scan would result in us thanking God the cancer was still lying dormant. And in the meantime, Dad lived.

I’m reminded of the Children of Israel wandering in the wilderness. They were in their meantime for 40 years. During that time, they continued to move. They didn’t just sit still and brood over their situation. And they didn’t return to their former life of slavery, although some wanted to. But in that meantime, God took care of them. He led them. He fed them. He kept their clothes and sandals from wearing out.

Then there was the time when the Israelites were taken into exile in Babylon. That meantime was for 70 years. God told them through the prophet Jeremiah that while they were in exile, they were to build homes, get married, have families, and pray for the people holding them captive. They were not to live defeated, but to live each day as if they were not living in a foreign land.

Dad has done that in his meantime. He’s been taking one day at a time. Enjoying the good days and enduring the bad. He has never questioned God. He has simply kept trusting God to take care of him and Mom.

He’s had some good days. Some lawnmowers were tore down and rebuilt. One, multiple times. One said lawnmower became his means of transportation around the yard. When he was having a good day, you’d find him out walking some, or riding the mower to his outbuildings to piddle around.

He’s also had some bad days. The weakness in his legs hinders him from doing all the things he’s sat and thought about needing to do. On those days, just being able to sit on the carport and wave at those passing by was a big deal.

Covid further restricted him and Mom as they were advised to stay home. It felt like they were living in a foreign land because of all the restrictions and limited personal contact with loved ones and friends. They learned how to navigate a computer to watch church meetings. Mom even joined Facebook to watch preachers that aired their messages that way. And during that time, they celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary and Dad’s 80th birthday with outdoor family gatherings.

But eventually, “meantimes” come to an end.

The Children of Israel came to the end of their wandering. Then God led them to their promised land. But even that wasn’t easy. They didn’t simply walk in and enjoy new homes immediately. No. Entering the promised land involved fighting. They had to fully rely on God to guide them into those battles and to give them the victories. But eventually they laid claim to their promised land.

We all can identify with the wanderings and the exile of the Israelites. We often feel like we are going in circles. Or that we are living as foreigners in a strange and God-forsaken land. But just like the Israelites, we are to continue to move. Keep trusting. Keep living for God. And wait until He leads in another direction.

Dad’s meantime is over.  After months of getting weaker and dealing with aggravating and even debilitating issues that doctors couldn’t figure out, the answer came. The t-cell lymphoma has roared back to life. New spots appearing that were not there in a scan just one month ago. And no choice but to fight once more.

So Dad, it’s time to tighten up your armor and advance into the battle. But remember, you’re doing so with promises from God.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV