BETWEEN MIGDOL AND THE SEA!

BETWEEN MIGDOL AND THE SEA!

Ex 14:1-4

14:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

4 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.

           Moses had intended to move his people by way of the wilderness but at Etham God commanded the Israelites to turn and move southward and encamp by the Red Sea. This was either the most inept military maneuver in history or it was the most ingenious entrapment. God had placed his people in an impossible situation. The Red Sea was in front of them, there were mountains on both sides and their enemies were behind in hot pursuit.

           A dilemma is defined as an undesirable or unpleasant choice. Try to visualize an estimated six million Jews encamped in a plain of about ten miles square with mountains (actually forts) on two sides and an impassable sea in front of them. Now try to visualize 600 chariots, each with a driver and a spearman. With them would be foot soldiers heavily armed. The Scriptures places them between Migdol and the sea. We might say they were between the Devil and the deep blue sea! The only escape was up!

What will you do when you find yourself in such a situation? Well here is a plan that is suggested by Moses.

1. Calm your fears! (v. 13)

2. Stand Still! When you can do nothing – that’s probably what should be done.

3. Wait expectantly upon God to make a move!

4. Take the next logical step! (v. 15)

Dear Lord, this day may present me with some unpleasant choices. Give me the courage and the wisdom to do the right thing while trusting in you. AMEN

TAKING UP OUR CROSS!

TAKING UP OUR CROSS!

Matt 16:24-26

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

           All three of the synoptic gospels records Jesus saying: “If any man will come after (or follow) me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross.” Luke adds the word “daily.” Following Jesus is not for wimps but risk takers.

1. The Cross is PERSONAL!

It is YOUR cross. The cross of discipleship and service is not some naturally occurring inconvenience. It is more than a rainy day that spoils a picnic. My cross is so personal that nobody else can carry it.

2. The Cross is REDEMPTIVE!

I believe that ministry does not happen unless the minister suffers some kind of loss so that the recipient can enjoy some kind of gain. Jesus’ cross redeemed the sinner but Jesus was without sin. The one hanging on the cross suffered loss so that we might gain.

2 Cor 8:9

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

3. The Cross is an INVESTMENT!

Mark 8:35-36

35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Those who are overly protective of this earthly life will ultimately lose it anyway. Those who recklessly invest their earthly life to do ministry will not lack life. Those who hoard earthly stuff will ultimately lose it but those who lay up treasure in heaven will never lose their investment.

Matt 6:19-21

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Dear Lord, I don’t have much but it all belongs to you. Use both me and my stuff to make gains for your kingdom. AMEN

THE BURDEN OF NAHUM!

THE BURDEN OF NAHUM!

Nah 1:7-9

7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

           The word “burden” is used in verse 1 because the message to Nineveh is heavy and full of trouble. After having repented at the reluctant preaching of Jonah, Nineveh once again lapsed into their old sinful pattern. I find it interesting to see that the name Nahum means “full of comfort” while his message is anything but that. Instead of comfort, he is sent to Nineveh to declare its doom.

           His message is that “affliction shall not rise up the second time.” In other words, it will do no good to put on sack cloth and ashes this second time. Jonah’s message was a call to repentance but Nahum’s is a message of doom because the period of grace was over. It will do no good to afflict yourself this second time.

           Three times in verse 2 Nahum says “the LORD revengeth.” The word translated LORD is Y-H-W-H or, as we pronounce it, JEHOVAH. This is the self existing, never changing, and all powerful God. He is magnificent in His mercy but in His wrath He is overwhelming.

The word “indignation” in verse 6 is the Hebrew word za`am and literally means “to froth at the mouth.” His indignation is justified! He had offered mercy once but now his wrath “will make an utter end” (verse 8). The painted Jesus on velvet is far removed from the picture of the one who comes in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: (2 Thess 1:8)

           The little book of Nahum, only three chapters short, does not end with “and they lived happily ever after!” Nineveh had its Jonah and repented – for a short time – but now it has return to sin and God’s indignation would destroy them. The lesson is plain and clear! Do not trifle with God’s offer of mercy. Do not wander from God’s path of grace because the day of wrath is coming.

Hos 6:1

6:1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Dear Lord, deliver us from evil that we might enjoy your mercy! Keep us as the apple of your eye. AMEN

SIT WHERE THEY SIT!

SIT WHERE THEY SIT!

Ezek 3:15

15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

          Ezekiel comes to those that have been carried away and sees their condition. “And I sat there overwhelmed” is the rendering of the American Standard Version. The idea is that of gaining perspective by placing oneself in the same condition. The familiar expression of “walking in another’s shoes” communicates the same idea.

          We are spoiled and prejudicial in our opinions of those who sit in ignorance and sin. Other lands and cultures are foreign and strange to us and this prompts great fear in those who would share the gospel. We need to “sit where they sit” so as to feel their pain, smell their smells and understand their peculiarities. The experience caused Ezekiel to be astonished, stunned or made speechless.

          Nothing changes our preconceived notions like a dose of pure reality! Once Ezekiel became acclimated to the condition of his audience he received a command from God to minister to them.

Ezek 3:17-19

17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

          Seeing a need makes you immediately responsible. If we sound out a warning then we have cleansed our hands. If we remain silent in the face of understood need then we are liable for their blood. It is an astonishing burden. So, in what ways can we be like Ezekiel today? How can I “sit where they sit” and understand their problems? How can I make a difference? Perhaps the following verse will give us an answer.

James 1:27

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Dear Lord, please help me to see and sense the needs of others today. Help me to become personally employed in meeting those needs. Help me to remain unspotted by the world. AMEN

ONLY ONE CANDLE OF LIFE!

ONLY ONE CANDLE OF LIFE!

Luke 8:16

16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

           The analogous candle is a familiar Biblical example of the life of the believer. We have been set ablaze by our faith in Christ and in Him is “no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). That a man would light a candle and then cover it with a vessel, or put it under a bed is foolish. Yet it is clear that Jesus sees us doing exactly that with the candle of our life.

           A most interesting word in our scripture today is the word “vessel.” It sometimes means “household goods” or “stuff.” Oh, I see it often! A talented believer sometimes has his light hidden beneath the accumulation of his stuff.

The word is also used to designate the human body as in “he is a chosen vessel.” How often is the light of the gospel dimmed by our indulgence of the body’s needs or the concern for the body’s safety? We do not speak for fear of enduring some deprivation of accustomed pleasure. We will not venture far to share the gospel for fear of personal safety. The light has become darkness.

Luke 11:33

33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

           Jesus again, as recorded by Luke, says that it is unthinkable to place a lighted candle in a secret place. Now, the word that is translated “a secret place” is the Greek word krupte (kroop-tay) and means “a place concealed or a private place.” How often is the gospel hidden simply because it is viewed as my very own private light? The nature of light makes this thought even more ridiculous.

           The believer is a candle to all and has been set ablaze by his faith in Christ. His design and purpose is to shine so that others may see the light. If we hid ourselves under material stuff our light becomes darkness. If we keep our light selfishly private then no one will see.

Matt 5:16

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Dear Lord, set me on fire and put me in a prominent place that I may give light to those in darkness. Amen

THE ONLY NUMBER THAT MATTERS!

THE ONLY NUMBER THAT MATTERS!

Matt 14:20-21

20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

1 Cor 15:3-6

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

Acts 1:15

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Acts 2:41

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

      Well, Easter is over and many ministers are tallying up their numbers. Easter brings the crowds which are often lacking on other, normal, days. We are always glad to see them. Problems come, however, when we think that the numbers themselves indicate either success or failure.

      At the height of His ministry Jesus attracted a crowd of over five thousand people. More significant than the numbers is that he fed them with a little boy’s lunch. There was no mention of the problems of parking and other issues. However there was one time when everyone seemed to be walking away and Jesus said to his most faithful: “Will ye also go away?” I’m sure that was a painful time.

John 6:66-67

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

      When we use numbers to evaluate the success of motives and methods we are not wise. Rainmakers and circus clowns may very well draw a crowd but their methods will not sustain spiritual ministry during times of human suffering. Personal, one-on-one, encounters with Jesus are most memorable. Jesus met the woman at the well in Samaria who was wounded in spirit. He also encountered a woman with an issue of blood who touched his garment and who can forget the conversation with Nicodemus in John chapter three? These numbers would hardly make a blip on the success-o-meter but each was hugely significant. The number that really matters is the number ONE.

Rom 14:12

12 So then every ONE of us shall give account of himself to God.

Father, today make me keenly aware of the needs of the individual soul. AMEN

WITNESS OF THE SOLDIERS!

WITNESS OF THE SOLDIERS!

Matt 27:54

54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Matt 28:11-15

11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

      The difference between the witness of the centurion in Matthew 27 and the mercenaries in Matthew 28 is outstanding! One gathered evidence and made a decision. The others made a decision and then manufactured evidence.

      The lie that the disciples stole the body of Jesus stands alongside the truth of the rending of the Temple veil, the earthquake, the darkness, and the open graves. Too many strange occurrences accompany the death of Jesus to suppose his resurrection can be easily answered. Yet money is very convincing and the lie is still commonly believed by unbelievers. What do you believe? Is your decision based on the evidence or do you search for evidence to support your decision?

Dear Lord, it is resurrection day and I believe! AMEN

JOSEPH WENT IN BOLDLY!

JOSEPH WENT IN BOLDLY!

Mark 15:42-46

42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

John 19:38

38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

      Joseph of Arimathaea was said to be an “honorable counselor” which means he was a member of the Sanhedrin. In the midst of religious sham there was found one who took faith seriously. Joseph was a secret disciple for fear of the Jews. The death of his master changed him dramatically. He found boldness.

      I think that Joseph’s boldness was suicidal, not that he wished to die but that self preservation no longer mattered. Looking inside myself I think there may have been some fierceness in his actions – maybe even anger. As a ruling Jew he knew that the body of Jesus should hang throughout the Sabbath.

Deut 21:22-23

22 And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:

23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

      That the Holy Spirit should say that he “craved” the body means that he did more than simply make a request. His request erupted from deep inside. It was something he must do regardless of the dangers involved. Therefore, he who was once a secret disciple was now bold.

Ps 118:5-6

5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.

6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Dear Lord, let me find boldness in serving and in witnessing. AMEN

THE SCOURGING OF JESUS!

THE SCOURGING OF JESUS!

John 19:1-5

19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.

2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,

3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.

4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

      Jesus was scourged in the Roman manner because the Jews were forbidden by their law to beat a man beyond forty stripes or his flesh cut by the beating.

Deut 25:2-3

2 And it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number.

3 Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.

      Seeing Jesus standing there robed in purple, stained red with his own blood, and crowned with thorns, it is hard to imagine that Pilate’s purpose in was to release Jesus!

1. It was a means of Examination

Pilate hoped that the scourging would loosen Jesus’ silent tongue and either bring forth proof of his innocence or guilt. But like a lamb before her shearers is dumb, he opened not his mouth (Isaiah 53:7).

2. It appealed to the Sensibilities of the Jews

This scourging was illegal because Jesus had not been pronounced guilty of anything. The act itself was meant to prove that this king posed no threat to Caesar. The fierceness of the whipping was meant to appeal to the compassion of the Jews. “Behold the man!” Pilate asked them to gaze upon the beaten Jesus and judge if this in itself was not sufficient punishment. But the Jews presently leveled a new charge against Jesus – that he claimed to be the Son of God. This revelation caused Pilate great fear. He had already been warned by his wife to have no dealings with this just man and now he is in danger of offending one of the gods.

3. The scourging reveals the insensibility of “religious” men

Before this ever took place, Jesus told His disciples this would happen.

Matt 20:18-19

18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

4. The scourging of Jesus was for our healing

Isa 53:5

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Dear Jesus, the whipping you took for me seems excessive – until I review my many sins. Thank you for your sacrifice. AMEN

HE KNOWS MY NAME!

HE KNOWS MY NAME!

Ps 147:4

4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.

Ex 33:12-17

12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.

16 For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

John 10:1-3

10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

      The witness of Scripture is clear! He knows your name! He knows both who you are and where you are. He knows what you are going through right now and he even knows what you are thinking. The book of Romans says that evil is “inconvenient” and elsewhere we read that “the way of the transgressor is hard.” Well, who makes evil thoughts and actions inconvenient? It is the God who knows you and loves you.

      The sheep in Psalm 23 are not afraid in the valley of the shadow of death because they know the Shepherd and He knows them. They have followed Him to green pastures and beside still waters. They have benefitted from the ministry of the Good Shepherd. They have learned to trust His leading because they have become familiar with His heart! Take courage today, little lamb, because the Shepherd knows you by name.

Dear Lord, lead your lambs by your great wisdom today because you know them by name. AMEN

THROUGH DEATH HE DESTROYED DEATH!

THROUGH DEATH HE DESTROYED DEATH!

Heb 2:14-17

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

      There is a double fear of death. FIRST there is a natural fear shared by all of God’s creatures. It is instinctive, congenital and involuntary. The most noble of saints feel it but would tell us now that those fears were unjustified. The SECOND fear is a spiritual fear and is caused by mystery and uncertainty. What exactly is death? What is the nature of any life beyond? This is the bondage Jesus came to destroy.

      God, who is pure life, can’t die. Only in his humanity could Jesus be the bait and hook for the monster of death. In his human frailty he baited death but in his divinity he destroyed it. In order to bruise the serpent’s head it was necessary to endure the bruising of his own heal (Genesis 3:15).

      What we call Easter is the celebration of the victory of life over death – forgiveness over guilt. Because He lives we shall live also.

Rev 20:6

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Dear Lord, thank you for defeating death and giving me eternal life through the power of your resurrection. AMEN

HIS DEATH MADE ME VERY RICH!

HIS DEATH MADE ME VERY RICH!

Heb 9:15-17

15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Rom 8:16-18

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

All the things you now own will one day belong to another. If you die intestate, without a valid will, then it is likely that the government will auction off your stuff to pay any outstanding debts. They will then determine how to disburse the remainder, if any, of your valuables. If you have a will it will clearly state which of the heirs will receive what valuables you leave behind. In the same way the death of Christ bequeathed great wealth to the heirs. His death made me very rich.

2 Cor 8:9

9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

      Try to imagine a young boy who grew up in deep poverty, ignorance and abuse. This lad attracted the attention of someone very rich and so a trust fund was set up for his education with an additional million dollars, plus interest, available to him when he became mature enough to receive it with dignity, wisdom and grace. So it is with the riches Jesus has left to us. He dispenses it as we need it and as we are able to receive it with dignity, wisdom and grace.

Gal 4:1-2

4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

      Oh, yes, I am very rich and so are you if you are a believer. The death of Jesus has made us joint-heirs of all that is rightfully His. We have been adopted out of our deep poverty and made to sit at the table of the King as a prince or princess. All that we own may not be immediately in our control due to our ignorance or immaturity but it is ours nonetheless. While we live out our lives on this earth the Father dispenses the riches that we are able to handle with dignity, wisdom and grace. The rest is held in reserve till that day when we will dwell in a city whose streets are paved with gold clear as crystal and whose walls are encrusted with gems and whose gates are made of pearl. There awaits me riches so valuable that nothing is worth their trade.

We skip along life’s dusty road threadbare and empty while we wait for the riches reserved to us. I am reminded of the words to that old Hymn “I’m a child of the King.” Let these words encourage you today.

My Father is rich in houses and lands.

He holdeth the wealth of the world in his hands.

Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,

His coffers are full – he has riches untold.

I’m a child of the King, a child of the King.

With Jesus my savior, I’m a child of the King.

Dear Lord, your death made me very rich. Help me to receive your gifts with dignity, wisdom and grace. AMEN

WHAT WILL YOU GIVE ME?

WHAT WILL YOU GIVE ME?

Matt 26:14-16

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Judas was eaten up with greed. The want of money is never satisfied and the sacrifice of the perfume in the alabaster box in the house of Simon the Leper still burned in his nostrils. His indignation over its spillage was not due to a burning desire to help the poor but a poor assessment of the value of his master (See verse 9).

Thirty pieces of silver was exchanged for the Son of God. It was the most notoriously bad bargain of history. Judas weighed the jingle in the bag and it felt good in his hand – and from that time he sought opportunity to betray Jesus. Oh, how we universally condemn this most evil of men while we practice this very form of parsimony.

For a few hours of overtime we trade our children and rob them of the presence and counsel of father or mother. We set them adrift for a few ounces of silver and later decry their lack of discipline and direction. For a few dollars more we gladly trade corporate worship and fumble for excuses to make null the clear teaching of Scripture on the matter. “Forsake not (a clear command) the assembling of yourselves together like some have done” (Hebrews 10:25).

As love for money grows, love for God becomes tasteless. Like Malachi’s congregation we moan, “Behold, what a weariness is it!” (Malachi 1:13). We assemble for the loaves and the fishes and nothing more. Without the smoke, the lights and the sensory stimulation our soul is dead and worship is lifeless. Judas still assembles with us, going through the motions, and waiting for an opportunity for gain.

Ultimately Judas not only lost his Lord but his money and his life. Seeing that his betrayal would mean Jesus’ death, a result he never intended, he tried to reverse the bargain. He took the money back but the warranty had expired and the deed could not be undone. He threw the money down and went out and hanged himself. Judas “went to his own place” and now languishes in the flames of Hell because his heart was overthrown with avarice.

Matt 16:26

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Dear Lord, let me not be deceived by the allure of material gain. AMEN

WHAT WILL I DO?

WHAT WILL I DO?

Ps 27:10

10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

2 Sam 16:11

11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life:

Isa 49:15

15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

This general thought has been rattling around in my mind for the past couple of days. I’m not sure why except that someone reading this may need these thoughts. I hope to list in some reasonable order what is on my mind and to simply say that Jesus can’t be compared to any other relationship. The psalmist expressed the need of the orphan. David described the pain of having a son pursue him in battle. Isaiah could not imagine a nursing mother forgetting her duties. Yet our closest relationships sometimes fail.

1. What will I do when the one I rely on FAILS me?

This circumstance calls to our strength and independence. We dry our tears and we lie to ourselves and say that we did not need them anyway! We may pout, complain, or seek some kind of retribution. Some solid rock in our life has crumbled and we have lost our moorings.

The simple reality is that the most reliable of friends sometimes fail. They are, after all, only human and the frailty of being human make them susceptible to failure. The next question is more difficult.

2. What will I do when the one I rely on NEEDS me?

This is a greater strain on relationships and often proves whether love is the glue that holds it together. What will I do when the one who always lifts me up needs to be lifted? How will I respond when I must be the one to minister? Will I be strong enough or dependable? The Widow of Zarephath found herself responding to an impossible request. How did she respond? She simply gave what she had – she did what she could.

1 Kings 17:12

12 And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.

3. What will I do when I feel I can’t do ANYTHING?

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater!

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.

To added affliction, He addeth His mercy;

To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.

His power has no boundary known unto men.

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus…

He giveth – and giveth – and giveth again!

Dear Lord, someone today feels drained and down! Please fill them and lift them up. AMEN

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MESSIAH!

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MESSIAH!

John 12:19

19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

Riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus resembled a ruler in peacetime. He raised the dead; surely he can restore the kingdom and overthrow Roman tyranny and reform social injustice. People were throwing down their outer robes as a carpet and waving palm branches. Even the Pharisees commented with indignation that the whole world had gone after this Jesus! But they were all wrong about so many things.

1. They misunderstood his PERSON!

Matt 21:10-11

10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

All this was true but their understanding was grossly incomplete. They did not recognize Him as the Son of God or the Lamb of God.

2. They misunderstood his PURPOSE!

Even after His death and resurrection the focus of His disciples was on the earthly kingdom.

Acts 1:6-8

6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Matt 24:14

14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

3. They misunderstood his PAIN!

Matt 27:41-43

41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,

42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

The Jewish believed in a “prosperity gospel.” Pain meant punishment for some sin. This man on the cross surely was a sinner and a fraud. He cried out for Elias but God did not rescue. Even the thieves “cast the same in his teeth.” Yet they did not consider that his pain was sacrificial and redemptive.

1 Peter 3:18

18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Dear Jesus, minister to my understanding today. AMEN

THEY DIDN’T KNOW!

THEY DIDN’T KNOW!

Luke 19:41-44

41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

1. They knew not the means of peace!

Jesus, still on the colt of an ass, tops the hill overlooking Jerusalem and weeps audibly over it. The city whose name means “he shall see peace or prosperity” did not know they were about to reject the Prince of Peace. The light had shined in darkness and the darkness had failed to lay hold on it. Now it is hid from their eyes.

Jerusalem had squandered their period of probation. The Jews, specifically, had failed to recognize and receive their Messiah and now salvation would be offered to the Gentiles. For whosoever shall, now, call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Rom 11:11-12

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

2. They knew not the Man of Peace!

John 14:27

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Luke 23:34

34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

3. They knew not the coming end of peace!

Josephus gives a very particular account of the building of this wall, which he says was effected in three days, though it was not less than thirty-nine furlongs in circumference; and that, when this wall and trench were completed, the Jews were so enclosed on every side that no person could escape out of the city, and no provision could be brought in, so that they were reduced to the most terrible distress by the famine which ensued. The whole account is well worth the reader's attention. See Josephus, War, book 5 chapter 12 sections 1, 2, 3. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary.)

Do we know the origin and means of peace? Are we acquainted with the Man of Peace? Do we know how fragile peace is in our time? Does our ignorance make Jesus weep?

Dear Lord, heal my ignorance and give me peace! AMEN