WHAT SHALL THIS MAN DO?

WHAT SHALL THIS MAN DO?

John 21:18-22

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

The commentaries available to me shed very little light on verses 21 and 22, although they ignore the meaning with several paragraphs of flowery language. We are left to muse for ourselves and join the ranks of the uncertain. Undaunted, we press ahead because the Bible itself gives us some clues.

Peter was bathed in the hot glow of rebuke!

The verses just preceding these tell us of Peter’s uncomfortable encounter with the Jesus. He had denied three times. He must have felt foolish as Jesus asked him three times if he was now of the same opinion as before when Peter said “I will die for you!” Jesus simply asks Peter if he truly loved him. Does that love still remain? He asked him three times and then restored him to his calling. “Feed my sheep!”

Peter was told the way he should die!

Eusebius, Prudentius, Chrysostom, and Augustine all write that 34 years later Peter would be crucified and that Peter chose to be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to be crucified in the same posture as our Lord.

But Peter still was evaluating his worth by comparing himself to others!

“Lord, what shall this man do?” John, who is the writer here, refers to himself in a distant and detached manner. He explains that “this man” was the beloved disciple who leaned on Jesus’ breast at supper. Peter, like many of us, wanted to know if he would rise to the level of others. The real question is: “Will my contribution be as important or as well applauded as this man?” Jesus answered Peter like He would answer us all by saying, “That is none of your business!” Your path is a personal one.

It is foolish to boast of God’s blessings upon our work as if they were a result of our superior character, effort or talents!

When Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost some three thousand were saved and baptized. When Stephen preached he was stoned to death. What can we conclude from this? Very little! The same Holy Spirit that empowered Peter in his preaching was working in Stephen when he preached. The results were dramatically different. I believe the Master was happy with both of them.

We all want Jesus to say “well done!”

I believe every Christian servant wants to hear those words. There is also a great temptation to want to hear those same words from our peers. We want the praise of other men. We want to be known as one uniquely blessed of God or uniquely talented in some area. It’s a very wrong kind of pride and God hates pride. If we could have been there on that day I think Jesus’ words to Peter would have thundered. “What is that to thee? follow thou me.”

Dear Lord! Deliver me from being a prideful man-pleaser. Help me to be faithful to my own personal calling. AMEN

ON SECOND THOUGHT!

ON SECOND THOUGHT!

Isa 6:8-11

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

11 Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate…

          Isaiah had seen the Lord in his glory and the light of that glory revealed his sin and shame. He was brought under a deep conviction of his sin. But then cleansing was applied from the sacrifice. Now, being in right relationship with God, he was able to perceive the heart of God.

          He overheard the Godhead ponder the need for a messenger and he eagerly volunteered. Perhaps Isaiah imagined that he would be able to turn the hearts of the people back to God. Perhaps there would be a great revival and he would see great success for his preaching. But it was not to be! No, Isaiah was to go and tell but they would not understand; they would not see nor perceive. They just wouldn’t “get it!”

          Isaiah now realizes he had just volunteered for a task that would be unsatisfying and wearisome. He would preach and nothing would happen; nothing would change. He could not rescind his offer but perhaps he could negotiate the terms. He asks: “Lord, how long?”

          The program of God is not always what we prefer. Like Isaiah, we are ministering in a time of great spiritual ignorance. We preach and nothing happens. People just don’t seem to “get it.” They will come to hear but they will not understand. The purposes of God are not our own. We do not always move from victory to victory but are sometimes called to a monotonous sameness that makes us clock watchers praying for an end to it.

          Verse 13 gives Isaiah enough encouragement to keep going. So we preach the truth not because people will understand but because it is the truth. We do right not because it is popular but because it is right. We persevere because it is His program and not our own.

The call of God upon the life of Paul was this…

Acts 26:16-18

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

18 To open their eyes , and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Dear Lord, let me be a faithful witness. Open the eyes and ears and hearts of those that hear that they might be converted. AMEN

FANCY PRAYIN’!

FANCY PRAYIN’!

Matt 6:5-8

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

          This is Jesus’ prelude to what we most often call “The Lord’s Prayer.” You know the one that begins: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” I find it interesting that we ignore this preliminary instruction. Jesus suggests that we avoid fancy prayin’!

          In more than forty years of ministry I’ve heard some dandy prayers full of lofty phrases and it seems right that we address the supreme majesty of heaven with such words. He likely understands them and surely deserving of them but I think he would just like a conversation with His friends. Now, a friend is just what Jesus wants to be.

John 15:14-16

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

          Some of the most moving public prayers I have ever heard have tumbled forth from the lips of simple men who addressed the Lord as if nobody else was listening. There was no mention of God’s lofty majesty because it was understood. There was a familiarity without disrespect. There was a warmth that indicated they had talked many times before. This is the kind of praying that reaches the heart of God.

Lord, I want to be your friend. I want you to be my friend. I want to be able to talk with you freely and often. Thanks for being there for me. AMEN

OUR DUTY TO PRAY!

OUR DUTY TO PRAY!

1 Sam 12:22-24

22 For the Lord  will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the Lord  to make you his people.

23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord  in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

24 Only fear the Lord , and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

          I received a note from an old friend, and getting older. He is having some health issues and he asked me to pray for him. He did not specify what was wrong but he said he had been referred to a specialist for further evaluation. I was immediately smitten with guilt because I had not been praying for him as I knew I should. Life gets busy, and he lives on the east coast, so he has been out of sight and out of mind.

          In the above Bible portion, Samuel made it clear that part of his duty as a prophet and shepherd would be faithfully praying for the people and teaching them the Word of God. Samuel's heart was broken, but as a faithful servant of the Lord, he interceded for the people and sought to lead them in the right way. For God's people not to pray is to sin against the Lord, yet if there's one thing lacking in our churches today, it is prayer, particularly prayer for those in authority (1 Tim 2:1-4). -- Warren W. Wiersbe.

WHISPERED PRAYERS

SOULS IN DANGER.. BODIES BROKEN..
TROUBLE HERE AND.. EVERY WHERE..
ARMS THAT CAN'T REACH..
WHERE THEY WANT TO.. SOME HOW MAKE IT..
THROUGH WHISPERED PRAYERS.

CHORUS:
WHISPERED PRAYER.. RIDE THE WINGS OF..
HOLY ANGELS.. FROM HERE TO THERE..
GOD IS LISTENING.. WHEN WE SPEAK THEM..
THERE IS POWER.. IN WHISPERED PRAYERS.

Dear Lord, I know my prayers need not be long, loud or flowery but let me not sin against my friends in not praying. Hear me Lord when my whispered prayers brush your ears. AMEN

THE BURDEN OF KNOWING!

THE BURDEN OF KNOWING!

John 10:27

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:11-13

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

John 10:14-16

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

          The word “know” is the Greek word ginosko and simply means “to know,” but there is much more to that word when it is applied to Jesus. Not only does it mean that He recognizes our face and knows our name, but He knows all there is to know about us! He knows our strengths and weaknesses. He is aware of our disposition and how it changes. He knows our moods. He knows our straying tendencies; what makes us happy and sad.

          Building relationships requires knowing and knowing is a burden! It is a burden to know a fault and not tell it or condemn it. It is a burden to know a need and not meet that need. It is a burden to know a pain and not share or remove it. This is the burden of knowing!

          Jesus compared himself to the hireling who has nothing personally invested in the sheep. Any loss is not his loss personally and the result is a lack of caring. The hireling has a “no skin off my nose” attitude about wounded sheep. He runs away from danger and duty because he does not know the sheep.

          More than four decades as a pastor-shepherd have taught me to know my sheep. This devotional goes out to many people I don’t know but it also goes to a smaller number with whom I am closely acquainted. I know the pain they have suffered with their children. I know that they have lost a wife or they are looking for a job. One has lost a father and another has lost a husband. Some are aging and alone. One has recently retired.

          Knowing, really knowing, costs something! It is sacrificial. Jesus said that He was willing to give his life for the sheep. This is possible only because of knowing them. Some have wondered WHY Jesus would leave the 99 in the fold and go out to find the one who was lost. The reason can only be that He KNEW that the 99 would stay put until He returned. This kind of mutual trust is possible only by knowing and knowing takes time and commitment.

          Knowing forms the foundation of all communication. They hear my voice and follow me because they know that I know them. I know, when I greet my sheep, whether I will receive a handshake or a hug. I have come to prefer hugs.

Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

Dear Shepherd of my soul, thank you for knowing me – and loving me anyway. AMEN

THE GLORY OF THE CROSS!

THE GLORY OF THE CROSS!

Gal 6:14-15

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

         The Politics of the Cross: What is it about the cross that makes it such a lightening rod of controversy? I just read recently an article that told of the desecration of Christian graves and crosses by Muslim zealots. Perhaps it was the sign of the crusades which still enrages the Muslim world but the Psalmist, I think, has a better explanation for the geo-political animosity to the cross.

Ps 2:1-4

2 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord , and against his anointed, saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

         The Person of the Cross: Paul knew the power of the cross. Jesus Christ is mentioned 45 times in the book of Galatians which means that one third of all the verses contain some mention of Christ. Christ had completely captivated Paul. The cross was an instrument of cruelty, horror and shame until Jesus hung thereon.

          The Power of the Cross: To Paul, a learned Jewish rabbi, the teaching of the cross was foolish. The Jews expected Messiah to come and rule by restoring the kingdom but the idea of Messiah dying on the cross was completely foreign to them. In the death and resurrection of the cross the power of God is released against the world, the flesh and the devil. The power of the cross is redemption and victory.

         The Purpose of the Cross: The cross temporarily set aside the nation of Israel so that the gentiles might be grafted into the vine. Verse 15 says: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision [Judaism] availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. The cross established a new method of relationship with God. The cross levels the playing field because now there is no racial or national advantage. The cross ushered in the age of “whosoever.”

         We may roll the thunders of eloquence, we may scatter the flowers of poetry, we may diffuse the light of science, and we may enforce the precepts of morality, from the pulpit. But if we do not make Christ the great subject of our preaching, we have forgotten our errand and shall do no good. Satan trembles at nothing but the cross: at this he does tremble. And if we would destroy his power and extend that holy and benevolent kingdom, which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, it must be by means of the cross."

   -- J. A. James (as quoted by) -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon, The Quotable Spurgeon, (Wheaton: Harold Shaw Publishers, Inc, 1990)

Dear Lord, today let my focus be upon your cross. AMEN

THE TRUE COST OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY!

THE TRUE COST OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY!

Luke 9:23

23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

          I speak about this same subject often and it is on my heart once again. Chuck Swindoll is Chancellor and former President of Dallas Theological Seminary. In a recent article he said “when the church becomes an entertainment center, biblical literacy is the first casualty. He goes on to say that modern technology has made it possible to create things virtually that looks real. We can attract larger crowds to the church but we have created an entertainment mentality that produces biblical ignorance.

          Pandering to people’s whimsical needs has become standard church procedure. In our push to “succeed” we have replaced the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God with carnal, pride-driven methods. The result is a people who are unable to face the challenges of spiritual conflict because they are spiritually immature. “Feeling better has become more important to us than finding God!” (Larry Crabb in Finding God)

          The Bible is clear that when a person begins to move toward spiritual maturity there is a death to self. The degree of sacrifice a person is willing to spend to be like Christ is the measure of his maturity. Jesus called it the “daily cross.” The true cost of spiritual maturity is death! Take a look at these following verses and see if you find yourself in them.

2 Tim 2:10

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Gal 6:14

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Rom 6:11

11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Dear Lord, I fear that I know how to work for you but I have forgotten how to worship you. Help me today to know you more and to love you more. AMEN

REVERENCE!

REVERENCE!

Ps 89:6-7

6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?

7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

Heb 12:28-29

28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved,  let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

29 For our God is a consuming fire.

          Something is missing in many modern American churches! It’s reverence! The architecture of the great cathedrals demanded that our gaze be turned heavenward but so many of our modern churches reminds us of a coffee shop. The focus is on camaraderie and creature comforts. God is a guest in these places.

          The above Psalm specifically mentions the assembly of the saints; that place where man and God meet together. Here man acknowledges God for who He is and bows before him. Here God is “Greatly to be feared.” This fear extends over every instant of life and regulates all our conduct.

          In the Old Testament, the word used for “reverence” is yare’ and means “to fear.” This word has a moral application. It is a fear that changes moral conduct. We behave in His presence. We revere Him. Parents teach their children that certain things do not belong in church. I’ve heard them say: “We don’t run in church.” Running and frolicking belongs on the playground. Here we are quiet and respectful.

          In the New Testament, the word is aidos and it means bashfulness and even modesty. Here we modestly cover ourselves and conduct ourselves as if we are in the presence of One who judges. Speaking of judges, many courtrooms demand a stricter dress code than churches! In a courtroom we speak in hushed tones because behind the bench is one who can take away your property, your freedom, and even your life. Should we not reserve the same reverence for God?

          I, for one, worship best when the sanctuary is empty of its worshippers. You can almost hear God breathing and, if He should speak, you know He speaks to you. At these times I do not “tell” God that I love Him but sit quietly while He inspects me to see if love can be found.

Ps 96:6-9

6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Give unto the Lord , O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord  glory and strength.

8 Give unto the Lord  the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

9 O worship the Lord  in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

Dear Lord, let me build for you a sanctuary in my heart and be still there. AMEN

DAY OF JOY AND LAUGHTER!

DAY OF JOY AND LAUGHTER!

Ps 126:2-3

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord  hath done great things for them.

3 The Lord  hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

The generation of Jews that conquered the Promised Land was true to the Lord, and so were their children, but the third generation broke the covenant and turned to idols (Judg 2:7-23). God punished His people in the land by allowing seven nations to invade, rob, and destroy. When Israel's rebellion became so great that the land itself was being defiled, God took them out of the land and sent them to Babylon for seventy years. Now they had been set free and they could not believe what was happening. Yes, they knew that both Isaiah and Jeremiah had promised this "second exodus," but it was too good to be true. During long years of waiting, they had dreamed of returning home, and now the dream had become reality. -- Warren W. Wiersbe

Yesterday was Easter and our church celebrated the resurrection! Please forgive me for what might seem boasting, but we had a great day at church. One man, who had been with the church for many years, said: “I think this is the single largest crowd this church has ever seen!” Whether that is so or not, it was an almost overwhelming crowd that attended worship. I wish I could tell you that all these good things were a result of great leadership and smart planning, but I haven’t a clue why we had such good success on that day! Dr. Bob Cook once said: “If you can explain what is going on, God did not do it.”

My wife and I were invited to lunch with one family and then an after church dinner with another. The absolute best part was romping with two precious and precocious children. I quickly adopted as another grandpa. The highlight of the entire day was when Scout said: “I love you, Brother Abbott!” It just doesn’t get any better than this.

Grab another cup of coffee and think of a reason to laugh and rejoice. Jesus is alive and the joke is on the devil. Now that’s funny!

Dear Lord, my heart is full to overflowing! Thank you for a day of joy and laughter. AMEN

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Luke 24:30-34

30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

          What happened to the Emmaus two? They are not named here but it is clear that they were believers and well known to the inner circle of apostles. The left Jerusalem after the horrible events of the crucifixion and travelled, on foot, toward Emmaus which is about eight miles northwest of Jerusalem. They were discouraged!

          They had hoped that Jesus would “redeem” Israel but the redemption they had hoped for was a political and cultural redemption. Now that He was dead the dreadful reality of Roman rule and Pharisaical corruption would continue unabated. Jesus didn’t do what they expected Him to do. They were disappointed!

          Wuest, in his word studies, describes Luke 24:17 as “animated heated conversation.” They were trying to make sense of all the recent events and were exchanging opinions. They wondered what went wrong and why. They were debating!

          Jesus drew alongside them and walked with them. As they walked and talked, Jesus asked them why they were so sad. They wondered if he was a stranger. Perhaps he had newly arrived in Jerusalem and had missed all that had taken place. In answer to Jesus’ question, they told him in great detail what had taken place including the rumor that some had found the tomb empty. They were deluded!

          Jesus opened the scriptures unto them. He may have begun with Genesis 3:15 which tells of the “enmity” between Satan’s seed and the woman’s seed. He probably explained what it meant to bruise the serpent’s head while bruising his own heel in the process. In the house, there was something familiar about the way Jesus broke the bread! Their eyes were opened. They were delighted!

          They ran back to Jerusalem and the eight miles somehow seemed shorter on this return trip. Verse 33 says “they found the eleven (Judas was dead) gathered together. They heard them say “the Lord is risen indeed and has appeared unto Simon.” While they were talking, Jesus himself shows up. This encounter changed them and filled them with resolve. He led them as far as Bethany and then he ascended out of their sight. They were determined!

Luke 24:50-53

50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Dear Lord, let your resurrection accomplish the same things in us. Let us be “continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” AMEN

THEY SET A WATCH!

THEY SET A WATCH!

Matt 27:62-28:8

62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

28 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

          It is amazing that a group of unbelievers would remember and believe that Jesus promised to raise from the dead while his own followers either forgot or doubted. The unbelievers got it right. He said: “Destroy this temple and after three days I will raise it up again.” (John 2:19)

          “Ye have a watch!” There is some small confusion as to whether Pilate was referring to the Temple guards already available or that he was going to assign Roman guards as either replacements or to augment them. If the guards were Roman, the claim that they had fallen asleep was a serious dereliction of duty that could have cost them their lives. If the Temple guards had fallen asleep there would have been a less severe punishment. Either way, the guards were quite surprised to see the glowing white angel of the Lord. Matthew 28:12 uses the word “soldiers” and seems to indicate Roman soldiers. They gave them money and promised to persuade the governor and to “secure” them.

Matt 28:12-15

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.

          Such elaborate schemes are always needed to keep the truth buried – but Jesus would not remain in the grave. Neither the tomb nor the heavy stone, nor the soldiers could keep him in the grave.

He Arose!

1.       Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,

          waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain:

 

          Up from the grave he arose;

          with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;

          he arose a victor from the dark domain,

          and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

          He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

2.       Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior,

          vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

          (Refrain)

3.       Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;

          he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

          (Refrain)

Dear Lord, thank you for Calvary and thank you for the empty tomb. AMEN

PLEASE DON’T GO!

PLEASE DON’T GO!

Matt 16:21-23

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

          It is not easy for us to grasp the oppression that was practiced upon the people by the religious elite of that day. They walked about in royal robes and added tax upon tax while working hand in hand with the oppressive Romans. Rightly did Jesus advise his followers to listen to their teaching but to shun copying their behavior.

          The scriptures at hand indicate either an end of the beginning or the beginning of the end. Jesus began and kept on teaching his disciples that immediately ahead was trouble. The very people who represented God to the people would perpetrate unthinkable cruelty upon the Son of God. Jesus would be killed and that is all that Peter could grasp. We wonder if he even heard the last part of the message – “and be raised again the third day.”

          What a burning rebuke it was to hear Jesus call Peter “Satan!” I am sure that Peter’s only motivation was the preservation of his Master but his resistance to God’s clear plan was devilish. Confusion and wonder filled Peter’s mind. He was not thinking spiritually but was thinking naturally.

          If we stand before our tilled garden with seeds in our hand we are faced with a decision and a choice. If we look at the seeds with a desire to keep them we will have no harvest. We must sacrifice them to the ground so that death might produce life.

          Thomas Jefferson, a great man, nevertheless could not accept the miraculous elements in Scripture. He edited his own special version of the Bible in which all references to the supernatural were deleted. Jefferson, in editing the Gospels, confined himself solely to the moral teachings of Jesus. The closing words of Jefferson's Bible are these: "There laid they Jesus and rolled a great stone at the mouth of the sepulchre and departed." Thank God that is not the way the story really ends! --James S. Hewett

Dear Lord, Peter begged you not to go. I beg you now to return. AMEN

MAUNDY THURSDAY!

MAUNDY THURSDAY!

John 13:3-10

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

          For non-Catholics, the significance of Maundy Thursday can be a bit of a head scratcher. Well, here is what Wikipedia has to say about it: Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, Sheer Thursday and Thursday of Mysteries) is the Christian feast, or holy day, falling on the Thursday before Easter. It commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles as described in the Canonical gospels. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, and is preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday.

          John knew that Jesus operated on a heavenly schedule and reported that Jesus knew “his hour had come.” The foot washing scene has more significance if we understand the cultural setting of that day. The roads were either unpaved or paved with cobblestones. Shoes were mostly sandals for both men and women. If it did not rain the feet were covered with dust. If it did rain the dust was turned to mud. Animal excrement added to the filthy mix of roadway dirt. When entering a house the shoes would be removed and the feet would be washed by the lowest of servants.

          When Jesus washed the apostles’ feet it was an extreme act of humility. He was their leader and superior. It was uncomfortable and embarrassing to have one such as Jesus wash your feet. Peter resisted it strongly because he did not understand what Jesus was doing. “Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”

          The payment and punishment for our sin began when the God of the Universe knelt before the filthy feet of man. It continued in the garden with the bloody tears of prayer and culminated in his broken and lifeless body on the cross. Emotionally, I agree with Peter. He should never have to wash my feet! Yet, I am soiled by walking in the world and need a fresh anointing every day. “He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit.”

Phil 2:8-11

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Dear Lord, I have soiled my feet by walking in a dirty world. Wash me and make me clean. AMEN

JESUS LET HIM GO!

JESUS LET HIM GO!

Mark 10:17-23

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

          We sometimes joke about evangelists and preachers beating people over the head with the Bible in order to win their loyalty but we see no such attitude in Jesus. He was the way and the truth but not everyone followed His way or believed His truth. Yet Jesus never preached to be personally offensive. He never pouted when some walked away unchanged. Jesus’ model was gentleness and reverence.

          Jesus never argued with those who disagreed with Him. He did ask some leading questions meant to make the subject think! Here He asks: “Why callest thou me good? There is none good but God.” In this short question Jesus challenges the man to investigate his own motivation. He also hints that He is God.

          Jesus answered a simple question with a simple answer. The man wanted to know what he could do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responded that he should never ever, not even once, do anything wrong. The man foolishly said that he had kept every part of the law flawlessly. What Jesus did not say is that, to inherit anything, there must be a true relationship with the One from whom you are inheriting it. Then Jesus looked at this foolish man and loved him. Jesus then focuses on the man’s love of his money.

          Jesus never lashed out in anger or ridicule. Jesus never challenged the man’s assertion that he had kept the law from his youth until now. Instead Jesus used common sense dialogue, storytelling and logical debate. The man walked away – and Jesus let him do so. Jesus did not run to him and try to convince him further. He did not apologize for offending him. He let him go.

James 3:17

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Dear Lord, let me present the gospel in a persistent and gentle manner. Bless each effort with fruit by your Spirit. AMEN