Tag: Jesus Christ

Wednesday Morning: 18 Sep 2019 – Matthew 12:9-21 ~ Jesus Mesiah: the hope of all the world!

Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 12:9-21 (NLT)

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)

And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.”

Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.

Jesus, God’s Chosen Servant

But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, but he warned them not to reveal who he was. This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:

“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. And his name will be the hope of all the world.”

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Morning Reflection:

And his name will be the hope of all the world.”
– Matthew 12:21-

In fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 42:1-4), Jesus Messiah was not only the hope of Israel, but also the hope of the whole world. What would his justice or judgement look like?

+ Gentle and humble – not arrogant or brash.
+ Compassionately advancing – without crushing the opposition.
+ Saving mercy and grace for the helpless and hopeless.
+ Welcome relief and rest for the weary and burdened.

This is the Messiah that would finally rule and reign over the whole world. This is the Messiah that the whole world could trust – Jesus Messiah.

Questions for consideration:

  • How does Isaiah’s prophecy of Jesus Messiah fit with your own understanding of Jesus, particularly when it comes to the final judgement? Please explain.
  • What aspect of Jesus’ final victorious justice would you like to see accomplished? Is there a wrong that you would like to see righted? Please explain.
  • Can you think of ways that you would experience mercy and relief with Jesus’ final victorious justice? Please explain.
  • Where in your own life do you need to wait quietly and confidently for Jesus to administer justice? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For Quiet Confidence

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“At the Name of Jesus” – Northern Baptist Association, UK

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 17 Sep 2019 – Matthew 11:20-12:8 ~ Come to me and I will give you rest.

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 8:18-34 (NLT)

Judgment for the Unbelievers

Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God. “What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.

“And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.”

Jesus’ Prayer of Thanksgiving

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

A Discussion about the Sabbath

At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.”

Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. And haven’t you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath? I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
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Morning Reflection:

Rest for your souls.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
– Matthew 11:28-30 –

The rest in view involves kingdom rest), but it is also a present reality. Throughout Israel’s history God held out the promise of rest if His people would trust and obey Him. The yoke of discipleship to Jesus. Learning from Him involves assimilating what He reveals, not just imitating Him or learning from His experience. The yoke of discipleship may involve persecution, but it is easy (good and comfortable). His burden is light compared to the loads Israel’s religious leaders imposed on their disciples. what makes the difference is what sort of master one is serving.”

Questions for consideration:

  • What burdens are you bearing in your life now? What is their source? Please explain.
  • What burdens has Jesus given you to bear? Please explain.
  • Where do you need rest for your soul? Please explain.
  • Do you know someone who needs help in bearing their burdens? How can you help? Please explain.
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    Morning Prayer: Prayer – For the Discouraged and DowncastO God, almighty and merciful, you heal the broken-hearted, and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy, Let your fatherly goodness be upon all whom you have made. Remember in pity all those who are this day destitute, homeless, elderly, infirm, or forgotten. Bless the multitude of your poor. Lift up those who are cast down. Mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Cheer with hope all who are discouraged and downcast, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of him who for our sakes became poor, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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    “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)” – Kari Jobe

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    Closing:

    May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

    + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Monday Morning: 16 Sep 2019 – Matthew 11:2-19 ~ the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing!

Monday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening –  A Collect for the Renewal of Life (Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Morning Reading – Matthew 11:2-19 (NLT)

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,and he will prepare your way before you.’

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!

“To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,

‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t mourn.’

For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.”
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Morning Reflection:

the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing…
– Matthew 11:12 –

Scholars and theologians disagree on their understanding of Jesus’ description of the Kingdom in these verses, having done extensive language and word studies.

. But today, I would like to take a simpler, less academic, more personal devotional approach.

+ John’s concern – John was languishing in jail, his life dependent on the whim of King Herod. Is it any wonder that he would ask his disciples – “What’s happening with Jesus? Is he truly the Messiah we expected?” As much as John revered and respected Jesus, even prophets need assurance and encouragement from time to time.

+Jesus’ response – “tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” Jesus pointed to the signs and wonders taking place around him as proof that he was indeed the expected Messiah.

+ the Kingdom of Heaven’s forceful advance -Jesus’ description of the condition of the kingdom addressed specifically the period between John’s announcement and Jesus’ fulfillment. The Kingdom of God was advancing in spite of the forceful antagonism and resistance from those who refused to accept Jesus as Messiah.

And so it is today, the Kingdom of God continues to move forward with Jesus death, resurrection and ascension having already defeated the powers of darkness once and for all. Nevertheless, we await the the day when God’s rule and reign will be established in all its fullness and glory – when Jesus comes again. And like John we ask other believers, tell us what you have heard and seen that, we too may be encouraged and strengthened in our reverence and trust in Jesus Messiah.

Questions for consideration:

  • How would you assess your spiritual life today? Encouraged / discouraged / something else? Please explain.
  • What role do reports of Kingdom signs and wonders play in your spiritual life? Please explain.
  • How can you bolster and strengthen the faith of those who are discouraged? Please explain.
  • How can you continue to live by faith in the face of antagonism and opposition. Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For the Discouraged and Downcast –

O God, almighty and merciful, you heal the broken-hearted, and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy, Let your fatherly goodness be upon all whom you have made. Remember in pity all those who are this day destitute, homeless, elderly, infirm, or forgotten. Bless the multitude of your poor. Lift up those who are cast down. Mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Cheer with hope all who are discouraged and downcast, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of him who for our sakes became poor, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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“Is He Worthy?” -Chris Tomlin

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

14th Sunday after Pentecost, 15 Sep 2019 -Luke 15:1-10 ~ rejoice when one sinner repents

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer: 

Undaunted You seek the lost, O God, exultant You bring home the found. Touch our hearts with grateful wonder at the tenderness of Your forbearing love. Grant us delight in the mercy that has found us and bring all to rejoice at the feast of forgiveness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

“The Love of God Is Greater Far” – Deborah P. Kim

The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell, It goes beyond the highest star And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win. His erring child He reconciled And pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure The saints’ and angels’ song

Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill And every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole Though stretched from sky to sky

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure The saints’ and angels’ song

Gospel Reading: Luke 15:1-10 (NLT)

Parable of the Lost Sheep

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!

So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?

And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Parable of the Lost Coin

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
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Reckless Love – Cory Asbury

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Intercession:

Merciful God, in Your kindness, hear our prayer –

+ For peace and goodwill throughout the world, that Your people may be united in faith and live quietly….
+ For Your church leaders throughout the world, that they may lead by example….
+ For Your church throughout the world, that we might be a light to the nations….
+ For all who proclaim the Gospel and teach and disciple others throughout the world, that they may bear good fruit….
+ For our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith. that they might receive Your grace to endure injustice….
+ For world leaders and those in authority, that they may recognize their accountability to You and govern accordingly….
+ For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, that they may receive Your help and comfort….
+ That all believers may experience Your forgiveness and healing love, particularly when we fail….
+ That all those who believe they are beyond Your mercy may experience Your compassion and and forgiveness, and be reconciled to You….

Merciful God, in Your kindness, You blot out our sins and failings: hear our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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“Psalm 51” (Wisdom in the Secret Heart) – Shane and Shane
Behold I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceived me
Behold you delight in the truth and the inward me and you teach me, wisdom in the secret heart.

Our sins not far but right in front of me against you and you alone God I am guilty
Wash me thoroughly cleanse me from iniquity, and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Create in me a clean heart, oh God, Renew a right spirit within me, oh God
Cast me not away from Your presence, take not Your Holy Spirit
restore in me the joy of Your salvation. and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Send me the chief of sinners to proclaim, come be forgiven the sin of the lamb of God was slain
Open my lips and my mouth will declare your endless praise, and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Create in me a clean heart, oh God, Renew a right spirit within me, oh God
Cast me not away from Your presence, take not Your Holy Spirit
restore in me the joy of Your salvation, and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart
wisdom in the secret heart

The Lord is gracious. and slow to anger. Rich in love, He is good to all good to all

Create in me a clean heart, oh God, Renew a right spirit within me, oh God
Cast me not away from Your presence, take not Your Holy Spirit
restore in me the joy of Your salvation, and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart
wisdom in the secret heart

Closing: – 1 Timothy 1:14,15 –

Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled us with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Saturday Morning, 14 Sep 2019 – Matthew 10:24- 11:1 ~ Fear only God.

Saturday Morning

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:  (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading: Matthew 10:24- 11:1 (NLT)

Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!

“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!’

“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

“Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

Jesus and John the Baptist

When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.

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Morning Reflection:

“Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell”

Don’t be afraid of –

+ Those who threaten you
+ Those who want to kill you
+ Disturbing the peace
+ Enemies within your own household
+ Taking up your cross
+ Giving up your life
+ Professing your faith in Jesus Christ

Fear only God –

+ Only God has the power of life and death over your soul
+ Only God knows every detail about you, loves you,  and highly values you
Only  God  will reward you in heaven for acknowledging your faith in Jesus Christ

Questions for consideration:

In polite society,e.g. in social settings or family gatherings –   it’s a generally accepted  rule that one should not disturb the peace by bring up the subjects of religion or politics.

  • Have you ever been accused of “disturbing the peace” by talking about your faith in Jesus Christ? Please explain.
  • Have you ever run into opposition to your faith in Christ within your own household? Please explain.
  • Have you ever remained silent regarding your faith in Christ because of real or implied threats at work or in your neighborhood? Please explain.
  • When you think of the cross God has given you to bear, what comes to mind? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: for trustfulness in times of worry and anxiety –

Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“You Are My Hiding Place” – Selah

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen