Tuesday Morning, 01 Oct 2019 – Matthew 17:1-21 ~ shock and awe

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.
__________

Morning Reading – Matthew 17:1-21 (NLT)

The Transfiguration

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Then his disciples asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?”

Jesus replied, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn’t recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer.” Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy

At the foot of the mountain, a large crowd was waiting for them. A man came and knelt before Jesus and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.”

Jesus said, “You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well.

Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
__________

Morning Reflection:

shock and awe

“This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.
– Matthew 17:14-15 –

When people see the glory of God revealed and realize that they are in His presence, they feel terror. The purpose of the transfiguration was primarily confirmation – confirmation of the reality of a future kingdom.

+ The presence of Old Testament saints on earth with Christ in a glorified state verified the kingdom promises in the Old Testament.

+ The reality of this kingdom is also evident from the connection of the transfiguration with the promise of Matthew 16:27-28. The Son of Man was going to come one day to judge the world and establish His kingdom (Matthew 16:27).

+ As an earnest of the coming of the kingdom three disciples were permitted to see the Son of Man in His kingdom (Matthew 16:28). This is exactly the manner in which Peter uses the transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16-21).”

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever been in the presence of God, and/or heard his voice? How did you respond? Please explain.
When you consider that the Transfiguration is a glimpse into the coming Kingdom, how does that shape your understanding of Jesus’ return on the day of judgement? Please explain.
How do you reconcile the Father’s affirmation: “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy,” with Jesus prediction of his coming suffering and death? Please explain.
Where do you need to exercise faith in your life – for God to do the seemingly impossible? Please explain.

_________
Morning Prayer: Prayer – For the Coming of God’s Kingdom

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
__________

“I Can Only Imagine” – MercyMe

__________

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: 24 Sep 2019 – Matthew 13:44-58 ~ the problem of unbelief

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

Morning Reading – Matthew 13:44-58 (NLT)

Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

Parable of the Fishing Net

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Do you understand all these things?”

“Yes,” they said, “we do.”

Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.”

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country. He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
__________

Morning Reflection:

The Problem of Unbelief

And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
– Matthew13:58 –

The essential problem of unbelief is that it devalues Jesus and his Kingdom. Today’s Kingdom parables and Jesus’ visit to Nazareth are illustrative.

+ The Treasure and Pearl – both make the point that the Kingdom of God is so valuable that the seeker is willing to look everywhere and sell everything in order to participate in it. But how many of us are actually eager to sacrifice everything – to pay any price – to join Jesus in the advance of his Kingdom? Why not? Because unbelief devalues the worth of his person and the Kingdom that he so freely offers.

+ The Fishing Net – makes the point of separation and accountability on the day of judgement. – the good and righteous will receive their promised Kingdom inheritance while the bad and wicked will be destroyed.

What distinguishes the two? – Unbelief.
_The good understand the unparalleled value and worth of Jesus and his Kingdom; they find their satisfaction (highest joy) in him and are willing to make the daily sacrifice of obedience, of delayed gratification, in order to receive their promised inheritance.
_The bad devalue Jesus and his promises to find their satisfaction in the things of this life – money, sex and power – they want it now, and have bought into the lie that the one who dies with the most toys wins. They are tragically mistaken.

+ Nazareth – The unbelief of Jesus’ family and neighbors in his home town is a devaluation of his worth from another perspective – familiarity. They were so used to seeing him in the context of everyday life that they couldn’t appreciate the wonder of his person and the worth of his coming Kingdom. In essence, he was hidden from them in plain sight. The result was that their unbelief prevented them from participation in the signs and wonders of the Kingdom. Familiarity devalued Jesus’ person and his Kingdom.

Questions for consideration:

Do you believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ and citizenship in his Kingdom is your most precious possession? Please explain?
What has following Jesus cost you? What have you sacrificed? Has it been worth it? Please explain.
Can you think of ways that unbelief has affected your relationship with Jesus? Please explain.
Can you think of ways that familiarity has led to unbelief in your life? Please explain.

_________
Morning Prayer: Prayer – For Satisfaction in Christ (Julian of Norwich)

O God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all. Amen.

__________

“Seek First” – Housefires

Peace that passes, my understanding
Love that conquers, my fear and regret
Joy unending, eternal pleasure
In your presence, my risen King

I will seek first, Your kingdom
I will seek first, Your righteousness
Everything I need, You will provide for me
My heart is to seek first, Your kingdom

You’re all I really want
You’re all I really need
Father every breath I’ve got
You have given it to me
__________

Closing:

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

Tuesday Morning: 10 Sep 2019 – Matthew 8:18-34 ~ Our fears test our faith.

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

Morning Reading – Matthew 8:18-34 (NLT)

The Cost of Following Jesus

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.

Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.”

Jesus Calms the Storm

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men

When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area.

They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”

There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”

“All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.
__________

Morning Reflection:

Our fears test our faith.

“Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”
– Matthew 8:26 –

In today’s reading, Jesus is surrounded by crowds of people who are drawn to him by him by his preaching, teaching and healing. And several of them are inclined to follow him – but first, they must face their fears. And so it is today; following Jesus in principle is one thing . But following Jesus in practice is another matter altogether- that’s when our fears challenge our faith.Here are some of the fears Jesus addressed in this reading?

+ Fear of homelessness (vs19) – the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head. Following Jesus a challenge for those who plan ahead when they travel. They want to know where they will sleep on any given night. But Jesus says trust me, don’t expect a grand hotel, but we’ll find something.

+ Fear of criticism (vs 22) -Jesus told him, Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead. Families exert powerful influence on our lives, for better or worse. In this case, a man simply wanted to pay respect to his father, and not doing so opened him to criticism and perhaps even estrangement from his family. But Jesus says, following me is more important than meeting family obligations.

+ Fear of death (vs26) – Jesus responded, Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!Concern Fear for our physical safety is built into our human nature – and these seasoned fishermen were genuinely afraid of drowning. But more, they were afraid that Jesus didn’t care. But Jesus amazes them by calming the storm and their fear of death at the same time. Jesus says: “are you afraid of drowning?” – Don’t worry, I’m in control.

+ Fear of discovery (vs29) – Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? – What drives people to do wrong? The traditional answer is – the world, the flesh, and the devil. And in this case, it’s the devil. But regardless of the source, fear of discovery of their temptations translates into fear of Jesus – fear that the the temptation driving their lives will be exposed.

+ Fear of financial loss (vs34) -Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone. Jesus disrupted the status quo and the business and economic interests of the town. The loss of the pigs was a huge financial loss for everyone involved.

Questions for consideration:

Do you have a regular place to sleep at night? What comforts would you be willing to give up to follow Jesus? Please explain.
How does your family influence your faith? Have your family obligations ever prevented you from following Jesus? Please explain.
Do you have concerns about your health or physical safety? How do they affect your ability to follow Jesus? Please explain.
Can you identify some of the temptations that are driving the society in which you live? In your opinion, which of these are demonic? Which of these affect you? Please explain.
What would it cost you, or your empolyer to follow Jesus? Would it cause you economic hardship? Please explain.

_________

Morning Prayer: 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.

__________

“Not Afraid” – Jesus Culture

__________

Closing:

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

Tuesday Morning: 20 Aug 2019 – Matthew 5:17-32 ~ Jesus’ teaching on the Law, Anger, Adultery, and Divorce

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

Morning Reading – Matthew 5:1-16 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount (Continued)

Teaching about the Law

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

Teaching about Anger

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

Teaching about Adultery

“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Teaching about Divorce

“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.
__________

Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ teaching on Anger

“You have heard that our ancestors were told,
‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’
But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!”
– Matthew 5:21-22 –

Jesus began his teaching on righteousness in the Kingdom of God by describing the character and conduct that God blesses. This should not have surprised his listeners since his description conformed to the revelation of God’s will in the Old Testament. In fact, Jesus declares that he came to accomplish its purpose.

But while the Law primarily addressed behavior, Jesus addressed the thoughts and feelings that drive the behavior – in other words, Jesus addressed what’s going on in our hearts. His teaching on anger is a good example.

When God gave the sixth commandment, He did not just want people to refrain from murdering one another. He wanted them to refrain from the hatred that leads to murder. Murder is only the external manifestation of the internal problem. The scribes and Pharisees dealt only with the external act. Jesus showed that God’s concern ran much deeper. (John Stott)

Questions for consideration:

What makes you angry? People with full shopping carts in the express checkout line? Slow drivers in the fast lane? Something else? Please explain.
On a deeper level, what makes you angry? Betrayal of trust through adultery? Rejection through divorce? Some other betrayal or abuse of trust? Please explain.
How have you dealt with feelings of anger, resentment, or bitterness? Have you held on to them? Or have you released them to God? Please explain.

_________

Morning Prayer: Prayer to release Anger, Resentment and Bitterness

Gracious God, hear me and answer me. You know I am troubled by thoughts and feelings of anger, resentment and bitterness. You also know why. And You know how deep the hurt goes and how long I have lived with it. But I don’t want to live with it any longer. I don’t want to be an angry, resentful and bitter person. With Your help, I release my anger into Your hands. I surrender my resentment. I let go of my bitterness. Help me to keep letting go and release these toxic emotions as often as they try to return. I ask this in Jesus’ name through the power of his Spirit at work in me. Amen.

__________

“Heal My Broken Heart” – Patty Felker

__________

Closing:

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

Tuesday Morning: 13 Aug 2019 – Matthew 2:1-15 ~ King Jesus: Love him/Hate him

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

Morning Reading – Matthew 2:1-15 (NLT)

Visitors from the East

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

The Escape to Egypt

After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”
__________

Morning Reflection:

King Jesus: Love him/Hate him.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod.
– Matthew 2:1 –

Matthew cites Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem as another prophetic validation of his Kingship. But what kind of reception would King Jesus receive? The Wise Men loved him, and Herod hated him.

+ The Wise Men recognized that there had been a cosmic announcement of a newborn Jewish King – one who was worthy of their worship, even though they were Gentiles.
+ King Herod discovered that Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of Jewish rulers – one who threatened his position and authority, one who must be eliminated.

And so it is today: Believers welcome his kingship and worship him, willing accepting his teaching and authority. While unbelievers reject his authority and go to great lengths to eliminate him in every area of public life.

Questions for consideration:

Why do you think the wise men traveled such a great distance to find Jesus? What were they searching for? Please explain.
What were you searching for when you found Jesus? How have you worshiped him and accepted his authority in your life? Please explain.
What is Jesus leading you to be, say, or do? Where does Jesus want you to trust him, to follow him? Please explain.
Why do you think that unbelievers go to such great lengths to eliminate Jesus from public discourse? Please explain.

_________

Morning Prayer: Epiphany

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face.

+ Fill us with wonder, that we may fall down before you in worship.
+ Deliver us from evil, that we may welcome your Kingship over us.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
__________

“King of Kings” – Hillsong Worship

__________

Closing:

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