Luk 7:18-23 Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, 'Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?'" And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. "And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
While I was seeing this paragraph, a question came up to me. I do not know if there are my misunderstandings???
John ever testified that Jesus is the son of God and said he needs to be baptized by Jesus. (Joh 1:29-34; Mat 3:14) He has known that Jesus is his Lord. Why John here still doubted it whether Jesus is the coming Messiah, while he was hearing the reports from his disciples about Jesus’ acts and signs? Was he in doubt about the divine nature of Jesus?
Jesus replied to them not directly “Yes” or “No”, but rather indirectly that telling John the events the disciples of John have seen or have heard, which are corresponding to the verses 35:5-6 and 61:1 in Jeremiah to approve that he is the coming one.
The reason that Jesus did not declare it directly is for letting us to consider it and then to believe truly without doubt that he is the all mighty, the holy God, the one who can save us from the sin. These kind of believe is complete and eternal.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Mark 9
"23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
These 2 verses are full of hope, love, and mercy. Hope for those who believe. Love from Jesus Christ to make the impossible possible. Mercy from God who will help us in our attempt to believing and our weaness when our belief is incomplete. As we know, at the end, the child was healed when the spirit of deaf and dumb was cast out. Only Blieve (Hymn 373).
These 2 verses are full of hope, love, and mercy. Hope for those who believe. Love from Jesus Christ to make the impossible possible. Mercy from God who will help us in our attempt to believing and our weaness when our belief is incomplete. As we know, at the end, the child was healed when the spirit of deaf and dumb was cast out. Only Blieve (Hymn 373).
2 Samuel 13
"28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, “Watch now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon!’ then kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant.” 29 So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and each one got on his mule and fled. 30 And it came to pass, while they were on the way, that news came to David, saying, “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left!” 31 So the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn. 32 Then Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered and said, “Let not my lord suppose they have killed all the young men, the king’s sons, for only Amnon is dead. "
This is a good passage to teach us to go to the primary source for informationn to prevent believing in false information. This also is the same when interacting with people. If someone talks about someone else to you, you should not be too quick to assume whatever is passed on to you is the complete story. The best source of information is still from the someone else that is being talked about. Many times misunderstandings result because of rumors and gossips. At its worst, a simple misunderstanding could cause two people to hate each other. We should be careful not become a tool for Satan and fall into this temptation. Be careful not to cause disharmony amongst our spiritual family with careless words.
This is a good passage to teach us to go to the primary source for informationn to prevent believing in false information. This also is the same when interacting with people. If someone talks about someone else to you, you should not be too quick to assume whatever is passed on to you is the complete story. The best source of information is still from the someone else that is being talked about. Many times misunderstandings result because of rumors and gossips. At its worst, a simple misunderstanding could cause two people to hate each other. We should be careful not become a tool for Satan and fall into this temptation. Be careful not to cause disharmony amongst our spiritual family with careless words.
Luke Chapter 6
Luk 6:27,28 "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
Since I have been baptized, I always thought about this question before. Why should a Christian love his enemies? Why should a Christian allow the attacks from his enemies? In normal no one will treat his enemy like this. But after accepting more teachings of God, I began to understand more closely the argument of it.
To sanctify ourselves and to love people with Christ’s heart.
While Jesus died for us, we were still under the bandage of sins, we even teased him and scourged him. Jesus Lord has loved us before we love him, and he forgives our sins while we are incomplete. When Jesus was nailed on the cross, he said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do”. So as Stephen was stoned before his death, he said "Lord, do not charge them with this sin”. If we have this spiritual love of Christ, then the people will know that we are different from others and belong to God. We are Christians.
Besides speaking of Forgiveness we are familiar with, which is from Matthew chapter 18, up to seventy times seven. If we see someone as our enemy, it is because he did something to us that we are uncomfortable. It is the question that does he know that? Is he willing to result the troubles, if he knows? It is often that we set ourselves into the tricks of hatred and sin. No one is suffering, but rather ourselves who remind the trouble. Actually only we can release ourselves from the hatred, let us not in sin if we can pray for our enemies with God’s love, and this attitude is also the highest level of forgiveness.
On my opinion that unless the real one enemy, the Satan, there is no enemy on the world. As Jesus said “they do not know what they do”. If we follow in the Spirit, then we will grow the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. We will no more be bounded by sin.
1Pe 3:17,18 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.
Since I have been baptized, I always thought about this question before. Why should a Christian love his enemies? Why should a Christian allow the attacks from his enemies? In normal no one will treat his enemy like this. But after accepting more teachings of God, I began to understand more closely the argument of it.
To sanctify ourselves and to love people with Christ’s heart.
While Jesus died for us, we were still under the bandage of sins, we even teased him and scourged him. Jesus Lord has loved us before we love him, and he forgives our sins while we are incomplete. When Jesus was nailed on the cross, he said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do”. So as Stephen was stoned before his death, he said "Lord, do not charge them with this sin”. If we have this spiritual love of Christ, then the people will know that we are different from others and belong to God. We are Christians.
Besides speaking of Forgiveness we are familiar with, which is from Matthew chapter 18, up to seventy times seven. If we see someone as our enemy, it is because he did something to us that we are uncomfortable. It is the question that does he know that? Is he willing to result the troubles, if he knows? It is often that we set ourselves into the tricks of hatred and sin. No one is suffering, but rather ourselves who remind the trouble. Actually only we can release ourselves from the hatred, let us not in sin if we can pray for our enemies with God’s love, and this attitude is also the highest level of forgiveness.
On my opinion that unless the real one enemy, the Satan, there is no enemy on the world. As Jesus said “they do not know what they do”. If we follow in the Spirit, then we will grow the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. We will no more be bounded by sin.
1Pe 3:17,18 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Suggestion
Alright lovely folks, I don't know about you, but I get a lot more out of the reflection sharing when I'm reading the same chapters you are. It helps me when I read your reflections to know exactly under what context you are writing it, since the chapter is still fresh on my mind. So I am going to make a proposal that we stop at the last chapter of Luke until the last person finishes Luke. After that, we start to read together on the same chapter again. Of course, during the time that you finish Luke and before the last person finishes, you can share whatever book you are reading for that day, as long as it's not Gospel John :). What do you think? Please respond.
Luke 24
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened..."
"13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him..."
"Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures."
This story still amazes me, and it can be viewed from 2 different aspects. The people's attitude toward Jesus, and the attitude Jesus allows the people to have towards Him. They may seem contradictory to each other, but they actually support each other. This passage also shows us why Peter is valued more by Jesus than others.
On one hand, it's His disciples' disbelief in what has happened to Jesus (vs. 11, 25, 38). Even though Jesus had been with them and told them what is to happen, they still did not believe when the prophesy is being fulfilled before their eyes (vs. 25-27, 44). No wonder Jesus rejected the Pharisees and the teachers of the law's request to see a miraculous sign and instead answered them, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah" (Matthew 12:38,39). No signs will be given to them because even if it was given to them, and they see it happen before them, they will still not believe. This is very much like what is happening in this chapter. Even though Jesus is before them in person, they still doubt what is happening, and doubt what Jesus has told them before concerning the prophesy of His resurrection. Do we also do the same sometimes?
On the other hand, Peter stood out among the disciples. Instead of doubting the women's report, Peter was the only one who ran to the tomb. Verse 12 especially started with, 'But', to set Peter apart from those who did not believe. This incident once again puts Peter in the spotlight, very much like when he walked on water towards Jesus. That although Peter had his moments of weakness when he saw the waves around him, and when he denies Jesus; but deep within, Peter is the one who constantly reaches out to Jesus. That even with his moments of weakness, Jesus especially chose Peter to be responsible for His lamb and sheep. It is indeed true that God looks at the heart (1 Peter 3:4) if we would only give our heart to Him. He will help us overcome our weaknesses.
Lastly, it is interesting that the chapter seem to tell us that Jesus is the one who restrained the people from knowing Him (vs. 16). That without Jesus opening their eyes, the disciples are not able to comprehend what is happening (vs. 31, 45). This lets us know that it is truly the mercy of God that we are able to comprehend the mysteries of God and His Word. That without His help, we will be as blind as Cleopas, who is not able to know that Jesus is standing before Him. That even after having followed Jesus for so long, His own disciples are still not able to understand what He spoke to them while He was with them. With the grace of God, He opened our eyes and our heart to Him. Granted, all of these people do care about Jesus, since they took the time to discuss the events concerning Jesus. And Jesus loved them for that. At the end, they worshiped Him, returned to Jerusalem to wait for the Promise from above, and continually praising and blessing God. What a beautiful ending for those who care about God, that even in the midst of their weaknesses, they were given mercy and grace.
"13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him..."
"Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures."
This story still amazes me, and it can be viewed from 2 different aspects. The people's attitude toward Jesus, and the attitude Jesus allows the people to have towards Him. They may seem contradictory to each other, but they actually support each other. This passage also shows us why Peter is valued more by Jesus than others.
On one hand, it's His disciples' disbelief in what has happened to Jesus (vs. 11, 25, 38). Even though Jesus had been with them and told them what is to happen, they still did not believe when the prophesy is being fulfilled before their eyes (vs. 25-27, 44). No wonder Jesus rejected the Pharisees and the teachers of the law's request to see a miraculous sign and instead answered them, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah" (Matthew 12:38,39). No signs will be given to them because even if it was given to them, and they see it happen before them, they will still not believe. This is very much like what is happening in this chapter. Even though Jesus is before them in person, they still doubt what is happening, and doubt what Jesus has told them before concerning the prophesy of His resurrection. Do we also do the same sometimes?
On the other hand, Peter stood out among the disciples. Instead of doubting the women's report, Peter was the only one who ran to the tomb. Verse 12 especially started with, 'But', to set Peter apart from those who did not believe. This incident once again puts Peter in the spotlight, very much like when he walked on water towards Jesus. That although Peter had his moments of weakness when he saw the waves around him, and when he denies Jesus; but deep within, Peter is the one who constantly reaches out to Jesus. That even with his moments of weakness, Jesus especially chose Peter to be responsible for His lamb and sheep. It is indeed true that God looks at the heart (1 Peter 3:4) if we would only give our heart to Him. He will help us overcome our weaknesses.
Lastly, it is interesting that the chapter seem to tell us that Jesus is the one who restrained the people from knowing Him (vs. 16). That without Jesus opening their eyes, the disciples are not able to comprehend what is happening (vs. 31, 45). This lets us know that it is truly the mercy of God that we are able to comprehend the mysteries of God and His Word. That without His help, we will be as blind as Cleopas, who is not able to know that Jesus is standing before Him. That even after having followed Jesus for so long, His own disciples are still not able to understand what He spoke to them while He was with them. With the grace of God, He opened our eyes and our heart to Him. Granted, all of these people do care about Jesus, since they took the time to discuss the events concerning Jesus. And Jesus loved them for that. At the end, they worshiped Him, returned to Jerusalem to wait for the Promise from above, and continually praising and blessing God. What a beautiful ending for those who care about God, that even in the midst of their weaknesses, they were given mercy and grace.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Luke 10
Luke10:7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
Luke10:8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.
When I read these verses I first did not understand, why the disciples who were sent out by Jesus should not go from house to house to collect their food. But Jesus commands them to remain in the same house and also to eat and drink, what this house gives them.
If we compare remaining in one house and going from house to house we will see, that actually going from house to house is better than just remaining in one house:
When Jesus was tempted by Satan, Jesus answered to the first temptation:
Luke4:4‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’
So the reason why Jesus commanded his disciples not to go from house to house was that he wanted to make them know on what they should pay attention or what is important: It is not the food, but the word of God they should concentrate on. So it was not important, if they received what they liked or not, but they shall live by the every word of God.
Jesus wanted to train them to "suffer" (haha.. i mean: they do not really suffer but they maybe have to eat less or what they dont like) and he wanted them to know, that ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’
Another reason might be, that Jesus also wanted to see, whether the families were willing to give so much (food and care) for the disciples of Jesus. Because for receiving peace they also have to be willing to give food...
Luke10:8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.
When I read these verses I first did not understand, why the disciples who were sent out by Jesus should not go from house to house to collect their food. But Jesus commands them to remain in the same house and also to eat and drink, what this house gives them.
If we compare remaining in one house and going from house to house we will see, that actually going from house to house is better than just remaining in one house:
- By going from house to house collecting food the disciples always will have enough to eat (every family only has to give a little bit of what they have and the disciples would already have a lot to eat) and I also think they can also choose from what they have (they can eat the things they like...)
- If every family in a city only has to give a bit of what they have their burden is very light. But if only one family has to provide the two disciples, then the burden of this family is very heavy.
When Jesus was tempted by Satan, Jesus answered to the first temptation:
Luke4:4‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’
So the reason why Jesus commanded his disciples not to go from house to house was that he wanted to make them know on what they should pay attention or what is important: It is not the food, but the word of God they should concentrate on. So it was not important, if they received what they liked or not, but they shall live by the every word of God.
Jesus wanted to train them to "suffer" (haha.. i mean: they do not really suffer but they maybe have to eat less or what they dont like) and he wanted them to know, that ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’
Another reason might be, that Jesus also wanted to see, whether the families were willing to give so much (food and care) for the disciples of Jesus. Because for receiving peace they also have to be willing to give food...
Luke Chapter 5
5:18-20 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. When He saw their faith, He said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."
This paragraph appears also in other gospels of Matthew and Mark. There are especially more details in Mark, which this paralytic was carried by four men, and because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where Jesus was and broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
Carrying a paralytic with a bed is a hard work. Unless a strong purpose this four carry men could give up bringing the paralytic to Jesus at the beginning, not even going up on the housetop and breaking the roof in order to let the paralytic down before Jesus. I think the paralytic on that time did not do anything. Jesus was seeing is the faith of these four carry men and to the end caused the paralytic to be healed. The actions of these carry men could be transferred into the prayer for each other, for these who have less faith, or for do not believe, in hope that God hearing the prayers and forgiving their sins. Of course those people could be changed by good faith, behavior, and love/ the fragrance of Christ and further tune an opportunity to God to let God into their heart.
Jas 5:15-16 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
This paragraph appears also in other gospels of Matthew and Mark. There are especially more details in Mark, which this paralytic was carried by four men, and because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where Jesus was and broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
Carrying a paralytic with a bed is a hard work. Unless a strong purpose this four carry men could give up bringing the paralytic to Jesus at the beginning, not even going up on the housetop and breaking the roof in order to let the paralytic down before Jesus. I think the paralytic on that time did not do anything. Jesus was seeing is the faith of these four carry men and to the end caused the paralytic to be healed. The actions of these carry men could be transferred into the prayer for each other, for these who have less faith, or for do not believe, in hope that God hearing the prayers and forgiving their sins. Of course those people could be changed by good faith, behavior, and love/ the fragrance of Christ and further tune an opportunity to God to let God into their heart.
Jas 5:15-16 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Luke 23
"54 That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. 55 And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment."
These verses illustrate how important it is to keep the Sabbath. That the people rested on Sabbath even in preparing the body of Jesus for burial. Why? Because it was according to the commandment. They did not make excuses saying, "Oh, but we are preparing spices and fragrant oils for Jesus. You know? THE JESUS? God would understand if we don't rest on this particular Sabbath." The people never made an excuse for themselves and speak on behalf of God. I think this is a good spirit for us to learn, that we do things because it's ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDMENT, and not make excuses because of our own spiritual weakness. This applies to all other commandments which God made. God has given us each other so that we can help each other in times of weakness, so that we can be strong for those who are weak, and have support when we ourselves are weak. Let's continue to help each other in this spiritual journey :)
These verses illustrate how important it is to keep the Sabbath. That the people rested on Sabbath even in preparing the body of Jesus for burial. Why? Because it was according to the commandment. They did not make excuses saying, "Oh, but we are preparing spices and fragrant oils for Jesus. You know? THE JESUS? God would understand if we don't rest on this particular Sabbath." The people never made an excuse for themselves and speak on behalf of God. I think this is a good spirit for us to learn, that we do things because it's ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDMENT, and not make excuses because of our own spiritual weakness. This applies to all other commandments which God made. God has given us each other so that we can help each other in times of weakness, so that we can be strong for those who are weak, and have support when we ourselves are weak. Let's continue to help each other in this spiritual journey :)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Luke 20. 21.
Luke 20:18 „Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but ho on whom if falls will be crushed. “
A conclusion to the Parable of the Tenants which applies mainly to the teachers of the law and the chief priest. The relationship between the man who planed the vineyard and the farmers who rented it is just bounded by this contract. It seems that there is not a relationship on a more emotional basis. Only the contract which allows the farmer to be and grow on this land and afterwards to give a share of the fruits to the owner connects the two sides. This is what can be seen in the first verses (9, 10) It is interesting to see that from wherever you come (from the top or the bottom), if you are not a good fried with this stone and fall on or it falls on you, you will be crushed or break into peaces.
Luke 21:28 “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
When all these troublesome signs happen we should not only see and recognise the nearing end but also see and keep in mind the hope we have through our faith. That we do not only see the bad things happening in this world but look beyond it and see what there is more and what everything means. In fact Jesus strongly recommend us to escape all that is about to happen (V36).
A conclusion to the Parable of the Tenants which applies mainly to the teachers of the law and the chief priest. The relationship between the man who planed the vineyard and the farmers who rented it is just bounded by this contract. It seems that there is not a relationship on a more emotional basis. Only the contract which allows the farmer to be and grow on this land and afterwards to give a share of the fruits to the owner connects the two sides. This is what can be seen in the first verses (9, 10) It is interesting to see that from wherever you come (from the top or the bottom), if you are not a good fried with this stone and fall on or it falls on you, you will be crushed or break into peaces.
Luke 21:28 “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
When all these troublesome signs happen we should not only see and recognise the nearing end but also see and keep in mind the hope we have through our faith. That we do not only see the bad things happening in this world but look beyond it and see what there is more and what everything means. In fact Jesus strongly recommend us to escape all that is about to happen (V36).
Luke 9
Luke9:49 Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”
Luke9:50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us[c] is on our[d] side.”
When I read the verse, that "someone casting out demons in Your [Jesus] name" I thought of a quite interesting and funny story/event recorded in the book of acts:
Acts19:13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We[a] exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” (They used the name of Jesus, to cast out demons... they were playing with a power that they themselves didn't know very well..."whom Paul preaches" =>they don't really know Jesus but take him as a weapon or tool to cast out demons)
Acts19:14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. (Sons of a Jewish chief priest... sons with quite some authority and reputation)
Acts19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (Again we see: the evil spirits know Jesus very well (I think I have shared this already before), and the evil spirits also know the workers of God=> and they fear them. But people they don't know, they actually do not fear them, because they are under their rule (=the world is their kingdom))
Acts19:16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered[b] them, and prevailed against them,[c] so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (If I am honest... when I read this verse I had to laugh and maybe I felt quite content or happy... those people who wanted to abuse the name of Jesus were finally beaten by the evil spirit. Not even God had to punish them or to do anything to them. It was the evil spirit they went to. God easily just did nothing and let the things go their own way. )
Acts19:17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.(So this event had great impact on the faith of the people. Afterwards they also burned their magic books (verse19) , which they could have sold for a lot of money...)
So.. just an interesting story about "casting out demons in the name of Jesus".
Luke9:50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us[c] is on our[d] side.”
When I read the verse, that "someone casting out demons in Your [Jesus] name" I thought of a quite interesting and funny story/event recorded in the book of acts:
Acts19:13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We[a] exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” (They used the name of Jesus, to cast out demons... they were playing with a power that they themselves didn't know very well..."whom Paul preaches" =>they don't really know Jesus but take him as a weapon or tool to cast out demons)
Acts19:14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. (Sons of a Jewish chief priest... sons with quite some authority and reputation)
Acts19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (Again we see: the evil spirits know Jesus very well (I think I have shared this already before), and the evil spirits also know the workers of God=> and they fear them. But people they don't know, they actually do not fear them, because they are under their rule (=the world is their kingdom))
Acts19:16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered[b] them, and prevailed against them,[c] so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (If I am honest... when I read this verse I had to laugh and maybe I felt quite content or happy... those people who wanted to abuse the name of Jesus were finally beaten by the evil spirit. Not even God had to punish them or to do anything to them. It was the evil spirit they went to. God easily just did nothing and let the things go their own way. )
Acts19:17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.(So this event had great impact on the faith of the people. Afterwards they also burned their magic books (verse19) , which they could have sold for a lot of money...)
So.. just an interesting story about "casting out demons in the name of Jesus".
Friday, January 23, 2009
Luke Chapter 4
Sometimes we may think that the life is filled with Holy Spirit and led by Holy Spirit would be wonderful as ch.23: 1, 2 in Psalms”the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters”. But it is in fact not always smoothly as we thought. Sometimes he may lead us to face some difficulties, even just after being baptized.
Luk 4:1-2 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness being tempted for forty days by the devil...
This is similar to the scenario after Moses brought Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, which is symbolized the baptism, they went into the wilderness of Shur.
God might not give us a smooth way, for example the fortune and glory, because he knows that our faith is weak and those could keep ourselves far away from him. Devil knows in the same way, how we weak are and what our weakness is. He tries to find any opportunities to strike us down in order to let us to leave away from God. So God led Jesus and Israel to the wilderness. Why? The wilderness is although considered as misfortune and bitterness, but it is also a place where clears the worldly matter and makes people concern with what is the real importance in life. It could be on the way that reaching God more closely if obeying loyally the introduction of Holy Spirit and keeping the God’s word in mind, or on the other way which is leading to spiritual death. We may think that we could not overcome the obstacles, but through the prayer and depend on the power from above, he will add us what we do not have. Only Staying and obeying by God, a temptation of evil could be a test of God.
Rev 2:10 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Luk 4:1-2 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness being tempted for forty days by the devil...
This is similar to the scenario after Moses brought Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, which is symbolized the baptism, they went into the wilderness of Shur.
God might not give us a smooth way, for example the fortune and glory, because he knows that our faith is weak and those could keep ourselves far away from him. Devil knows in the same way, how we weak are and what our weakness is. He tries to find any opportunities to strike us down in order to let us to leave away from God. So God led Jesus and Israel to the wilderness. Why? The wilderness is although considered as misfortune and bitterness, but it is also a place where clears the worldly matter and makes people concern with what is the real importance in life. It could be on the way that reaching God more closely if obeying loyally the introduction of Holy Spirit and keeping the God’s word in mind, or on the other way which is leading to spiritual death. We may think that we could not overcome the obstacles, but through the prayer and depend on the power from above, he will add us what we do not have. Only Staying and obeying by God, a temptation of evil could be a test of God.
Rev 2:10 "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Luke 19.
5 "When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up"
Little Zachäus wanted to see Jesus. But he was not able cause he was too small... so he tired another way to see him. But he did not expected that Jesus would spot him and look up to him. So when Jesus spoke to him he welcomed him gladly. Maybe there are some situations in live where we feel neglected or people do not see us. But at least there is someone how will lift his head and find us in the most uncommen place and wants to be with us. No matter how small or bad we did, as long as there is a heart willing to welcome him and repent and change.
Little Zachäus wanted to see Jesus. But he was not able cause he was too small... so he tired another way to see him. But he did not expected that Jesus would spot him and look up to him. So when Jesus spoke to him he welcomed him gladly. Maybe there are some situations in live where we feel neglected or people do not see us. But at least there is someone how will lift his head and find us in the most uncommen place and wants to be with us. No matter how small or bad we did, as long as there is a heart willing to welcome him and repent and change.
Luke chapter 09 (b)
34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.
When I read this paragraph, I was interested in the timing which the disciples got afraid. They were afraid as they entered the cloud, but not as they saw the vision of transformation. Reviewing the case of Moses:
29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.
30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.
Unlike Aaron and all the Israelites, the disciples' fear didn't came from facing the glory of Jesus. Instead, they can look at it. It's just the difference between the old testimony and the new one. In the age of new testimony, we can reflect God's glory with our unveiled faces whenever we turn to the Lord. That's the teaching in 2 Corinthians 3.13-18:
13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away.
14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.
15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
That's why the disciples can face Jesus's glory without fear, and even with joy. Not only because they have already turned to Lord, but also because they got progress in their faith. Let's consider the stages of these 3 disciple's faith. They have been chosen and have listened to Jesus's teachings(Luke6), they witnessed Jesus's power and miracles(Luke7.1-17; 8.22-56; 9-14-17) and they also had oral tests(Luke7.41-43; 9.13; 9.18-20) and internships(Luke8.23-25; 9.1-6). Therefore, they got progress day by day, and their intimacy with Jesus also developed.
However, why do they still turn into fear later?
That is the moment that they entered the cloud and cannot see Jesus for a while. That's the moment that they were afraid. Here comes a question: Why do God come in a figure of cloud? Why not in fire, in light, or just a voice or something else, but cloud? For me, I think the purpose might be to hide Jesus, or to seperate Jesus and the disciples, physically and mentally. Why do I think so?
Actually, since Peter identified Jesus as the Christ(Luke9.20), Jesus started to release the information of his death to disciples in many ways. This seperation held by cloud might just be an rehearsal of the day that Jesus truely leaves them away. Let's image the reactions of the disciples there:
"Oh God! Jesus disappered! What can we gonna do?" The disciples asked each other in a flurry.
Just at that time!!!! :
35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.
So they pricked up their ears and listened carefually. And then.....
36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone.[...]
Finally, they got peaceful because whenever they calm down to LISTEN to Jesus's tender voice and Jesus's words, instead of always SEEing the reality, they could find that Jesus is still there alone. Nothing can seperate us from God's love, unless we first got lost in the cloud of worries or sins. In brief, LISTEN to Jesus, in our daily life, and also in our prayers, then we can naturally SEE his power, his glory and his comfort before us.
Luke 18.
8 "I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
can someone explain the link between the part where he (God) can see that the chosen ones will get justice and the part where it asks if he will also find (see) faith on earth? Maybe it is just a nice question to think about if we can show faith. God will do what he promised and he will take care about the once who belong to him and will give them their justice.
10 "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable"
ja these words are said well. Being too confident makes once proud and despising others.
can someone explain the link between the part where he (God) can see that the chosen ones will get justice and the part where it asks if he will also find (see) faith on earth? Maybe it is just a nice question to think about if we can show faith. God will do what he promised and he will take care about the once who belong to him and will give them their justice.
10 "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable"
ja these words are said well. Being too confident makes once proud and despising others.
Luke 8 (this time it is LUKE!!^^)
Luke8:17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.
Nothing is secret that will not be revealed... so everything we do, we say will be revealed.
Rev.20:12And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
Let us keep in mind, that one day we will be judged according to our works. Also according to the words we say- maybe some words, which are not so nice (when we talk about others in secret... which happens very easily.).
Nothing is secret that will not be revealed... so everything we do, we say will be revealed.
Rev.20:12And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
Let us keep in mind, that one day we will be judged according to our works. Also according to the words we say- maybe some words, which are not so nice (when we talk about others in secret... which happens very easily.).
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Luke chapter 09 (a)
10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida,
11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.
In the begining, Jesus intended to take the apostles with him secretly, but the crowds searched for him , found him and insisted to follow him. Eventually Jesus welcomed them, but not chased them away. Therefore we can understand that our God is " a God who hides himself (Is 45.15) ". He hides himself, but he welcomes and appears to those who search for him. Just as his everlasting promise, no matter in the old testimony:
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD.(Jr 29.13-14)
or in the new testimony:
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Mt 7.7)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Luke 8
Luke8:6But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
Luke8:7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up[g] and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
Luke8:8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
Luke8:9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience,[h] went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
What a scenario... there are many very interesting points in this passage. The first one is: Jesus stooping down to write on the ground. What I am interested in: What did he actually write?? Just anything or something related to this topic/situation?? (Haha.. I know that these question are unneccessay... because there will not be an answer, as long as we are on earth)
But I think the main point is the effect his action has on this situation. While writing on the ground with his fingers, he acted as though he did not hear... and so they continued asking him.
And also after he has answered, he stooped down and wrote on the ground. What for?? Maybe to avoid an opportunity for them to accuse him. In writing on the ground he neither did anything wrong nor did he gave the Satan any room to attack him (Haha.. so if we don't want to be accused then we just have to stoop down and write on the ground... but again the question: What??---- what about the word of God??)
And at last, what I think is quite funny is that in the end everyone left- beginning from the oldest ones. So finnally all the people, who wanted to accuse Jesus left. They lost this battle. They couldnt respond anything to what Jesus said...
Luke8:7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up[g] and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
Luke8:8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
Luke8:9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience,[h] went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
What a scenario... there are many very interesting points in this passage. The first one is: Jesus stooping down to write on the ground. What I am interested in: What did he actually write?? Just anything or something related to this topic/situation?? (Haha.. I know that these question are unneccessay... because there will not be an answer, as long as we are on earth)
But I think the main point is the effect his action has on this situation. While writing on the ground with his fingers, he acted as though he did not hear... and so they continued asking him.
And also after he has answered, he stooped down and wrote on the ground. What for?? Maybe to avoid an opportunity for them to accuse him. In writing on the ground he neither did anything wrong nor did he gave the Satan any room to attack him (Haha.. so if we don't want to be accused then we just have to stoop down and write on the ground... but again the question: What??---- what about the word of God??)
And at last, what I think is quite funny is that in the end everyone left- beginning from the oldest ones. So finnally all the people, who wanted to accuse Jesus left. They lost this battle. They couldnt respond anything to what Jesus said...
Luke 17.
4 "If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."
It easily happens that we hurt other people bye what we say or do. And often we regret it after we thought about it. (my piano teaches said his today too.) Often these things happen when we are for example tired, unhappy etc. But after regretting it it is also hard to say it to the particular person. That is the reason why one of the character traits of the fruit of the spirit is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control."(Gal 5:22,23). Gentleness is something really nice and admirable.
The both examples of justice people leaving an evil world and escaping from the destruction and got saved are nice. I might point out one difference between these two examples which can representing two different groups.
On the one hand we have Noah who used up many many (is it recorded how many?) years to prepare and built a arch in which he can escape the flood. In order to escape he had to prepare, work and follow the instructions given by God. Only when he did the work and finished his building on the arch he could be saved. Because God used his own hands to save him.
On the other hand we have Lot who lived in the evil city Sodom which was later destroyed with the other town Gomorra. He lived there for a long time. He did not any preparations and was dragged out of the city. He called the people in the town his brother (1.mo19.7) and just after he left on the same day fire came down and destroyed both cities.
It seems that Lot was a last-minute saved person while Noah was booked for a long time and he had to wait quite long.
But it does not matter how you are finally saved. The main thing is that there will two sides and possibilities. Either you are dead or you are alive and saved.
"26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. 29 But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day no-one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no-one in the field should go back for anything. 32 Remember Lot's wife!"
It easily happens that we hurt other people bye what we say or do. And often we regret it after we thought about it. (my piano teaches said his today too.) Often these things happen when we are for example tired, unhappy etc. But after regretting it it is also hard to say it to the particular person. That is the reason why one of the character traits of the fruit of the spirit is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control."(Gal 5:22,23). Gentleness is something really nice and admirable.
The both examples of justice people leaving an evil world and escaping from the destruction and got saved are nice. I might point out one difference between these two examples which can representing two different groups.
On the one hand we have Noah who used up many many (is it recorded how many?) years to prepare and built a arch in which he can escape the flood. In order to escape he had to prepare, work and follow the instructions given by God. Only when he did the work and finished his building on the arch he could be saved. Because God used his own hands to save him.
On the other hand we have Lot who lived in the evil city Sodom which was later destroyed with the other town Gomorra. He lived there for a long time. He did not any preparations and was dragged out of the city. He called the people in the town his brother (1.mo19.7) and just after he left on the same day fire came down and destroyed both cities.
It seems that Lot was a last-minute saved person while Noah was booked for a long time and he had to wait quite long.
But it does not matter how you are finally saved. The main thing is that there will two sides and possibilities. Either you are dead or you are alive and saved.
"26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. 29 But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. 31 On that day no-one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no-one in the field should go back for anything. 32 Remember Lot's wife!"
Luke Chapter 3
I have some questions about this chapter.
Verse 7: Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Why John said the multitudes that came out to be baptized as brood of vipers? Are some of them the hypocrites, the ravenous wolves wearing in sheep’s clothing, come into among God’s sheep and try to weaken the faith of true believers? If they really are, they appear often within our church. How should we do to those?
Mat 13:30 'Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."' "
In my Opinion that we need not to scold them, but to pray for them and to beware of them. Judgment is not committed by us but by Lord Jesus. God does not give us the authority to judge someone. God will show his justice on his way until his coming.
Another question:
Verse 16: …He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Is the baptism with fire the fire of brimstone, which means the judgment in revolution?
Verse 7: Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Why John said the multitudes that came out to be baptized as brood of vipers? Are some of them the hypocrites, the ravenous wolves wearing in sheep’s clothing, come into among God’s sheep and try to weaken the faith of true believers? If they really are, they appear often within our church. How should we do to those?
Mat 13:30 'Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn."' "
In my Opinion that we need not to scold them, but to pray for them and to beware of them. Judgment is not committed by us but by Lord Jesus. God does not give us the authority to judge someone. God will show his justice on his way until his coming.
Another question:
Verse 16: …He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Is the baptism with fire the fire of brimstone, which means the judgment in revolution?
Luke 16.
10"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."
To be trustworthy and take responsibility means to be it in every situation and in different cases.
To be trustworthy and take responsibility means to be it in every situation and in different cases.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Luke chapter 08 (b)
Reply to Tiana's sharing on 09/12/08
Question: Why does Jesus ask the clear-headed Gerasene man to spread the miracle around(Lk8.39) while he asked the parents of the dead girl to keep silence about the miracle of reviving(Lk8.56)?
Actually, I also thought about this question for a long time, and just now a thought came to me. I think that this man is the only believer in the region of Gerasenes:
37 [...]all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear.
Even those who came in boat with Jesus also were filled with fear and amazement rather than believing in him:
25 In fear and amazement they asked one another, Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.
So maybe Jesus was commissioning this first seed to preach in the all region. And this man did recognize that he is the only one and did take his mission without fear or hesistation. I think he is really our model.
Comparing with Jairus's case, many people in this region has believed in Jesus and was waiting for Jesus back:
40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
It's not to say that Jesus are unwilling more people saved. I think maybe Jesus has a higher expectation to the people in this region, expectation that they come not just for the miracle, but for the truth or the teachings. I think it is also meaning for us nowadays. What do we come to see? To see the miracle or to seek God's teaching? And we could also think what kind of expectation Jesus has to us. :)
Luke 15.
28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him."
This older brother must be really angry. He despises the action his younger brother did and therefore dislikes him. Because he left home in a very rude way by taking all the share of estate that was for him, before his father died. Not only for this action but also for the things on what the little brother spends the money on must made the older brother feeling unpleasant. And in the end he got angry because it was unbearable for him to see this person who did all these things coming back and being welcomed with so much warmth by their father. His reaction is very natural and we would expect this attitude also for the father. Actually the little son hurts the father the most. It was an issue between the father and the little son. The older son has nothing directly to do with it. Maybe he could accept it if his younger brother went home and the father quietly welcome this son. But this son was welcomed with a big celebration the best things were brought out. In the eyes of the older son this special treatment for such an undeserving person is just unacceptable. He himself never were treated that special and in this way. How can he be happy and celebrate with all the others? Because he felt being insulted with this celebration he wanted to isolate himself and stay away from that joyful crowed of people.
But in this angry mood and unwillingness to accept this brother, just when he wanted to turn around and leave his father came to him and pleaded with him. In this action of the father we can see that he does care for the older brother too. He was not forgotten even if everyone was busy with this celebration. The father also wants his older son to be happy with him and not that he isolates himself. But the older son at first do not want to follow him, instead he accuses his brother for being bad and his father for being unfair. The father did not directly explain and answer him but he pointed out that his little brother was dead and now is alive. It is as if he wants to ask and tell the older son: "Do you also want to come back home after looking after for pig because you have no money and to be in such a bad condition, dirty and hungry? Do you want to experience the feeling to regret for what you done and that everything turned out so bad was your own fault and that there is no one to blame for? And than shamefully come back home? Do you want to go through everything he went through only to receive the same special treatment? You were here all the time and you lived a good live. You had me (the father) and everything i own. Is it not enough that I cared for you all the time? Be happy with everyone because your little brother was able to bring up the courage to humble himself. He even suggested not to accept him as son but to receive him as a servant. But I want him as a son because he is my son. Therefore my son be with us together and be happy."
This older brother must be really angry. He despises the action his younger brother did and therefore dislikes him. Because he left home in a very rude way by taking all the share of estate that was for him, before his father died. Not only for this action but also for the things on what the little brother spends the money on must made the older brother feeling unpleasant. And in the end he got angry because it was unbearable for him to see this person who did all these things coming back and being welcomed with so much warmth by their father. His reaction is very natural and we would expect this attitude also for the father. Actually the little son hurts the father the most. It was an issue between the father and the little son. The older son has nothing directly to do with it. Maybe he could accept it if his younger brother went home and the father quietly welcome this son. But this son was welcomed with a big celebration the best things were brought out. In the eyes of the older son this special treatment for such an undeserving person is just unacceptable. He himself never were treated that special and in this way. How can he be happy and celebrate with all the others? Because he felt being insulted with this celebration he wanted to isolate himself and stay away from that joyful crowed of people.
But in this angry mood and unwillingness to accept this brother, just when he wanted to turn around and leave his father came to him and pleaded with him. In this action of the father we can see that he does care for the older brother too. He was not forgotten even if everyone was busy with this celebration. The father also wants his older son to be happy with him and not that he isolates himself. But the older son at first do not want to follow him, instead he accuses his brother for being bad and his father for being unfair. The father did not directly explain and answer him but he pointed out that his little brother was dead and now is alive. It is as if he wants to ask and tell the older son: "Do you also want to come back home after looking after for pig because you have no money and to be in such a bad condition, dirty and hungry? Do you want to experience the feeling to regret for what you done and that everything turned out so bad was your own fault and that there is no one to blame for? And than shamefully come back home? Do you want to go through everything he went through only to receive the same special treatment? You were here all the time and you lived a good live. You had me (the father) and everything i own. Is it not enough that I cared for you all the time? Be happy with everyone because your little brother was able to bring up the courage to humble himself. He even suggested not to accept him as son but to receive him as a servant. But I want him as a son because he is my son. Therefore my son be with us together and be happy."
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Luke chapter 08 (a)
The parable of the sower appears again. Comparing with that in Matthew 13 and in Mark 4, we can find that it lacks the differences of 30x, 60x and 100x fruits and also has details more different to the other two.
The four types of sower are the same: along paths, on rocks, among thorns and on good soil. In the case of on rocks, it said:
6 Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.
Comparing to the reason of withering in Matthew and Mark, it said:
But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.(Mt13.6; Mk4.6)
In Matthew and Mark, the reason is to lack root and not to bear the sunsine. (Review: someone of us has once shared that sunshine should be good for our faith, but if we didn't root firmly, we would not be able to recieve the grace of sunshine.) But here, it mentioned another aspect. The plants withered because they had no moisture. So if we explain "moisture" as the watering of Holy Spirit, then we can consider the importance of our spiritual experiences in pray. Do we experience God in our pray? Are our spirits moisted by Holy Spirit? Or do we thirst for more being watered?
In the case of among thorns, it said:
14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
Comparing to that in Matthew:
The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. (Mt13.22)
but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.(Mk4.19)
The meaning of thorns in the three verses is the same: worries, riches and pleasure in the world. But Luke further pointed out that they are choked by these things because "they go their way" so that "they do not mature". So, how do we make our faith mature? That would be go on God's way and being fruitful (as what Matthew and Mark said).
Finally, in the case of on good soil:
15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
They hear God's word with a nobel and good heart adding reaining and perservering while those on the rock just receive the word with joy(ver.13). It reminds us that a faith only basing on joy is insufficient. It also needs our efforts to keep God's word in mind, to persevere it in sufferings and finally still produce a crop. That's why Jesus encouraged us to "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door.(Lk13.24)"
Following the parable of the sower is the parable of the lamp. (Review: I have once shared this parable in Mark 4.21-25, where the meaning of lamp is our good behaviors because it is used to explain the differences among 30x, 60x and 100x fruits. The better we behave in front of people, the more fruitful we are.) Here, the lamp refers to God's word which should be put in front of our steps but not under the bed. That's why in ver.18 reminds us to "consider carefully how you listen", otherwise, we will even lose those we 自以為 understand:
18 [...]Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.
Luke chapter 06 (b)
There is another paragraph also interesting me.
43 No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.
When I read this verse, I feel strange. I think of an old Taiwanese proverb that "Bad horse would also have a good step." That is to say, nothing and no one would be bad or useless entirely. But here, how come Jesus said in this way? Won't a healthy tree bear ill fruits and a decayed tree bear normal fruits?
The answer is in verse 44:
44 [...]People do not pick figs from thorn-bushes, or grapes from briers.
It turns out that the definition of good and bad is not upon the stratum of health, but upon the essential differences between species. Thorns and briers would neverever become those good trees while figs and grapes are always that good, no matter how ill or healthy they are. Does it seem unfair and poor to so-called "bad tree's" destiny? In the natural case, it is. However, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." The worth of God's salvation is that it can completely transform a life in its essence. So that a thorn can be transformed into a fig tree, and a brier can be transformed into a grape tree! Jsut as what Ephesians 2 said:
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no-one can boast.
People are saved to become a brand good tree through God's power, but not through their own effort to become a healthier one. Since we are baptised into Christ, we has the capacity (and also the duty) to bear fruits with our faiths and behaviors. So, how powerful Jesus's life and love is.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Luke 14.
8 When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honour, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.
9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.
10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honoured in the presence of all your fellow guests.
Often are the things mentioned in the bible very clever. They are not related directly to salvation but helps to lead a simple but happy and easy live. This example makes clear that a humble person will receive the honour he ought to receive. If you want to receive more than you are entitled to than you might get into an embarrassing situation.
9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.
10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honoured in the presence of all your fellow guests.
Often are the things mentioned in the bible very clever. They are not related directly to salvation but helps to lead a simple but happy and easy live. This example makes clear that a humble person will receive the honour he ought to receive. If you want to receive more than you are entitled to than you might get into an embarrassing situation.
Luke7
Luke7:24 After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
Luke7:25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.
Luke7:26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
„What did you go out to see? “ This rhetoric question, asked by Jesus, should have made the people start thinking about themselves. What did they actually go out to see? What did they want to see? What did they expect to see in the desert?
I think sometimes this question is very interesting for us in our daily lives. What do we go into the world to see? What do we go to church to see? What do we go to Freizeit to see?
Do we want spiritual renewal and improvement or do we just want to meet our friends during Freizeit? And as we have already gone there… how do we make use of the time? Do we only pray in general prayer sessions and chat with our friends in our spare time or do we also spend some time for extra prayers (maybe fasting prayer, early-morning prayer or late-evening prayer??)? Do we actually concenctrate and focus during the lessons or prayer?? (Do we at least try hard to do so??)
What is it for… what is our aim or goal in doing this or that??
… We have to think and reflect in order to know and understand God and ourselves better.
Luke7:25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.
Luke7:26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
„What did you go out to see? “ This rhetoric question, asked by Jesus, should have made the people start thinking about themselves. What did they actually go out to see? What did they want to see? What did they expect to see in the desert?
I think sometimes this question is very interesting for us in our daily lives. What do we go into the world to see? What do we go to church to see? What do we go to Freizeit to see?
Do we want spiritual renewal and improvement or do we just want to meet our friends during Freizeit? And as we have already gone there… how do we make use of the time? Do we only pray in general prayer sessions and chat with our friends in our spare time or do we also spend some time for extra prayers (maybe fasting prayer, early-morning prayer or late-evening prayer??)? Do we actually concenctrate and focus during the lessons or prayer?? (Do we at least try hard to do so??)
What is it for… what is our aim or goal in doing this or that??
… We have to think and reflect in order to know and understand God and ourselves better.
Luke 13.
3/5 "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
9"If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' "
( Even if for this parable is no immediate explanation of Jesus we can assume that the tree represents a person who belongs to this owner of the vineyard. This owner should be God than. The man who takes care of this tree might be Jesus but it can also be workers of God... brothers and sisters in the church who intercede for one another)
A task for everyone to complete in order to avoid from perishing but us is given patience for it.
In German these two things are separated but in the English version they are in one section. I think that they do relate to each other. Jesus said the nice story with the tree maybe to comfort them and say that even fruits are demanded that God will not be unfair or very strict. He will give us time to do it and when he looks for the fruit he search for it every year. But when we are too weak to bear a fruit than we will receive support from outside through fertilizers for better nutrients and a loosened soil for a better development of the roots.
This story tells beside the patience, love and care of God also his righteousness.
The reason why this tree should be cut is because it uses up the soil without bearing a fruit.
It is probably not worthy to receive the nutrients from the soil and which other plants might need. So an improvement is demanded.
So if this tree does not change, repent and bear fruit it will perish.
9"If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' "
( Even if for this parable is no immediate explanation of Jesus we can assume that the tree represents a person who belongs to this owner of the vineyard. This owner should be God than. The man who takes care of this tree might be Jesus but it can also be workers of God... brothers and sisters in the church who intercede for one another)
A task for everyone to complete in order to avoid from perishing but us is given patience for it.
In German these two things are separated but in the English version they are in one section. I think that they do relate to each other. Jesus said the nice story with the tree maybe to comfort them and say that even fruits are demanded that God will not be unfair or very strict. He will give us time to do it and when he looks for the fruit he search for it every year. But when we are too weak to bear a fruit than we will receive support from outside through fertilizers for better nutrients and a loosened soil for a better development of the roots.
This story tells beside the patience, love and care of God also his righteousness.
The reason why this tree should be cut is because it uses up the soil without bearing a fruit.
It is probably not worthy to receive the nutrients from the soil and which other plants might need. So an improvement is demanded.
So if this tree does not change, repent and bear fruit it will perish.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Luke chapter 07 (a)
18 John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them,
19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?
20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'
When I read this paragraph, I'm interested that why Luke repeated John's disciples' question after what John has said without any missing word. I have no answer at the moment. But it recalled me the spies who have searched for Cannan. At that time, Mose was too old to go by himself, so he sent the spies to check God's promise. Just as John, in prison and unable to meet Jesus by himself, sent his disciples to check God's promise as well. In the end, both Mose and John didn't see what they have been waiting for with their whole lives. However, the spies were blessed because they not only witnessed the promises, but also can recognize the truth behind their observation. In the case of Joshua and Caleb, such wisdom led them enter Cannan and receive their heritages; in the case of John's disciples, if they can repeat what they've seen, just as the way they repeated John's question, and strengthen John's and other disciples' faith, just as what Joshua and Caleb have done, then these two disciples of John would be blessed.
Finally return to ourselves. If we can repeat to others what we saw, what we experienced from Jesus, our beautiful Cannan, then we are none other than the good and blessed spies!
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