It looks like most people have finished Luke (we won't give pressure to the one who hasn't...^_< ). So please, everyone submit 2 books within this week by making it a post. One for daily reading, one for weekly reflection sharing, please specify which is for what. I trust that you will be proactive in this, and we shall have our suggestions by the end of the week to be voted on next week. For those of us reading 1 Timothy, please plan accordingly to finish the book by April 11th. We shall start right after Spiritual Convocation :) . Perfect timing for a new start :)
May the Lord continue to guide us and strengthen us through our mutual encouragements.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Luke 24
Luke24:27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Three days after Jesus had died, two disciples were going to the nearby village called Emmaus. And as they talked and discussed the things concerning Jesus, Jesus himself joined them- not letting them know whom he was- and asked them what they were talking about. When they told Jesus about the rumour that he had resurrected he started to explain to them "what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself".
What I like here is that Jesus doesn't just simply tell them "Hey! It's me!", but he tries to make them believe in the words of others by opening up the scriptures. He gives them the chance to learn about him from the scriptures. If he just revealed himself to them, then they wouldn't be able to open the scriptures to other Jews, who might not believe them. So Jesus gives them a very good foundation of scripture knowledge in order to preach the gospel.
Acts17:2As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures
Here Paul takes the Bible as his foundation of his teachings! That's a very important point also for us today, so that we will not preach our teachings but the teachings of God - the teachings in the bible.
2.Tim.3:16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
2.Tim.3:17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1.Tim.4:16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Three days after Jesus had died, two disciples were going to the nearby village called Emmaus. And as they talked and discussed the things concerning Jesus, Jesus himself joined them- not letting them know whom he was- and asked them what they were talking about. When they told Jesus about the rumour that he had resurrected he started to explain to them "what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself".
What I like here is that Jesus doesn't just simply tell them "Hey! It's me!", but he tries to make them believe in the words of others by opening up the scriptures. He gives them the chance to learn about him from the scriptures. If he just revealed himself to them, then they wouldn't be able to open the scriptures to other Jews, who might not believe them. So Jesus gives them a very good foundation of scripture knowledge in order to preach the gospel.
Acts17:2As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures
Here Paul takes the Bible as his foundation of his teachings! That's a very important point also for us today, so that we will not preach our teachings but the teachings of God - the teachings in the bible.
2.Tim.3:16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
2.Tim.3:17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1.Tim.4:16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1. Tim 3
"11In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect"
So it does not seem so less important how the women are. A wife can make his husband honorable man or not. Not only the man has to be worth of respect but also his wife is very important. So when someone is married his or her spouse is really his or her other half. Because when you look at him or her you can also learn something about the other half. So here we have another emphasis that wife and husband are united as one. And that one can not exist without the other half. One alone does not count.
When we have this in mind when we choose our spouse than we will choose someone from church.But what if we are not married? Are we missing this other half and part then?
So it does not seem so less important how the women are. A wife can make his husband honorable man or not. Not only the man has to be worth of respect but also his wife is very important. So when someone is married his or her spouse is really his or her other half. Because when you look at him or her you can also learn something about the other half. So here we have another emphasis that wife and husband are united as one. And that one can not exist without the other half. One alone does not count.
When we have this in mind when we choose our spouse than we will choose someone from church.But what if we are not married? Are we missing this other half and part then?
1. Tim 2
„11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.
12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. “
So a woman should rather listen than teach. There is also a passage in 1.Kor 14.34 saying that women should remain silent in the congregations of the saints as in the churches. Does this submissive attitude of a woman also apply to us in a world where woman claim for equality? Is it something old fashioned or something that only applies to those women who are very noisy and love to have meaningless talk in that particular time and addressed to those in this certain church? Or is it only the opinion of Paul a man who never got married and is not female? “
One explanation is based on the historical circumstances at that time. The reason is that the women just heard from Jesus´ teachings about the great love of God. Therefore they become over confident and as they had to be quite in public they start to be pretty outspoken. So just to prohibit them to cause lot of damages he set some rules.
But as it is recorded in the bible which is instructed by God himself and is written by the apostle Paul who is “telling the truth” and does “not lying” it is in some way related to us. Maybe not only the women but everyone has to figure out in what position is he and what attitude and behavior are appropriated. And not everything what is done in the same way is the same thing. It is just like the stones which have their place. Different kinds of stones are fulfilling different kind of work. So it is not healthy if it is forcefully tried to do something which is not assigned to you. Maybe even if you feel suited for that job.
12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. “
So a woman should rather listen than teach. There is also a passage in 1.Kor 14.34 saying that women should remain silent in the congregations of the saints as in the churches. Does this submissive attitude of a woman also apply to us in a world where woman claim for equality? Is it something old fashioned or something that only applies to those women who are very noisy and love to have meaningless talk in that particular time and addressed to those in this certain church? Or is it only the opinion of Paul a man who never got married and is not female? “
One explanation is based on the historical circumstances at that time. The reason is that the women just heard from Jesus´ teachings about the great love of God. Therefore they become over confident and as they had to be quite in public they start to be pretty outspoken. So just to prohibit them to cause lot of damages he set some rules.
But as it is recorded in the bible which is instructed by God himself and is written by the apostle Paul who is “telling the truth” and does “not lying” it is in some way related to us. Maybe not only the women but everyone has to figure out in what position is he and what attitude and behavior are appropriated. And not everything what is done in the same way is the same thing. It is just like the stones which have their place. Different kinds of stones are fulfilling different kind of work. So it is not healthy if it is forcefully tried to do something which is not assigned to you. Maybe even if you feel suited for that job.
1 Timothy 3:15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
This verse reminds us that we should be careful with our behavior in church because the church is the house of GOD and church is the place (mostly) where the word of GOD is preached. Church is the pillar and ground of the truth and we, as church members should conduct our behavior according to the truth.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Luke Chapter 24
Luk 24:32 And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,
Has your heart ever burned within you after hearing a preaching, or some reflections come into you? Did you ever like these two men rose up immediately and talked about what they have experienced? If we do not rise up at right time when we are fervent in heart, when should we wait for?
Being fervent in heart is a kind of force to serve God. We shall retain our heart fervent in God’s love and reward to him!!
Rom 12:11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
Has your heart ever burned within you after hearing a preaching, or some reflections come into you? Did you ever like these two men rose up immediately and talked about what they have experienced? If we do not rise up at right time when we are fervent in heart, when should we wait for?
Being fervent in heart is a kind of force to serve God. We shall retain our heart fervent in God’s love and reward to him!!
Rom 12:11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
1 Timothy 3
"9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. "
This is interesting, I've never noticed this before. Deacons should first be tested, but it did not say overseers (elders in church) should be tested also. I have no answer for that except perhaps because elders are usually preachers first, perhaps because they have already been tested through their working for God full-time. However, deacons are fresh from the congregation, and never went through the same steps as the elders. There is a good reason for Paul to bring this up, and that before people are ordained as deacons, they be found blameless. Because it is rare to de-ordain anyone. If it does happen, usually it's bad enough that they just get excommunicated. A deacon serves a great function in leading the church in the right direction, especially in the absence of a preacher. If the deacon cannot exhibit that function in all perspectives, then it may be more harm than good to have a deacon.
On top of that, a deacon must hold the mystery of faith with pure conscience. Similarly, this was not recorded in the portion for overseers, perhaps for the same reason. That through their life as a preacher, they have come to do that already. For a deacon, fresh from the congregation, they must first possess a good understanding of the myestery of faith and not only that, keep it. Without that, they cannot lead the sheep in the right direction. Even if they know the mystery of faith, but do not keep it, they will still be disqualified to hold the position according to this verse. Knowledge does not equal qualification. And that holds true for everything spiritually related. What works in this world will not necessarily work in church, because the criteria are different. Jesus has led by example, and I believe Paul is passing on that best method for leadership down to us. Therefore, this matter is not to be taken lightly, because it will affect the whole body.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Luke 23
Luke23:39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” (NKJV)
Here in the English transaltion it says that one of the criminals who were hanged "blasphemed" Jesus. In the NIV translation it says something similar: "One of the criminals hurled insults at him".
I have been thinking about why he does this, although he is already at the end of his life. Normally people who are just before their death have already finished with their life in their heart. And so I think there were two reasons for his "hurling of insults" at Jesus:
1) Since he has already finished with his life in his heart he didn't care about anything anymore. He could do whatever he wanted to do because he wouldn't have to care about the mess he made afterwards. And so he took this opportunity to "hurl" and throw the insults at Jesus in order to feel a bit better and just to have at least a bit of fun in the last few hours of his life. He just did the same as the rulers and the soilders did (... talking about this I would think of something similar like "peer pressure"). He joined them in their mocking.
2) He might still have had a bit of hope in being saved. Comparison of the words the rulers said and the criminal said:
"If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." (V.37) - rulers
"Save yourself and us!" (V.39) - criminal
He "challenged" Jesus in his power and in his might. If Jesus would have done what he said - in order to "win" this challenge - then Jesus would not have only demonstrated his great power to the criminal, but the criminal could also escape from death.
What this criminal does is a very logical reaction to his situation (since he was a criminal his thoughts wouldn't be very nice). But his focus was not on the things that would be AFTER his death but he focused on how to escape death and how to "enjoy" (well... at least having a bit of fun) the last few moments of his life.
Here in the English transaltion it says that one of the criminals who were hanged "blasphemed" Jesus. In the NIV translation it says something similar: "One of the criminals hurled insults at him".
I have been thinking about why he does this, although he is already at the end of his life. Normally people who are just before their death have already finished with their life in their heart. And so I think there were two reasons for his "hurling of insults" at Jesus:
1) Since he has already finished with his life in his heart he didn't care about anything anymore. He could do whatever he wanted to do because he wouldn't have to care about the mess he made afterwards. And so he took this opportunity to "hurl" and throw the insults at Jesus in order to feel a bit better and just to have at least a bit of fun in the last few hours of his life. He just did the same as the rulers and the soilders did (... talking about this I would think of something similar like "peer pressure"). He joined them in their mocking.
2) He might still have had a bit of hope in being saved. Comparison of the words the rulers said and the criminal said:
"If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." (V.37) - rulers
"Save yourself and us!" (V.39) - criminal
He "challenged" Jesus in his power and in his might. If Jesus would have done what he said - in order to "win" this challenge - then Jesus would not have only demonstrated his great power to the criminal, but the criminal could also escape from death.
What this criminal does is a very logical reaction to his situation (since he was a criminal his thoughts wouldn't be very nice). But his focus was not on the things that would be AFTER his death but he focused on how to escape death and how to "enjoy" (well... at least having a bit of fun) the last few moments of his life.
Luke Chapter 23
From Chapter 22:53 on Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him,” But this is your hour, and the power of darkness”. Indeed, all events in Chapter 23 seem the world is under Satan’s control. False witness, torture and insult on Jesus, Even though Herod and Pilate could not find any reason for death in Jesus and wanted to release Jesus, the crowd still shouted crucifying him. It seems the Satan has covered the people’s mind; they were blind and followed the evil will. But we know after this temporary power of darkness, waiting for us is that eternal salvation of the Lord Jesus.
Luk 23:47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!"48 And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned.
Jesus’ holiness, righteous and his love never change, what change is the foolish human. The crowd who beat their breasts after Jesus’ dying is the same crowd who cried out “Crucify Him, crucify Jesus” before. They changed because they were seeing.
“Seeing” is really…sorry I could not find a proper adjective to describe it! Many people don’t believe God because they say they have not seen God yet. But after seeing, they start regretting their thought was wrong. So “human” is an unbelievable strange creature, including me, in my opinion.:) But in compare with those who don’t believe God, I, as a Christian who believes God is much normal. Return back to the topic, only who can open his spiritual eyes/spiritual mind 心眼can reach to God. Here I do not discuss further about spiritual mind, because lui has mentioned a lot. I would like to share some thoughts in my mind.
1. Who let man’s heart blind, not return to God? God, the devils or the human himself?
Ecc 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
God has showed that he exists by the creatures he made, and put seeking God in human’s heart. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak and lightly drawn away by temptation. The devils are good at using wiles to hinder people to draw near to God. So do not be angry at who has hardened heart. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places(Eph6:12).
2. Why people cannot be simpler or be purer to believe God?
Mar 10:15 "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."
Although believing God should believe simply as a little child, but I rather believe that constantly is more important. It is not always good if man is pure as a child, because he might all believe whatever he heard. Some might be so stubborn to hardly believe. As long as he is willing to seek the truth, to research and to think about, although it is hard to lead him to God, but who holds this kind of rational belief can always stand constantly by God’s way.
I have no idea what I am writing, but I want to express is the Love of God never changes, his salvation is for everyone, even for those who ever contempt and blaspheme God’s men. Jesus has ever begged for those people who against him and said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do”. What we can do is putting on the whole armor of God to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, and leading people turn to God as we can.
Luk 23:47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!"48 And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned.
Jesus’ holiness, righteous and his love never change, what change is the foolish human. The crowd who beat their breasts after Jesus’ dying is the same crowd who cried out “Crucify Him, crucify Jesus” before. They changed because they were seeing.
“Seeing” is really…sorry I could not find a proper adjective to describe it! Many people don’t believe God because they say they have not seen God yet. But after seeing, they start regretting their thought was wrong. So “human” is an unbelievable strange creature, including me, in my opinion.:) But in compare with those who don’t believe God, I, as a Christian who believes God is much normal. Return back to the topic, only who can open his spiritual eyes/spiritual mind 心眼can reach to God. Here I do not discuss further about spiritual mind, because lui has mentioned a lot. I would like to share some thoughts in my mind.
1. Who let man’s heart blind, not return to God? God, the devils or the human himself?
Ecc 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
God has showed that he exists by the creatures he made, and put seeking God in human’s heart. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak and lightly drawn away by temptation. The devils are good at using wiles to hinder people to draw near to God. So do not be angry at who has hardened heart. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places(Eph6:12).
2. Why people cannot be simpler or be purer to believe God?
Mar 10:15 "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."
Although believing God should believe simply as a little child, but I rather believe that constantly is more important. It is not always good if man is pure as a child, because he might all believe whatever he heard. Some might be so stubborn to hardly believe. As long as he is willing to seek the truth, to research and to think about, although it is hard to lead him to God, but who holds this kind of rational belief can always stand constantly by God’s way.
I have no idea what I am writing, but I want to express is the Love of God never changes, his salvation is for everyone, even for those who ever contempt and blaspheme God’s men. Jesus has ever begged for those people who against him and said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do”. What we can do is putting on the whole armor of God to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, and leading people turn to God as we can.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Luke 22
Luke22:45When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.
I find it quite interesting, that you can fall asleep, because you are exhausted from sorrow. Normally we think, that if someone has got sorrows, he will not sleep very well. Indeed, the disciples fell asleep because they were "exhausted from sorrow".
Although physically speaking it is very hard to sleep because of being exhausted from sorrow, spiritually it is very likely that this happens to us. Sorrows of this world let us fall asleep spiritually! As they oppress us we forget about God and try to solve the problems of our lives by our own. I think that if we for example take medicine in order to concentrate better we have already become a bit tired in faith.
If we then do not follow the words of Jesus and "Get up and pray"(Lk22:46) then we will never wake up again!!!
But we do not only fall asleep, when we are "exhausted from sorrow" but also when we are untroubled by sorrows. For if we live a very successful life without any complications, then it is very likely that we will fall asleep spiritually:
Luke18:24Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Luke18:25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
So being spiritually awake and alert is what we have to strive for. Daily prayers and bible reflections help us not to fall asleep.
I think the worst is still that we often do not realize that we are asleep, because we are already asleep (hehe.. hope you get what i am trying to say).
I find it quite interesting, that you can fall asleep, because you are exhausted from sorrow. Normally we think, that if someone has got sorrows, he will not sleep very well. Indeed, the disciples fell asleep because they were "exhausted from sorrow".
Although physically speaking it is very hard to sleep because of being exhausted from sorrow, spiritually it is very likely that this happens to us. Sorrows of this world let us fall asleep spiritually! As they oppress us we forget about God and try to solve the problems of our lives by our own. I think that if we for example take medicine in order to concentrate better we have already become a bit tired in faith.
If we then do not follow the words of Jesus and "Get up and pray"(Lk22:46) then we will never wake up again!!!
But we do not only fall asleep, when we are "exhausted from sorrow" but also when we are untroubled by sorrows. For if we live a very successful life without any complications, then it is very likely that we will fall asleep spiritually:
Luke18:24Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Luke18:25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
So being spiritually awake and alert is what we have to strive for. Daily prayers and bible reflections help us not to fall asleep.
I think the worst is still that we often do not realize that we are asleep, because we are already asleep (hehe.. hope you get what i am trying to say).
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Luke Chapter 22
I conclude briefly two points of the Prayer in the Garden Gethsemane.
At first, Lord Jesus emphasized on the importance of prayer: Pray, lest you enter into temptation.
Luk 22:40 When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation."
Luk 22:46 Then He said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation."
Even though the disciples had been living with Jesus for a while and hearing the doctrines from Jesus directly, they still forgot the word of Jesus and fell into temptation over and over again.
The description about the argument about greatness between disciples in verses 24-30 has been appearing once in Chapter 9:46-48/mark9:33-37; Jesus has ever mentioned that whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me who sent Me (Mar9:37). No longer after some ones brought little children to Jesus, but the disciples rebuked them (Mar10:13); the last is that Jesus asked them exceedingly to watch and pray with him, but they instead of falling in sleep for three times.
Be considering the generation we are living is present evil, Satan always tries to hinter us to turn to God and may sift us as wheat, and Jesus is not physically guarding beside us now. Shall we not be more watchful and pray more intelligently to avoid falling into temptation? Although we have had the Holy Spirit, but we still need through the prayer to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to have fellowship with God in spirit in order to fellow the guidance of God.
Second is how to pray? How to learn submit to God by the prayer?
Luk 22:42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.
Submitting to God, I believe which is the most difficult lesson of all for every Christians to learn. Every time when I read verse 42, I am always touched by Jesus as a Son of Man also has weakness as we and before he faced the bitterness of the great salvation, he even begged the Father to take this cup away from him. Although he was suffering, he still put God’s will before his own. Because he has strong faith in God and submits to God, and then God strengthens him to fill up his insufficiency. The Lord Jesus has set up the model of submission by himself for us. So when I ask God to fulfill my desire in the prayer, I always say as Jesus said in the Garden Gethsemane” nevertheless not my will, but Yours, be done”.
If things do not develop like that as we have asked God, we do not have to complain about why God did not answer to my prayer. Who else understands us more than the God in heaven? Who else knows what is the most suitable to us? He does not fulfill our requirement for he has prepared the best for us.
But sometimes he fulfills our requirement which is not always good. For example God answered Hezekiah’s prayer and extended his life for 15 years, but unexpected that Hezekiah lifted up his heart; therefore wrath was looming over him and over Judah and Jerusalem (2 Kings Ch.20). He fulfills because his kindness bears our misbehaviors, so that the result always is not the best which God has prepared or even worse to death. Whatever, God is the all mighty and we must trust and submit him.
Rom 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
At first, Lord Jesus emphasized on the importance of prayer: Pray, lest you enter into temptation.
Luk 22:40 When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation."
Luk 22:46 Then He said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation."
Even though the disciples had been living with Jesus for a while and hearing the doctrines from Jesus directly, they still forgot the word of Jesus and fell into temptation over and over again.
The description about the argument about greatness between disciples in verses 24-30 has been appearing once in Chapter 9:46-48/mark9:33-37; Jesus has ever mentioned that whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me who sent Me (Mar9:37). No longer after some ones brought little children to Jesus, but the disciples rebuked them (Mar10:13); the last is that Jesus asked them exceedingly to watch and pray with him, but they instead of falling in sleep for three times.
Be considering the generation we are living is present evil, Satan always tries to hinter us to turn to God and may sift us as wheat, and Jesus is not physically guarding beside us now. Shall we not be more watchful and pray more intelligently to avoid falling into temptation? Although we have had the Holy Spirit, but we still need through the prayer to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to have fellowship with God in spirit in order to fellow the guidance of God.
Second is how to pray? How to learn submit to God by the prayer?
Luk 22:42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.
Submitting to God, I believe which is the most difficult lesson of all for every Christians to learn. Every time when I read verse 42, I am always touched by Jesus as a Son of Man also has weakness as we and before he faced the bitterness of the great salvation, he even begged the Father to take this cup away from him. Although he was suffering, he still put God’s will before his own. Because he has strong faith in God and submits to God, and then God strengthens him to fill up his insufficiency. The Lord Jesus has set up the model of submission by himself for us. So when I ask God to fulfill my desire in the prayer, I always say as Jesus said in the Garden Gethsemane” nevertheless not my will, but Yours, be done”.
If things do not develop like that as we have asked God, we do not have to complain about why God did not answer to my prayer. Who else understands us more than the God in heaven? Who else knows what is the most suitable to us? He does not fulfill our requirement for he has prepared the best for us.
But sometimes he fulfills our requirement which is not always good. For example God answered Hezekiah’s prayer and extended his life for 15 years, but unexpected that Hezekiah lifted up his heart; therefore wrath was looming over him and over Judah and Jerusalem (2 Kings Ch.20). He fulfills because his kindness bears our misbehaviors, so that the result always is not the best which God has prepared or even worse to death. Whatever, God is the all mighty and we must trust and submit him.
Rom 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Luke chapter 21
12 But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.
16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.
17 All men will hate you because of me.
2 weeks ago, in a RE class we learned about the 3 times denials of Peter. One of the question discussed was that why can't Peter admit his identity before people? Our answer was that when he was asked, he might be shocked by suddenly becoming the focus in the yard and might be blank in his mind. So that he just first replied out of his reflex, and then couldn't but insist what he have said.
I also thought of another possibility that, maybe they just never imagined that the real situation of Jesus's leave should be in this violent, illegal and shameful way. I thought that even though they were forecasted by Jesus that he would die and then revive, they had not yet any psychological preparation to become illegal citizens. Actually, the illegalness, the prison and the death penalty, how far away it is to a normal citizen, even to a group of norm who even dared not to escape a tax. So I thought that the occurrence of the arrest was totally out of the expectation and the imagination of all disciples, including Peter. That's why they ran away. HOWEVER, not only here, but also in other citations, Jesus DID forcast them their confliction with the government, even his death penalty on the cross.
So, there are two possibilities of my wrong deduction: 1) Peter's dinals and the disciples' escape were not out of their fear of illegalness. They knew that they would be against the government but still ran becuase of other reasons; 2) they were afraid of, or unable to, accept the stigma of illegalness because they forgot and unprepared for what Jesus has forecasted. I think both of them are possible and meaningful to us. I will think about it further. And how do you think about it?
1 Timothy Chapter 2
1 Tim 2: I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting
Personally, I like this verse as this is a good reminder for me to pray without wrath. Sometime in some point of this life, I feel disappointed and weary and accidentally, during praying, I complained to GOD which is a not good attitude. Moreover, this verse also encourages me to pray without doubt. In this life, I have been facing several challenges and uncertainties which make me anxious and worries. Thus, again, this verse is a good reminder for me to fervently pray without doubt and asking GOD’s guidance to help us in every aspect in this life.
Personally, I like this verse as this is a good reminder for me to pray without wrath. Sometime in some point of this life, I feel disappointed and weary and accidentally, during praying, I complained to GOD which is a not good attitude. Moreover, this verse also encourages me to pray without doubt. In this life, I have been facing several challenges and uncertainties which make me anxious and worries. Thus, again, this verse is a good reminder for me to fervently pray without doubt and asking GOD’s guidance to help us in every aspect in this life.
1 Timothy 2
"3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. "
This verse gives hope for our loved ones and commands a mission for us. The first paragraph sums up the How and Why for us.
How: 1) Supplications, prayers, intercession, giving of thanks be made for ALL men (v. 1) 2) Be a preacher and teacher of the truth (vs. 7)
Why: 1) It is good an accetable to God (vs. 3) 2) Our Mediator, Jesus Christ, was given as a ransom to be testified (vs. 5,6)
This verse gives hope for our loved ones and commands a mission for us. The first paragraph sums up the How and Why for us.
How: 1) Supplications, prayers, intercession, giving of thanks be made for ALL men (v. 1) 2) Be a preacher and teacher of the truth (vs. 7)
Why: 1) It is good an accetable to God (vs. 3) 2) Our Mediator, Jesus Christ, was given as a ransom to be testified (vs. 5,6)
Luke Chapter 21
Luk 21:9 "But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately."
When I read this verse, a question came to me. Why these wars and commotions have to come to pass first? Why God would not try to stop them and come peacefully? Besides the time when God comes is not immediately, which means we have to suffer for a while. Why God let us to pass through these misfortunes?
I realized why God would let them happen to us, since I read Luk 21:19 "By your patience possess your souls.
Mat 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
Mat 7:14 "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
It is because the gate leads to life is narrow and difficult, the one who can conquer all the difficulties can stand confidently before God’s throne. God uses these trials to strengthen our spiritual to let us know only he, whom we can rely on. The God we believe is not a God who doesn’t care. Not only the burden he gives us which is according to each one can bear but also he has prayed for us for he knows we are weak.
Remember ''By your patience possess your souls''.
When I read this verse, a question came to me. Why these wars and commotions have to come to pass first? Why God would not try to stop them and come peacefully? Besides the time when God comes is not immediately, which means we have to suffer for a while. Why God let us to pass through these misfortunes?
I realized why God would let them happen to us, since I read Luk 21:19 "By your patience possess your souls.
Mat 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
Mat 7:14 "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
It is because the gate leads to life is narrow and difficult, the one who can conquer all the difficulties can stand confidently before God’s throne. God uses these trials to strengthen our spiritual to let us know only he, whom we can rely on. The God we believe is not a God who doesn’t care. Not only the burden he gives us which is according to each one can bear but also he has prayed for us for he knows we are weak.
Remember ''By your patience possess your souls''.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Luke chapter 20
Theme: the interrogatation to Jesus
It's an interesting interaction between Jesus and his hecklers. At the beginning of the dialog, the chief priests and the teachers of the law came to quiz Jesus about the source of Jesus's authority:
2 Tell us [...]
But Jesus asked them another question in reply:
3 He replied, I will also ask you a question. Tell me, [...]
It led them to carefully ponder the reaction to their opponent:
5 They discussed it among themselves and said, If we say, [...]
6 But if we say, [...]
7 So they answered, We don't know [...]
As a reciprocal gift, Jesus evantually gave them his answer:
8 Jesus said, Neither will I tell you [...].
It comes to me that, sometimes we also ask Jesus some questions, but Jesus seldom directly answers us. In my experirences, sometimes He replied me with special encounters which led my reflection upon myself, and sometimes I got insights just in my daily life. For example, I just understood one thing on the way of a bike-riding two weeks ago. That is, it exsits no choice that we can stay at the same place, no matter in the meaning of faith or of the work in the world. Our life is in fact a climbing slope. It's impossible to stop straining. Whenever I stop exerting force, the only result is to downgrade. Never imagine to pay the same energy to keep at the some place. It's inevitable to work hard in our whole life and in every aspect. Actually, I've already known such simple rule, but I'm just not willing to face it. It's meaningless to keep asking Jesus about my thesis, my difficulties in language, my career....etc, if I still keep escaping from getting active. At bottom, I knew the answer already. So, if we don't recognize our deep thoughts and try to say that, oh Lord I have no idea, then Jesus will also say that, oh baby neither will I tell you. I think that, in many ways of stimulizing our reflection, Jesus has let answers come to our minds. If we are sensitive and plain with ourselves, we in fact know what to do.
Luke Chapter 20
Luk 20:20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.
Luk 20:23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Why do you test Me?
Somehow the hypocrites have appeared in our church. Their heart may even warmer than ours. They can behave themselves more religious or speak more lovely than us. Can we to be like Jesus who has this intelligence to perceive their real purpose and with wise speaking against their craftiness?
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
2Ti 3:17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Luk 20:23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Why do you test Me?
Somehow the hypocrites have appeared in our church. Their heart may even warmer than ours. They can behave themselves more religious or speak more lovely than us. Can we to be like Jesus who has this intelligence to perceive their real purpose and with wise speaking against their craftiness?
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
2Ti 3:17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Luke chapter 19
Theme: Jesus entered Jerusalem by little colt
30 Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no-one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.
31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.'
'The Lord needs it.' When I read this sentence, I'm moved. Actually, Lord needs nothing. He is the master and the creator of everything. But he still chose a little colt as his feet - further, an unexpierenced colt which no-one has ever ridden. How honored this colt was! The first load of its whole life should be the king of kings Jesus! And as we see, even though it was so unexperienced, under the domination of Jesus, it can know how to carry and how to proceed.
We are all like little colts. No one is experienced for tomorrow. There are too many things that we never know. However, Lord still needs us. That is not to say that He can do nothing without us. Rather, He just likes us to be his body and to cowork with him, and then to have joy in his work. That's our honor, happiness, and also the reason why we are called. So, whenever we are lack of selfconfidence before some challenges, we can encourage ourselves that 'Lord needs me.' Because we know that, it is not I who manage but the Lord. Under His domination, I can take each of my next step, and even carry Him into people.
Luke 21
Luke21:34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.
Some time ago I was thinking about the coming of the day of the LORD. I tried to imagine how it would be and I also tried to imagine, that it was tomorrow.
For me it was very hard to imagine, that it was tomorrow... somehow I couldn't. I asked myself: Why could I not imagine this? I came to a conclusion, that I was actually too focused on the "cares of this life". When I was trying to imagine, my thoughts were still on my homework or the next thing I would do after thinking. Thats why it was very hard to let go of these thoughts and think about something, that transcends these problems.
So in my opinion it is very hard to imagine the day of the LORD coming very soon. We are just too focused or bound to this world... just try yourself and think about the day of the LORD coming riiiiight NOW!!!!!!
Some time ago I was thinking about the coming of the day of the LORD. I tried to imagine how it would be and I also tried to imagine, that it was tomorrow.
For me it was very hard to imagine, that it was tomorrow... somehow I couldn't. I asked myself: Why could I not imagine this? I came to a conclusion, that I was actually too focused on the "cares of this life". When I was trying to imagine, my thoughts were still on my homework or the next thing I would do after thinking. Thats why it was very hard to let go of these thoughts and think about something, that transcends these problems.
So in my opinion it is very hard to imagine the day of the LORD coming very soon. We are just too focused or bound to this world... just try yourself and think about the day of the LORD coming riiiiight NOW!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Luke Chapter 19
Luk 19:13 "So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'
Each servant, who earned ten minas or five minas, is received his own prizes which the master gave them according to their efforts. This wicked servant but did nothing. He said that the master is an austere man, so that he kept the mina in a handkerchief. Since this wicked servant has known his master is austere, he should be more watchful and follow diligently his mater’s order to do business, instead of doing nothing and leaving other excuses (from my opinion).
Nowadays, God also committed duties to us till he comes.
Mat. 28: 19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
We must not forget these duties that God committed to us. Otherwise we will get punishment according to the words which are out of our mouth (Luk19:22).
Sometimes I may think, can it be because this is not God’s will or because of the self-made excuses for one’s weakness, when someone does God's work and could not accomplish it for some reasons? For example, teaching someone Gospel and all are in vain and then say” this man is not the God’s chosen one”. If it is just because of his own weakness and then lose a salvation on someone, I think this man will be punished hardly by his words and manners. It is terrible, isn’t it?
Each servant, who earned ten minas or five minas, is received his own prizes which the master gave them according to their efforts. This wicked servant but did nothing. He said that the master is an austere man, so that he kept the mina in a handkerchief. Since this wicked servant has known his master is austere, he should be more watchful and follow diligently his mater’s order to do business, instead of doing nothing and leaving other excuses (from my opinion).
Nowadays, God also committed duties to us till he comes.
Mat. 28: 19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
We must not forget these duties that God committed to us. Otherwise we will get punishment according to the words which are out of our mouth (Luk19:22).
Sometimes I may think, can it be because this is not God’s will or because of the self-made excuses for one’s weakness, when someone does God's work and could not accomplish it for some reasons? For example, teaching someone Gospel and all are in vain and then say” this man is not the God’s chosen one”. If it is just because of his own weakness and then lose a salvation on someone, I think this man will be punished hardly by his words and manners. It is terrible, isn’t it?
Luke chapter 18
Theme: Jesus touched the newborn babies
16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
In Mathew and Mark, we have already shared many about learning from children. Here once again, Jesus told that the kindom of God belogs to such of these. But such of what, actually?
In French version, these babies are recorded as "newborn babies". The term "newborn" leads me to think of the dialog between Jesus and Necodemus, while Jesus didn't physically talk about reborning, but rather in a spiritual way. Similarly, we can spiritually understand the meaning of newborn babies here. In ver.17, we learned that people who can enter the kindom of God should be those who can receive it. But what kind of people can receive the kindom of God? That is the newborn ones. That is to say, first of all, only when our hearts is newborn, can we receive God to come in. And secondly, only when we keep our life being reborn all the time to maintain God within our whole life, can we enter that eternal promise. Consequently, the term "newborn" is not a phase, but a dynamic and an onging movement.
Parallel with the example in ver.11, the Pharisee, whose prayer, offerings and fastings are completely routinized. In Chinse version, it is described as "a prayer of talking to himself"(自言自語的禱告). What a terrible comment to him. In God's view, is our prayer also a 自言自語? Do we really talk to God, or just do a routinized prayer but travel our mind in nowhere? Do we always have a feeling of in want of God like the tax collector in ver.13? We should keep in mind that, our God is living water, so that our faith should be living as well. Day by day, we should try to be newborn and ask for being touched by Jesus.
Luke 20
Luke20:25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Luke20:26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.
After Jesus had answered a perfect answer (like always when the scribes and pharisees wanted to catch him in his words) they marveled at his answer and kept silent!
Why did they keep silent?
=> they realized how mighty Jesus was and were astonished at his words.
Just like Job, who talked a LOT, when he was "tested" by God. But after God answered, he as well says:
Job40:3 Then Job answered the LORD and said:
Job40:4 “ Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth.
Job40:5 Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.”
After Job has "seen" God with his own eyes (Job 42:5) he did not wanted to say anything anymore. He now knew, who he was and who God is.
I think we being before God should say less... because
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Because of this I don't want to say that much anymore but to conclude with one of my favorite Bibleverses... take your time to think about every single word in this verse!
Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few. (Ecc.5:2)
Luke20:26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.
After Jesus had answered a perfect answer (like always when the scribes and pharisees wanted to catch him in his words) they marveled at his answer and kept silent!
Why did they keep silent?
=> they realized how mighty Jesus was and were astonished at his words.
Just like Job, who talked a LOT, when he was "tested" by God. But after God answered, he as well says:
Job40:3 Then Job answered the LORD and said:
Job40:4 “ Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth.
Job40:5 Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.”
After Job has "seen" God with his own eyes (Job 42:5) he did not wanted to say anything anymore. He now knew, who he was and who God is.
I think we being before God should say less... because
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Because of this I don't want to say that much anymore but to conclude with one of my favorite Bibleverses... take your time to think about every single word in this verse!
Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few. (Ecc.5:2)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Luke chpater 17
Theme: the ten healed leprosys
17 Jesus asked, Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?
Where are the other nine? Did they forget Jesus's grace?
Let's imagine the scene. When they asked for Jesus's healing, Jesus did nothing but asked them to go to show themselves to the priests. At that time, they might be confused or dubious becauase they had to bring their leprotic bodies to the priests but had completely no idea if they would have been healed or not. But they still went. (Concerning this point, I think of Abraham's faith, "obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (Heb11.8)" The ten leprosys obeyed and went, even though they did not know whether they would be healed or not.) Anyway, let's continue our imagination. We don't know the exact timing when they were healed. It might be on the way to the priests, or in front of the temple, or even until the moment that they were standing in front of the priests! That is to say, they have to keep preserving their hope in spite of the less and less and less possbility until...the first one was healed!! From then on, the others was encouraged and could endure their hopes again.
So, I think their problem is TEN people. Although they seemed start with a strong faith, and although they experienced a such deep inner strugle, there are still nine followers among them. These nine might suspiciously follow the faithful one, and probably established their belief of being able to recover upon the fact of the one who was healed.
It comes me that once I discussed with 有你!有我嗎? that most Iseraels are only followers after Moses. They indirectly established their faith on Moses but not on their own relationship with God. Among 600 000 Iseraels, only Moses is the one who independently stands before God, knows God and experiences God. That's why Moses's faith satnds on the rock while the Iseraels' were easy to collapse. In the same way, we should not be the nine followers or even the 600 000 Iseraels, but should be the independent one before God, and establish our own faith on the basis of our own spiritual knowledge and experiences.
Luke Chapter 18
Luk 18:14 […], for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Zep 2:3 Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord's anger.
Psa 149:4 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.
1Pe 5:5 […] Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
Yes, God is displeased the men who are proud, selfish and over confident. Only the man who has humility can stand firmly in front of the Lord, when the great day of the Lord comes, besides he will be received many grace and eternal life by the Lord. At least can get a piece of cake!^^
Zep 2:3 Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the Lord's anger.
Psa 149:4 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.
1Pe 5:5 […] Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
Yes, God is displeased the men who are proud, selfish and over confident. Only the man who has humility can stand firmly in front of the Lord, when the great day of the Lord comes, besides he will be received many grace and eternal life by the Lord. At least can get a piece of cake!^^
Luke Chapter 17
Luk 17:5 And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."
Luk 17:6 So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
This let me remind another similar circumstance, which also asking the Lord to increase the faith. A father in Mark 9 asked Jesus to heal his son who has a mute spirit.
Mar 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
Mar 9:24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
Although the father has not sufficient faith, Jesus still casts the mute spirit out of this child in the end. Why? Because of the father believes. So as this the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, but Jesus answered them, if they have faith as a mustard seed, they can move the tree or the mountain by words. God said, he gives the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (Joh1:12).
Many times when Jesus healed someone, he always said "Your faith has made you well".
The point of faith is not focus on quantity, but on if you have.
Mat 21:22 "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Luk 17:6 So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
This let me remind another similar circumstance, which also asking the Lord to increase the faith. A father in Mark 9 asked Jesus to heal his son who has a mute spirit.
Mar 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
Mar 9:24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"
Although the father has not sufficient faith, Jesus still casts the mute spirit out of this child in the end. Why? Because of the father believes. So as this the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, but Jesus answered them, if they have faith as a mustard seed, they can move the tree or the mountain by words. God said, he gives the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (Joh1:12).
Many times when Jesus healed someone, he always said "Your faith has made you well".
The point of faith is not focus on quantity, but on if you have.
Mat 21:22 "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Luke chapter 16
Theme: the parable of the rich man and Lazarus
22 The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.
When I read bible, I usually read very slowly, so that it seemed that I also passed the lives of these two men. When I read Lazarus dying, I felt that, "Hm, that's unevitable because he is so physically weak. And what's good is that he evantually takes his rest in Abraham's arms." Then I wonder the following story. However, to my surprise, there is no more story of the rich man. The rich man died immedeately, and just ALSO died. What an unspecial death, the same as Lasarus's, as well as what Hebrews said: "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment (He 9.27)". We are all given a life to deal with and also are fairly treated with death. After death, our lives will all be wighted by Lord. At that time, what will be menifested? Is that our blamelessness, like Job, or our debts and lacks, like King Belshazzar?
Let God weigh me in honest scales and he will know that I am blameless. (Job 31.6)
Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. (Dan 6.27)
Luke Chapter 16
The parable of Lazarus and rich man tells us that there is not only the life that now is and of that which is to come. Although Lazarus had suffered from the sores when he was alive, he was also lying in Abraham's bosom and no more pain after his dying. His pain was temporary but the blessing he owned is eternal. In the same the punishment the rich man was suffering is not convertible. God renders to each one according to his deeds. We must be watchful of God’s righteous judgment and seek after the eternal blessing.
Rom 2:5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds": 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.
Rom 2:5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds": 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality.
Luke Chapter 15
Luk 7 "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
Luk 10 "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Luk 32 'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"
These three parables describe that God joys especially in sinner’s repentance. God came is not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance (Luk5:32). He died for us while we were still sinners. His Love to us likes he never gives up his any missing sheep or a missing coin. He is more like the father who allows the son’s perversity and is waiting with patience for his son’s back. As long as we are willing to repent and to reconcile to God, no matter what we done which do not please God, he will forgive.
Luk 10 "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Luk 32 'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"
These three parables describe that God joys especially in sinner’s repentance. God came is not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance (Luk5:32). He died for us while we were still sinners. His Love to us likes he never gives up his any missing sheep or a missing coin. He is more like the father who allows the son’s perversity and is waiting with patience for his son’s back. As long as we are willing to repent and to reconcile to God, no matter what we done which do not please God, he will forgive.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Luke chapter 15
First of all, I have to apologise for my drag. I will complete Luke as soon as possile. SORRY!
Theme: parable of lost son
17 When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
It is said by the lost son at the changing point of this parable. It comes to me that sometimes we also make choices of pity that we leave aside the abundant life of God, but obedient to the human values. But the later can not water our spirits at all. Consequesntly, we somehow lost in a swamp of tiredness and disorientation. However, it is "not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.(Amos 8.11)" We did abandon our father's food to spare but there starve to death.
At this dead end, we should rethink of the abundance in our father and return to his way. Like the lost son did:
18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
Set out and go back. Of course, it is not that easy that we can set out as soon as we wish. It always takes us courages to end off some kind of life style and take us energy to go back, and to recover some missing worship habits. It is the only way to leave the swamp. If we do want to change, we should try.
To the father:
24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again,[...]
the return of the lost son means a revival from the death, and an overcome to the power of sin. To our Father, he thinks in the same way. "[...]count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6.11)." So, let's die to the old selves, and set out to renew our lives in the abundance of our Christ Jesus, right away!
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