"7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm."
This is scary. I really hope none of us will become like this. I feel that this does not only apply to actual teachers of the law, but everyone who is in the position to teach. This includes all who gives sermons, leads Bible studies, teaches Religious Education, and any other position that would put a person in a situation to teach. Perhaps in the beginning, we do not actually 'desire' to teach, we may have even been 'forced' to be in that position to teach. However, as time goes by, and we feel like we are improving and getting better, we may start to be more confident in what we teach. If we do not be alert during this time and continue to follow in the truth, we may give way to false teachings and continue to teach with the same confidence. This way, we become the same as those teaching false doctrines that Paul is warning Timothy about. Make sure we KNOW that we are teaching the doctrine of love from God, and that is the only doctrine that we will confidently affirm. If we ever doubt whether we are teaching the correct teachings or not, then it may be better to refrain from teaching to prevent others from being influenced by false teachings. It is better to take this time to cultivate ourselves spiritually, so that we can once again be filled with the wisdom of God in teaching His correct doctrine.
As Paul urged Timothy in verse 3 to COMMAND these men not to teach false doctrines. I think we should also help each other by pointing out problems with teaching the correct doctrines. We should help to recognize those who could influence the members in the wrong direction. Because the matter of letting the whole church be influenced negatively is greater than the matter of embarrassing the person presenting false teachings. It is better to embarrass one person than to cause the whole congregation to fall spiritually. It is not a light matter to be taken, because it regards the spiritual life of many. Many times, we may feel uncomfortable making someone feel uncomfortable and end up compromising with God instead. Perhaps we feel that we are showing love to the person by not embarrassing him/her, but in verse 5 we learn that love has to come from a sincere faith also. Therefore, without sincere faith, the love we show is not truly love. It could actually be a harm to the person to let them continue to teach the wrong doctrines. It is definitely harmful in causing other members to fall or believe wrongly because those who know the right teachings did not choose to correct the mistake. May we continue to ask for the wisdom from God, so that we will be able to teach His complete truth when we are placed in the position to teach.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
1 Timothy Chap 1: Fight the good fight of Faith and Love
my two cents:
The book of 1 Timothy was written in Macedonia after Paul was imprisoned for 2 years in Rome (Acts 28:30). After his release, he went to the church in Ephesus and then journeying onto Macedonia. Paul left Timothy at Ephesus hoping to return later himself. However, Paul was delayed in Macedonia and could not return quickly to Ephesus. At that time Ephesus was a centre of Paganism and the work of pastoring the church in Ephesus was a challenge itself (Acts 19-20). Thus Paul wrote 1 Timothy to direct and encourage Timothy's work in Ephesus Church, and to instruct him on how to face these problems in the church (1 Tim 3:14-15).
Paul encourages Timothy hoping that he would understand the importance of evangelism that has to be motivated by the love of Christ - in his sincere love expressed through a letter (1:1-2). Paul taught Timothy the skill in pastoring the church by exhorting the believers to shun away from vain teachings, warning him against the false teachings. Paul also encourages that in the face of heresy, love is the greatest weapon for fighting the good fight. The objective of pastoring should comes from a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith, establishing a church of love (1:3-11).
As I was reading and reflecting on how we can improve on our daily conversation with each other talking more about the greatness of the Lord and His grace in our lives of what He has done for us, staying away from the vain and meaningless talks mentioned in (1:4,6). The reason for us to talk more about the words of God is to edify one another as well as guide against false teachings from within (Acts 20:27-30), just like Aquila and Priscilla when knowing the Word that has not been spoken accurately would encourage and explain to each other more adequately the words of God (Acts 18:26). Hence, the more we share about the words of God and correcting each other more accurately, the more well versed we are in the words of God and not be lead astray by confusions or false teachings. :))
To obtain and achieve the perfect standard of God in our speech really needs a lot of spiritual cultivation and reading of the bible to cleanse our hearts and season our speech. This blog is infact a good start in practicing on talking about the work and words of God. :D
Paul also mentioned his motivation of love to the church comes from the strength of the Lord. Despite Paul was once a sinner but God's mercy and grace was poured on him that Christ might display his unlimited patience for those who believe on him and receiving this eternal life. We are the same today, as we were once a sinner, Jesus saves us because of His great grace and mercy, and now having received this grace, we should preach the gospel - freely we received freely we give, nevertheless we should improve on showing mercy and grace to the people around us and in the church because God desires mercy and compassions. God has given us faith and love that we may become a willing example before men, for the glory of God (1:12-17).
Paul final encouragement in this chapter is that we have to put love into practice, loving one another is the goal of mutual care in the church. Having love is to have a pure heart, blameless conscience and sincere faith (1:5) steadfast in our faith in fulfilling the commandment. Shipwrecking of faith would result in rejecting conscience and becoming captives of Satan.
May we strive together in the perfection required by our Lord. Gambatte ne!!
The book of 1 Timothy was written in Macedonia after Paul was imprisoned for 2 years in Rome (Acts 28:30). After his release, he went to the church in Ephesus and then journeying onto Macedonia. Paul left Timothy at Ephesus hoping to return later himself. However, Paul was delayed in Macedonia and could not return quickly to Ephesus. At that time Ephesus was a centre of Paganism and the work of pastoring the church in Ephesus was a challenge itself (Acts 19-20). Thus Paul wrote 1 Timothy to direct and encourage Timothy's work in Ephesus Church, and to instruct him on how to face these problems in the church (1 Tim 3:14-15).
Paul encourages Timothy hoping that he would understand the importance of evangelism that has to be motivated by the love of Christ - in his sincere love expressed through a letter (1:1-2). Paul taught Timothy the skill in pastoring the church by exhorting the believers to shun away from vain teachings, warning him against the false teachings. Paul also encourages that in the face of heresy, love is the greatest weapon for fighting the good fight. The objective of pastoring should comes from a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith, establishing a church of love (1:3-11).
As I was reading and reflecting on how we can improve on our daily conversation with each other talking more about the greatness of the Lord and His grace in our lives of what He has done for us, staying away from the vain and meaningless talks mentioned in (1:4,6). The reason for us to talk more about the words of God is to edify one another as well as guide against false teachings from within (Acts 20:27-30), just like Aquila and Priscilla when knowing the Word that has not been spoken accurately would encourage and explain to each other more adequately the words of God (Acts 18:26). Hence, the more we share about the words of God and correcting each other more accurately, the more well versed we are in the words of God and not be lead astray by confusions or false teachings. :))
To obtain and achieve the perfect standard of God in our speech really needs a lot of spiritual cultivation and reading of the bible to cleanse our hearts and season our speech. This blog is infact a good start in practicing on talking about the work and words of God. :D
Paul also mentioned his motivation of love to the church comes from the strength of the Lord. Despite Paul was once a sinner but God's mercy and grace was poured on him that Christ might display his unlimited patience for those who believe on him and receiving this eternal life. We are the same today, as we were once a sinner, Jesus saves us because of His great grace and mercy, and now having received this grace, we should preach the gospel - freely we received freely we give, nevertheless we should improve on showing mercy and grace to the people around us and in the church because God desires mercy and compassions. God has given us faith and love that we may become a willing example before men, for the glory of God (1:12-17).
Paul final encouragement in this chapter is that we have to put love into practice, loving one another is the goal of mutual care in the church. Having love is to have a pure heart, blameless conscience and sincere faith (1:5) steadfast in our faith in fulfilling the commandment. Shipwrecking of faith would result in rejecting conscience and becoming captives of Satan.
May we strive together in the perfection required by our Lord. Gambatte ne!!
1 Timothy Chapter 1
1 Timothy Chapter 1
The background setting of 1 Timothy is that false doctrines have arisen in the Ephesians Church. Paul, therefore, commanded Timothy to stay in Ephesus to “work” on this matter and fight the good fight. Paul, as an apostle, has set a good example for his junior (Timothy) and for us. Firstly, at the opening of the letter, he addressed himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ and he emphasized that Jesus Chris is our hope (1 Tim 1: 1; Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope). This shows that Paul clearly know his role and responsibility, additionally, Paul highlighted the fact that Jesus Christ is our hope. This is something that we have to learn from Paul, we should clearly know what are our godly role and responsibility in this world. And we should unmistakably convey these characters to the world. In addition to that, we should believe that Jesus Christ is our hope of all the circumstance.
Secondly, Paul shared his own testimony to encourage Timothy ( 1 Tim 1:13-14; although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 and the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus). This testimony is very relevant to our life. Paul was a sinner but after being saved from Jesus Christ (1 Tim 1: 15; This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief) and received love from Jesus Christ, he became an apostle (1 Tim 1:12; And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry). The lessons that we can learn from Paul’s testimony are 1) we should follow Paul’s path. We also were sinners and Jesus Christ has saved us as well, thus we are expected to spread the gospel of salvation. 2) Another lesson from this testimony is that we also should learn from Paul in term of how he encouraged another brother (Timothy) which is by sharing his personal testimony. Hence, we are encouraged to share our testimony to other brethrens with the purpose of edifying and strengthening spiritual growth each other just like Paul did with Timothy.
Friday, March 13, 2009
1.Tim 1.
reflecting book John; reading book just any book (maybe proverbs).
"5Die Hauptsumme aller Unterweisung aber is Liebe aus reinem Herzen und aus gutem Gewissen und aus ungefärbtem Glauben."
These texts are words from the apostle Paul to Timothy. This situation is different then the once we had in the Evangelien which we have read so far. These are words from one person directly addressed to another person. It is also not a report like text which shows us actions and what has happened where when and how it also has no direct speech, but words which contain advices, warnings, encourages and comfort to a very close person of Paul. ("2an Timotheus, meinen rechten Sohn im Glauben")
After the greetings to Timothy he talks about some grievances due to the attitude of some believers in their faith. He says that he went to Mazedonien to advice them not to teach something else ("3einigen zu gebieten, dass sie nicht anders lehren") He discovered that there are several phenomens recarding written text and their usage which are not helpful or healthy.
(1)The first would be that people start to concern about unimportant details ("4geschlechtsregister") which will start senseless and endless discussions. Ans those discussions will lead to nothing, help no one and only cause contorversies (4). Sometimes when we try to focus too much on the bible we also might start those kind of discussions about the meaning of maybe the translation of one sentence or about an explanation and the meaning of one single word. Of cours it is not that i mean that reading the bible too carefully is evil or bad, but as everything there will be an area where it is overexaggurated and not healthy anymore (like food, you really really need it in live, but when you eat way too much you can become sick and also die) Alles in maßen. Reading the bible carefully and pay attention to the words of God is something beatiful when its done together and a felloship like this can glorify God.
But the case discribed here is that the people do not see God behind the words and his essence between the lines. One worker of God once said that we can see at least see God and know him better when we read the bible. We might do not understand every story, every prophesy or every word but what we can see, feel and notice is God himself. And if too much attention is paid on things that only support this understanding than the focus is off-centered, likewise
Beside this there is also the unnecesary concern about myths (4), meaningless talk(6) of people who "want to be teachers of the law" (6) but do not know and understand them sufficiently.
But in the center of this paragraph he already named the "goal of this command", a main essence of the words of God and the scripture.
"5Die Hauptsumme aller Unterweisung aber is Liebe aus reinem Herzen und aus gutem Gewissen und aus ungefärbtem Glauben."
These texts are words from the apostle Paul to Timothy. This situation is different then the once we had in the Evangelien which we have read so far. These are words from one person directly addressed to another person. It is also not a report like text which shows us actions and what has happened where when and how it also has no direct speech, but words which contain advices, warnings, encourages and comfort to a very close person of Paul. ("2an Timotheus, meinen rechten Sohn im Glauben")
After the greetings to Timothy he talks about some grievances due to the attitude of some believers in their faith. He says that he went to Mazedonien to advice them not to teach something else ("3einigen zu gebieten, dass sie nicht anders lehren") He discovered that there are several phenomens recarding written text and their usage which are not helpful or healthy.
(1)The first would be that people start to concern about unimportant details ("4geschlechtsregister") which will start senseless and endless discussions. Ans those discussions will lead to nothing, help no one and only cause contorversies (4). Sometimes when we try to focus too much on the bible we also might start those kind of discussions about the meaning of maybe the translation of one sentence or about an explanation and the meaning of one single word. Of cours it is not that i mean that reading the bible too carefully is evil or bad, but as everything there will be an area where it is overexaggurated and not healthy anymore (like food, you really really need it in live, but when you eat way too much you can become sick and also die) Alles in maßen. Reading the bible carefully and pay attention to the words of God is something beatiful when its done together and a felloship like this can glorify God.
But the case discribed here is that the people do not see God behind the words and his essence between the lines. One worker of God once said that we can see at least see God and know him better when we read the bible. We might do not understand every story, every prophesy or every word but what we can see, feel and notice is God himself. And if too much attention is paid on things that only support this understanding than the focus is off-centered, likewise
Beside this there is also the unnecesary concern about myths (4), meaningless talk(6) of people who "want to be teachers of the law" (6) but do not know and understand them sufficiently.
But in the center of this paragraph he already named the "goal of this command", a main essence of the words of God and the scripture.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Starting While Waiting
Alright, for those who are not participating in finishing Luke, we will officially start 1 Timothy today. Let's make it easier for everyone in counting the weeks by shortening this week. So please post your reflections to 1 Timothy Chapter 1 by the end of Saturday. We shall count full weeks starting the coming Sunday, 1 chapter per week.
And please be thinking about which 2 books you want to read and post your suggestions. EVERYONE needs to post 2 suggestions, so we can see what you are interested in reading. Please do make it an actual post and not a comment, for easier viewing.
And please be thinking about which 2 books you want to read and post your suggestions. EVERYONE needs to post 2 suggestions, so we can see what you are interested in reading. Please do make it an actual post and not a comment, for easier viewing.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Lk 24.
"3 und gingen hinein und fanden den Leib des Herrn Jesus nicht.
4 Und als sie sich darüber bekümmert waren[...]"
So beginnen die ersten Paar Verse. Die Frauen, die wohlriechende Öle vorbereitet haben, sehen nun, dass der Leichnam Jesu verschwunden ist. Darüber sind sie sehr traurig aber auch besorgt und eben bekümmert.
Erst mit der Zeit als ihnen Jesus nacheinander erschienen ist und ihnen "31 ihre Augen geöffnet [wurden] und sie [ihn] erkannten." oder er ihnen das Verständnis öffnet, so dass sie die Schrift verstanden (45), wussten und glaubten sie an seine Auferstehung und dass er wieder lebt.
Am Ende sind können sie mit großer Freude nach Jerusalem zurückkehren und Gott preisen(53)
Man kann hierbei gut beobachten wie sich ihr Kummer (4) zu Erstaunen (12) wechselt und letztendlich in Freude (53) umschlägt. Zuerst war die ganze Sache traurig für sie. Doch nachdem sie etwas mehr verstanden haben, was bei der Situation passiert ist, konnten sie sich über die gleiche Sache freuen. Da kann man sehen dass man mit einem anderen Verständnis ein und die selbe Sache mit anderer Haltung begegnen wird. Was vorher einem Sorgen und Kummer bereitet hat, wird plötztlich zur größten Freude und Hoffnung die man sich je ausgemalt hat. (also mir ist das bis jetzt noch nicht begegnet, aber vielleicht ist es ja einem von euch mal begegnet). Möge Gott uns klare Augen geben und ein Verständnis geben, das versteht mehr Verständnis zu haben.
4 Und als sie sich darüber bekümmert waren[...]"
So beginnen die ersten Paar Verse. Die Frauen, die wohlriechende Öle vorbereitet haben, sehen nun, dass der Leichnam Jesu verschwunden ist. Darüber sind sie sehr traurig aber auch besorgt und eben bekümmert.
Erst mit der Zeit als ihnen Jesus nacheinander erschienen ist und ihnen "31 ihre Augen geöffnet [wurden] und sie [ihn] erkannten." oder er ihnen das Verständnis öffnet, so dass sie die Schrift verstanden (45), wussten und glaubten sie an seine Auferstehung und dass er wieder lebt.
Am Ende sind können sie mit großer Freude nach Jerusalem zurückkehren und Gott preisen(53)
Man kann hierbei gut beobachten wie sich ihr Kummer (4) zu Erstaunen (12) wechselt und letztendlich in Freude (53) umschlägt. Zuerst war die ganze Sache traurig für sie. Doch nachdem sie etwas mehr verstanden haben, was bei der Situation passiert ist, konnten sie sich über die gleiche Sache freuen. Da kann man sehen dass man mit einem anderen Verständnis ein und die selbe Sache mit anderer Haltung begegnen wird. Was vorher einem Sorgen und Kummer bereitet hat, wird plötztlich zur größten Freude und Hoffnung die man sich je ausgemalt hat. (also mir ist das bis jetzt noch nicht begegnet, aber vielleicht ist es ja einem von euch mal begegnet). Möge Gott uns klare Augen geben und ein Verständnis geben, das versteht mehr Verständnis zu haben.
Lk 23.
33"[sie] kreuzigten [...]die Übeltäter mit ihm[Jesus]"
47"[...]der Hauptmann sah"
48"Und alles Volk, das dabei war und zuschaute, sah was da geschah"
49"[...]alle seine Bekannten,[...]die Frauen[...] sahen das alles."
Here we have four different groups who watched Jesus dying. In bei den letzten drei Versen steht es sogar explizit dar, dass sie den Tod Jeus mitverfolgt haben. Bei den beiden Übeltätern kann man wohl das selbe annehmen, das sie sich nicht von der Stelle bewegt haben können und sie später als Jesus gestorben sind. (Denn ihnen mussten noch die Beine zertrümmert werden.)
Diese Vier Personengruppen zeigen verschiedene Reaktionen in dieser Situation. Wenn wir uns nun ihre Handlungen näher betrachrachten können wir uns fragen, wie wir uns verhalten, wenn wir Jesus begegnen oder von seinem Tod hören und uns dessen im Abendmahl erinnern.
1) Der Übeltäter (der Jesus nicht verspottet)
Er sieht eine gerechte Person, wie es sie nicht noch mal gibt, neben sich selber, einem Übeltäter das gleiche Schicksal erleiden. Er gesteht nicht nur Jesus seine Unschuld zu, sondern auch seine eigene Schuld. Man kann sich sicherlich wundern, von wo er das Wissen hat über Jesus und warum er weiß und glaubt, dass Jesus an einen besseren Ort kommen wird und an diesem an ihn gedenken kann. In seiner Situation hat er das bestmögliche getan und hat dadurch auch das bestmögliche von Jesus versprochen bekommen. Für diese Entscheidung und Worte von ihm kann man ihm nur gratuliern und weiter hinaus von seiner Haltung lernen. Nämlich den unterschied zwischen uns und Gott erkennen und zugeben.
2) Der Hauptmann
Es wird berichtet, dass dieser Hauptmann sah und daruafhin Gott pries. Auch wenn er nicht sofort Jesus als Gottes Sohn erkennt, sondern als einen frommen Menschen, so erkennt er doch letztlich das Werk Gottes und sein Wesen in allem was geschehen ist mit und um Jesus. Wobei es bestimmt auch nicht schwierig ist, bei solchen Umständen nicht an ein göttliches Eingreifen zu glauben. Aber seine Reaktion Gott zu preisen ist dennoch erwähnenswert, bemerkenswert und löblich. Denn häufig ist die Reaktion zu Gottes Werk erstaunen, faszinazion, erschrecken oder dergleichen.
3)Das Volk
Hier haben wir wieder unser geliebtes Volk das mal dies und mal jenes tut und nie bei etwas bleibt. Ein Volk das aufgewiegelt werden kann und in Aufruhr und Unruhe versetzt werden kann. Ein eher starrsinniges und untreues Volk. Dieses Volk sieht nun auch all die Ereignisse die geschehen, als Jesus verstirbt. Ihre Reaktion ist, dass es sich auf die Brust schlägt und wieder umkehrt. Sich auf die Brust schlagen wird bedeutet so viel wie sich schuldig bekennen (ist doch so oder, gleich wie dem Zöllner in seinem Gebet vor Gott). Aber bemerkenswerterweise ist noch eine andere Tat vom Volk aufgeschrieben worden. Nämlich, dass sie wieder umkehren. Das hinterlässt den Eindruck von zeitlich sehr kurzer Anteilnahme. Sie sehen, verstehen zum Teil und gestehen auch ihre eingene Schuld. Doch es scheint, als ob es sich nicht länger interessieren würde und sie alle nacheinander mehr oder weniger Betroffen den Ort des Geschehns verlassen. Und nach wenigen Stunden, Tagen ist dieses Ereignis eine Vergangenheit die werder auf die eigene Gegenwart noch Zukunft einfluss hat. Man könnte dies auch gleichsetzten mit "nichts daraus lernen". Diese ganze Sache könnte für sie nur ein Ereignis gewesen sein. Sie haben gesehen aber es hat keinen Einfluss auf sie. Deswegen wird es für sie auch keine Veränderungen geben. Wie erst letztens beim Sabbathgottesdienst gepredigt wurde über den Spiegel. (Man schaut in den Spiegel aber sobald vergisst man wieder wie man gewesen ist)
4) Bekannte und Frauen, die nachgefolgt sind
Nun kommen wir zu unserer letzten Gruppe. Bei ihnen ist auch der Beisatz, dass sie von ferne das alles sehen. Man kann nun lange raten, was und wer in diesem alles mit einbezogen ist. Sind es auch die Personen und deren Reaktionen die Jesus gesehen hat oder nur wie Jesus gestorben ist? Man kann ihre distanz auch verschieden sehen. Ist es die Betroffenheit, dass sie einen ehrfürchtigen Abstand halten, oder eher die Furcht vor der eigenen Verhaftung, da man selber von Jesus überzeugt ist und sein Anhänger ist (war?)? Was man aber sehen kann, ist dass es auch wichtig ist einige Sachen zu erfahren. Denn wie sonst hätten diese Bekannten (wohl auch Jünger darunter) später mit einer solchen Überzeugungskraft und Eifer Jesus, seinen Tod und seine Auferstehung bezeugen können? Es ist ihnen möglich da sie Augenzeugen waren und es erlebt haben. Wenn wir von Gott erzählen wollen ist es sehr hilfreich, wenn wir von eigenen Erfahrungen, von dem was wir gesehen, erlebt und erfahren haben berichten und erzählen können. Hier waren diese Bekannten passiv und waren bestürtzt über den Tod ihres Lehrers. Denn außer ,dass sie Notiz von allem nehemn ist keine weiter Handlung aufgeschrieben worden. Denn solange sie alles genau ansehen und merken können sie später umso mehr Gott dienen. Nämlich all jenen, denen die Möglichkeit nicht gegeben ist (wie uns zum Beispiel), dies zu sehen, davon so gut wie möglich zu berichten.
Es ist oft hilfreich die Handlungen der Personen um Jesus zu untersuchen. So wie wir auch im Unterricht die eher ambivalente Person Pilatus untersucht haben, die einerseits von Jesus Unschul fest überzeugt ist, sich aber mit Herodes befreundet, das Jesus mit Hingabe verachtet und verspottet. Letzten Endes urteilt Pilatus der Menge zuliebe: 24" Und Pilatus urteilte, dass ihre Bitte erfüllt werde."
47"[...]der Hauptmann sah"
48"Und alles Volk, das dabei war und zuschaute, sah was da geschah"
49"[...]alle seine Bekannten,[...]die Frauen[...] sahen das alles."
Here we have four different groups who watched Jesus dying. In bei den letzten drei Versen steht es sogar explizit dar, dass sie den Tod Jeus mitverfolgt haben. Bei den beiden Übeltätern kann man wohl das selbe annehmen, das sie sich nicht von der Stelle bewegt haben können und sie später als Jesus gestorben sind. (Denn ihnen mussten noch die Beine zertrümmert werden.)
Diese Vier Personengruppen zeigen verschiedene Reaktionen in dieser Situation. Wenn wir uns nun ihre Handlungen näher betrachrachten können wir uns fragen, wie wir uns verhalten, wenn wir Jesus begegnen oder von seinem Tod hören und uns dessen im Abendmahl erinnern.
1) Der Übeltäter (der Jesus nicht verspottet)
Er sieht eine gerechte Person, wie es sie nicht noch mal gibt, neben sich selber, einem Übeltäter das gleiche Schicksal erleiden. Er gesteht nicht nur Jesus seine Unschuld zu, sondern auch seine eigene Schuld. Man kann sich sicherlich wundern, von wo er das Wissen hat über Jesus und warum er weiß und glaubt, dass Jesus an einen besseren Ort kommen wird und an diesem an ihn gedenken kann. In seiner Situation hat er das bestmögliche getan und hat dadurch auch das bestmögliche von Jesus versprochen bekommen. Für diese Entscheidung und Worte von ihm kann man ihm nur gratuliern und weiter hinaus von seiner Haltung lernen. Nämlich den unterschied zwischen uns und Gott erkennen und zugeben.
2) Der Hauptmann
Es wird berichtet, dass dieser Hauptmann sah und daruafhin Gott pries. Auch wenn er nicht sofort Jesus als Gottes Sohn erkennt, sondern als einen frommen Menschen, so erkennt er doch letztlich das Werk Gottes und sein Wesen in allem was geschehen ist mit und um Jesus. Wobei es bestimmt auch nicht schwierig ist, bei solchen Umständen nicht an ein göttliches Eingreifen zu glauben. Aber seine Reaktion Gott zu preisen ist dennoch erwähnenswert, bemerkenswert und löblich. Denn häufig ist die Reaktion zu Gottes Werk erstaunen, faszinazion, erschrecken oder dergleichen.
3)Das Volk
Hier haben wir wieder unser geliebtes Volk das mal dies und mal jenes tut und nie bei etwas bleibt. Ein Volk das aufgewiegelt werden kann und in Aufruhr und Unruhe versetzt werden kann. Ein eher starrsinniges und untreues Volk. Dieses Volk sieht nun auch all die Ereignisse die geschehen, als Jesus verstirbt. Ihre Reaktion ist, dass es sich auf die Brust schlägt und wieder umkehrt. Sich auf die Brust schlagen wird bedeutet so viel wie sich schuldig bekennen (ist doch so oder, gleich wie dem Zöllner in seinem Gebet vor Gott). Aber bemerkenswerterweise ist noch eine andere Tat vom Volk aufgeschrieben worden. Nämlich, dass sie wieder umkehren. Das hinterlässt den Eindruck von zeitlich sehr kurzer Anteilnahme. Sie sehen, verstehen zum Teil und gestehen auch ihre eingene Schuld. Doch es scheint, als ob es sich nicht länger interessieren würde und sie alle nacheinander mehr oder weniger Betroffen den Ort des Geschehns verlassen. Und nach wenigen Stunden, Tagen ist dieses Ereignis eine Vergangenheit die werder auf die eigene Gegenwart noch Zukunft einfluss hat. Man könnte dies auch gleichsetzten mit "nichts daraus lernen". Diese ganze Sache könnte für sie nur ein Ereignis gewesen sein. Sie haben gesehen aber es hat keinen Einfluss auf sie. Deswegen wird es für sie auch keine Veränderungen geben. Wie erst letztens beim Sabbathgottesdienst gepredigt wurde über den Spiegel. (Man schaut in den Spiegel aber sobald vergisst man wieder wie man gewesen ist)
4) Bekannte und Frauen, die nachgefolgt sind
Nun kommen wir zu unserer letzten Gruppe. Bei ihnen ist auch der Beisatz, dass sie von ferne das alles sehen. Man kann nun lange raten, was und wer in diesem alles mit einbezogen ist. Sind es auch die Personen und deren Reaktionen die Jesus gesehen hat oder nur wie Jesus gestorben ist? Man kann ihre distanz auch verschieden sehen. Ist es die Betroffenheit, dass sie einen ehrfürchtigen Abstand halten, oder eher die Furcht vor der eigenen Verhaftung, da man selber von Jesus überzeugt ist und sein Anhänger ist (war?)? Was man aber sehen kann, ist dass es auch wichtig ist einige Sachen zu erfahren. Denn wie sonst hätten diese Bekannten (wohl auch Jünger darunter) später mit einer solchen Überzeugungskraft und Eifer Jesus, seinen Tod und seine Auferstehung bezeugen können? Es ist ihnen möglich da sie Augenzeugen waren und es erlebt haben. Wenn wir von Gott erzählen wollen ist es sehr hilfreich, wenn wir von eigenen Erfahrungen, von dem was wir gesehen, erlebt und erfahren haben berichten und erzählen können. Hier waren diese Bekannten passiv und waren bestürtzt über den Tod ihres Lehrers. Denn außer ,dass sie Notiz von allem nehemn ist keine weiter Handlung aufgeschrieben worden. Denn solange sie alles genau ansehen und merken können sie später umso mehr Gott dienen. Nämlich all jenen, denen die Möglichkeit nicht gegeben ist (wie uns zum Beispiel), dies zu sehen, davon so gut wie möglich zu berichten.
Es ist oft hilfreich die Handlungen der Personen um Jesus zu untersuchen. So wie wir auch im Unterricht die eher ambivalente Person Pilatus untersucht haben, die einerseits von Jesus Unschul fest überzeugt ist, sich aber mit Herodes befreundet, das Jesus mit Hingabe verachtet und verspottet. Letzten Endes urteilt Pilatus der Menge zuliebe: 24" Und Pilatus urteilte, dass ihre Bitte erfüllt werde."
We Shall Start Soon!
Alright, perhaps Monday was a day too soon. We will start 1 Timothy the day after 'totoro' posts Luke 24 :)
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Luke 19
Luke19:8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
At first I was quite surprised about this verse... if Zacchaeus would give half of his goods to the poor, and if he would restore everything he has taken by false accusation fourfold, then what would he still have??? (About this "fourfold" -> 1 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep." Exodus 22:1)
Because I think that he betrayed quite many people and so if he had to restore everything he has taken by false accusation fourfold, would he not just simply lose all his possessions? From very rich to very poor. How could he then still receive Jesus, if he had nothing for him anymore? What about his responsibility of a host?
But God tells us:
Mt6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
If we first seek the kingdom of God, then all "these" (=> our daily needs) things shall be added to us. This verse is on the one hand very easy to follow but on the other hand very hard to do.
It is easy, because as we first seek his kingdom, we do not have to worry about anything anymore! No worries... oh how many people wish to have no worries... -> just as simple as that!
But it is hard because a) first you really have to seek his kingdom first
b) you have to have this faith in God, that if you follow point a) that he will take care of you
So finally Zacchaeus didn't have to have any worries about his material possessions, because God would take care of him. And he doesnt has to worry about his guest Jesus, because Jesus knows that ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’
At first I was quite surprised about this verse... if Zacchaeus would give half of his goods to the poor, and if he would restore everything he has taken by false accusation fourfold, then what would he still have??? (About this "fourfold" -> 1 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep." Exodus 22:1)
Because I think that he betrayed quite many people and so if he had to restore everything he has taken by false accusation fourfold, would he not just simply lose all his possessions? From very rich to very poor. How could he then still receive Jesus, if he had nothing for him anymore? What about his responsibility of a host?
But God tells us:
Mt6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
If we first seek the kingdom of God, then all "these" (=> our daily needs) things shall be added to us. This verse is on the one hand very easy to follow but on the other hand very hard to do.
It is easy, because as we first seek his kingdom, we do not have to worry about anything anymore! No worries... oh how many people wish to have no worries... -> just as simple as that!
But it is hard because a) first you really have to seek his kingdom first
b) you have to have this faith in God, that if you follow point a) that he will take care of you
So finally Zacchaeus didn't have to have any worries about his material possessions, because God would take care of him. And he doesnt has to worry about his guest Jesus, because Jesus knows that ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Lk 22.
finally i am able to continue to write.
Its not that i have not read this part... i have finished book Luke long ago but i could not find a verse to write about. But now in RE we also just covered these parts of the bible and talked especially about Peter and the people who were somehow involved before during and after Jesus death. Therefor i decided to share an aspect.
"Lk22.62Und Petrus ging hinaus und weinte bitterlich."
Peter here really regretted about what he did or besser gesagt what i he did not do. What he did was denying Jesus or not confess that he belongs to Jesus and is one of is disciple. But how come that he is so sad and you could image so desperate and disapointed of himself. Therefor it is quite helpful to see what he said to Jesus beforehand. Jesus told him in the same chapter, just some verses before (32) that he will pray for Peter. Peter just replied that he will follow Jesus even to the death. He was so sure about his faith and could not belive that he a disciple following Jesus for three years will desert him and become weak in faith. But when the test came he sady could not pass it. This test was a very hard one and maybe he learned more by failing than in being succesful. As long as he was able to stand up again. Because Jesus already prayed for him that after he turened back that he can strengthen the brethren. It was very humiliating for him because he realised after the rooster crowed that he did not kept to what he promised Jesus. Also in that moment Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter (61). Therefor it was important for Peter the experience to fall but than find the strenght and rise again, even higher in faith and than bein able to help other in their faith journey.
Its not that i have not read this part... i have finished book Luke long ago but i could not find a verse to write about. But now in RE we also just covered these parts of the bible and talked especially about Peter and the people who were somehow involved before during and after Jesus death. Therefor i decided to share an aspect.
"Lk22.62Und Petrus ging hinaus und weinte bitterlich."
Peter here really regretted about what he did or besser gesagt what i he did not do. What he did was denying Jesus or not confess that he belongs to Jesus and is one of is disciple. But how come that he is so sad and you could image so desperate and disapointed of himself. Therefor it is quite helpful to see what he said to Jesus beforehand. Jesus told him in the same chapter, just some verses before (32) that he will pray for Peter. Peter just replied that he will follow Jesus even to the death. He was so sure about his faith and could not belive that he a disciple following Jesus for three years will desert him and become weak in faith. But when the test came he sady could not pass it. This test was a very hard one and maybe he learned more by failing than in being succesful. As long as he was able to stand up again. Because Jesus already prayed for him that after he turened back that he can strengthen the brethren. It was very humiliating for him because he realised after the rooster crowed that he did not kept to what he promised Jesus. Also in that moment Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter (61). Therefor it was important for Peter the experience to fall but than find the strenght and rise again, even higher in faith and than bein able to help other in their faith journey.
For Those Who Are in Waiting
Alright, I just received a suggestion from one who is waiting for others to finish Luke. There has a been a feeling of idleness in the waiting period. We are very eager to get this going so that everyone can be involved and start to fellowship with one another, espeially now with many new members joining us. For those who are still finishing Luke, PLEASE try to do your best to finish soon.
For those who are waiting, we have decided to start sharing 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy during this waiting period. The hope is that we will finish the 2 books while the others are finishing Luke. That way, those who wait can also start this spiritual fellowship and not become idle with Bible reading in general. Then we can decide which book we want to designate as your Reading Book and Reflection Book. We will start 1 Timothy Chapter 1 this coming Monday, 1 chapter per week, unless you have other suggestions.
Please be thinking about suggestions for choosing the two books that we will read and submit them via Comment. Please be specific about which one is the Reading Book and which one is the Reflection Book. I would like ALL members participating to submit 2 suggestions, 1 for each category. Hope to learn from all of you soon!
For those who are waiting, we have decided to start sharing 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy during this waiting period. The hope is that we will finish the 2 books while the others are finishing Luke. That way, those who wait can also start this spiritual fellowship and not become idle with Bible reading in general. Then we can decide which book we want to designate as your Reading Book and Reflection Book. We will start 1 Timothy Chapter 1 this coming Monday, 1 chapter per week, unless you have other suggestions.
Please be thinking about suggestions for choosing the two books that we will read and submit them via Comment. Please be specific about which one is the Reading Book and which one is the Reflection Book. I would like ALL members participating to submit 2 suggestions, 1 for each category. Hope to learn from all of you soon!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Luke 18
Luke 18:43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
The blind man, who was healed, made that the multitued praised God. Through his testimony he made the people know God better. His life became a testimony for the power and love of Jesus!!!
Matthew5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew5:15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Matthew5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
There are two places/stages in which we have to shine:
The blind man in this story also shines. He proclaims the wonder of God and makes it known to everyone. This is what he does to make others praise God.
May we also be able to live a life worthy to give testimony for God so that others may praise God through it.
The blind man, who was healed, made that the multitued praised God. Through his testimony he made the people know God better. His life became a testimony for the power and love of Jesus!!!
Matthew5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew5:15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Matthew5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
There are two places/stages in which we have to shine:
- First we have to give light to all who are in the house (verse 15)
- Then we have to shine before men (verse 16)
The blind man in this story also shines. He proclaims the wonder of God and makes it known to everyone. This is what he does to make others praise God.
May we also be able to live a life worthy to give testimony for God so that others may praise God through it.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Luke Chapter 14
12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13 "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 "And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
To give is more blessed than to receive (act 20:35). God is able to make all grace abound toward us, that we, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have abundance for every good work. This is also the main focus of God’s law "You shall love your neighbor as yourself".
To give is not expected to be repaid. The man does charitable deeds before men, be seen by them, the man has his reward from men. We should support the weak to gain a treasure in the heaven that does not fail, to gain the praise of God.
1Ti 6:18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
1Ti 6:19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
To give is more blessed than to receive (act 20:35). God is able to make all grace abound toward us, that we, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have abundance for every good work. This is also the main focus of God’s law "You shall love your neighbor as yourself".
To give is not expected to be repaid. The man does charitable deeds before men, be seen by them, the man has his reward from men. We should support the weak to gain a treasure in the heaven that does not fail, to gain the praise of God.
1Ti 6:18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
1Ti 6:19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
FYI
As you probably already found out, we have a few new members that have joined us after having spied on us ; ). We are very happy to have additions to our spiritual fellowship. We also very much hope to learn from our new members very soon. Perhaps you have been a bit shy, or are just confused by our inconsistency in the chapters we are sharing, and have not shared your reflections with us. We want to reassure you that you can feel free to share anything in your daily readings for the time being, no matter which book and chapter it is. And you probably already figured out that we are no professional writers. We are just here to learn from each other through God's Word. Therefore, feel free to share in your own words, but please only English or German :).
We are in a bit of a frenzy right now trying to get everyone back to the same page (literally). Yes yes, shame on us. In the process of sharing, we have discovered that everyone shares at different paces. Our goal for this blog is two-fold, 1) Cultivate a daily Bible reading habit 2) Spiritual fellowship and mutual edification through the Word of God.
In order to keep this spiritual fellowship longterm, we will be changing our reading progress. The goal is to learn from each other in our sharings, but at the same time continue a daily Bible reading habit. We believe to get the most out of our reflection sharing, it helps if everyone shares on the same chapter at around the same time. That way, the chapter is still fresh in our mind and we know the context of what the writer is sharing about.
Just a bit of a backgroud to how we ended up at where we are today:). Originally, this started from a Religious Education class. There happened to be 7 members at the time and each is supposed to share 1 chapter a week when it is turn for their chapter. For all other chapters, just simply quote 1 verse. However, since we were reading the same book throughout the week, everyone started to share on every chaper and not just their chapter. Really thank God for everyone's zeal in sharing the Word of God. Everyone still wanted to share on every chapter read, but that became difficult when life becomes busier at times. Therefore, people started to share on the following chapter when they had the time. New members started to join in. That's how we ended up sharing different books at different times.
So as not to overburden anyone, some of us have proposed a 2 Book solution. We will choose 2 books to focus on. One book (The Reading Book) we will read on our own for self edification to cultivate our daily bible reading habit. Readers are encouraged to share the reflections if they so desire during their readings. Then we will choose a 2nd book (The Reflection Book) which we will use as our main book in writing reflections. We will have weekly sharing from the Reflection Book. For 6 days out of a week, we will read from The Reading Book. For the remaining day out of the week, we will read from The Reflection Book and share reflections. You can choose to do your reflections on any day out of the week, as long as it is within that 1 week period. That way, everyone can be kept on the same page for that week. I'm sure no one will object if you also choose to share from the Reading Book during the week. This way, no one will feel burdened in having to share 1 chapter everyday. But hopefully, the inspiration will come within that 1 week period :). If anyone has any other suggestions or revisions to this plan, please comment. Of course comment also if there are any objections :).
One of our new members is confused and noticed that we are everywhere right now, Mark, Luke, Samuel, etc...The story behind that is, we started from Matthew and onward. right now, we are supposed to be on John already, but we are still behind. Some are trying to make up Mark, others are still finishing Luke. Samuel is just a random sharing while waiting. So the plan is this, let everyone who's started on Luke finish Luke, then we will start with the 2 Book plan. During the waiting period, feel free to share anything from your daily readings :). Sound ok?
And Welcome to the fellowship :)
We are in a bit of a frenzy right now trying to get everyone back to the same page (literally). Yes yes, shame on us. In the process of sharing, we have discovered that everyone shares at different paces. Our goal for this blog is two-fold, 1) Cultivate a daily Bible reading habit 2) Spiritual fellowship and mutual edification through the Word of God.
In order to keep this spiritual fellowship longterm, we will be changing our reading progress. The goal is to learn from each other in our sharings, but at the same time continue a daily Bible reading habit. We believe to get the most out of our reflection sharing, it helps if everyone shares on the same chapter at around the same time. That way, the chapter is still fresh in our mind and we know the context of what the writer is sharing about.
Just a bit of a backgroud to how we ended up at where we are today:). Originally, this started from a Religious Education class. There happened to be 7 members at the time and each is supposed to share 1 chapter a week when it is turn for their chapter. For all other chapters, just simply quote 1 verse. However, since we were reading the same book throughout the week, everyone started to share on every chaper and not just their chapter. Really thank God for everyone's zeal in sharing the Word of God. Everyone still wanted to share on every chapter read, but that became difficult when life becomes busier at times. Therefore, people started to share on the following chapter when they had the time. New members started to join in. That's how we ended up sharing different books at different times.
So as not to overburden anyone, some of us have proposed a 2 Book solution. We will choose 2 books to focus on. One book (The Reading Book) we will read on our own for self edification to cultivate our daily bible reading habit. Readers are encouraged to share the reflections if they so desire during their readings. Then we will choose a 2nd book (The Reflection Book) which we will use as our main book in writing reflections. We will have weekly sharing from the Reflection Book. For 6 days out of a week, we will read from The Reading Book. For the remaining day out of the week, we will read from The Reflection Book and share reflections. You can choose to do your reflections on any day out of the week, as long as it is within that 1 week period. That way, everyone can be kept on the same page for that week. I'm sure no one will object if you also choose to share from the Reading Book during the week. This way, no one will feel burdened in having to share 1 chapter everyday. But hopefully, the inspiration will come within that 1 week period :). If anyone has any other suggestions or revisions to this plan, please comment. Of course comment also if there are any objections :).
One of our new members is confused and noticed that we are everywhere right now, Mark, Luke, Samuel, etc...The story behind that is, we started from Matthew and onward. right now, we are supposed to be on John already, but we are still behind. Some are trying to make up Mark, others are still finishing Luke. Samuel is just a random sharing while waiting. So the plan is this, let everyone who's started on Luke finish Luke, then we will start with the 2 Book plan. During the waiting period, feel free to share anything from your daily readings :). Sound ok?
And Welcome to the fellowship :)
Mark 16
"1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. "
This a good passage to discuss which day the Sabbath is or isn't. There were disputes in regards to the different calendars to decide which Sunday to be legally set as Easter (Ostern), however, there has never been a dispute over whether Easter falls on a Sunday. As we all know, there is no dispute among Christians that Easter is Sunday, which is the day that Jesus resurrected. In these verese, we can see that the day that Jesus arose was the first day of the week. Putting these 2 together with a little mathimatical concept, if a=b and b=c then a=c, then first day of the week=Sunday. Now then, this passage mentioned that the Sabbath was past, and it was the first day of the week. It is then very logical to say that Sabbath is not on the day that Jesus resurrected, therefore, Sabbath is not the first day of the week. If Sunday is the first day of the week, then the day before that is logically Saturday.
This a good passage to discuss which day the Sabbath is or isn't. There were disputes in regards to the different calendars to decide which Sunday to be legally set as Easter (Ostern), however, there has never been a dispute over whether Easter falls on a Sunday. As we all know, there is no dispute among Christians that Easter is Sunday, which is the day that Jesus resurrected. In these verese, we can see that the day that Jesus arose was the first day of the week. Putting these 2 together with a little mathimatical concept, if a=b and b=c then a=c, then first day of the week=Sunday. Now then, this passage mentioned that the Sabbath was past, and it was the first day of the week. It is then very logical to say that Sabbath is not on the day that Jesus resurrected, therefore, Sabbath is not the first day of the week. If Sunday is the first day of the week, then the day before that is logically Saturday.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Luke Chapter 13
12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity."13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
Jesus is the person who can grasp and use every opportunity properly to preach Gospel.
When he was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, there must be many people over there. When Jesus saw that woman who had a spirit of infirmity and called her to him, the crowd must watch them and wait for what will be happened. When the infirmity of this woman was healed, she immediately glorified God. The crowd there must be very surprised. And the woman had this kind of spiritual wisdom, she knew this miracle belongs to God, not to man. Some others might even not glorify God after being cured (Luk ch.17).
Besides, while the ruler of the synagogue railed against him that he healed on Sabbath, he used this chance to teach the crowd what is the main purpose that men should do on the Sabbath. The God we worship is teaching us to love, not obeying the rules like Pharisees.
Through Jesus’ miracle and speech all the crowd not only witness the mighty deed but also realize that God is the living and true God. I believe that the crowd have known more about God and rejoiced for Him afterwards.
Mat 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
God is pleased well, if we glorify His Name. Do we have this kind of wisdom like Jesus grasped any Chance to preach the Gospel, let others glorify him? And can we like this woman glorify God after receiving his mercy?
Jesus is the person who can grasp and use every opportunity properly to preach Gospel.
When he was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, there must be many people over there. When Jesus saw that woman who had a spirit of infirmity and called her to him, the crowd must watch them and wait for what will be happened. When the infirmity of this woman was healed, she immediately glorified God. The crowd there must be very surprised. And the woman had this kind of spiritual wisdom, she knew this miracle belongs to God, not to man. Some others might even not glorify God after being cured (Luk ch.17).
Besides, while the ruler of the synagogue railed against him that he healed on Sabbath, he used this chance to teach the crowd what is the main purpose that men should do on the Sabbath. The God we worship is teaching us to love, not obeying the rules like Pharisees.
Through Jesus’ miracle and speech all the crowd not only witness the mighty deed but also realize that God is the living and true God. I believe that the crowd have known more about God and rejoiced for Him afterwards.
Mat 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
God is pleased well, if we glorify His Name. Do we have this kind of wisdom like Jesus grasped any Chance to preach the Gospel, let others glorify him? And can we like this woman glorify God after receiving his mercy?
Luke Chapter 12
The verses I would like to share are exactly as Doro’s and Tiana’s and like to find out the answers of both questions. Of course, it’s welcome to comment or any inspiration.
Part I:
10 And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
Jesus referred it was under the circumstance when Jesus came to the world in flesh and preached the Gospel, man treated him as a human being and did not know that he is the Son of Man yet. So before the salvation or the inspiration of Holy Spirit came to them, they did not know that Jesus is God, e.g. the scribes and Pharisees were always discussing with each other what they might do to Jesus and Paul was persecuting the men, who are on the way of Jesus. That’s why it could be forgiven if a man has not known him yet and blasphemes against the Son of Man, because he did not know who Jesus is. But the Holy Spirit is on a higher level which is the divine nature. I mean that men on that time might have known the Holy Spirit, which represents God or the Spirit of God. If who has known and even though blasphemes the Holy Spirit, he cannot be forgiven, because he insults God and is unwilling to believe God.
Mat 20:28 "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
Luk 23:34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." […].
Jesus is the Mediator, which is between God and men. He lied for us as a sinner without sin and is always praying for us, because he loves us in hope that we can return to him. Actually he is enduring us too, so he is forgiving us. We shall not forget the God we believe is not only merciful but also righteous and jealous. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship with spirit and truth. Do not lie to the Holy Spirit as Ananias and his wife, Sapphira (Act 5).
Part II:
41 Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?"
We could probably get the answer to this question, if we look at verses 47’ 48:
47 "And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
I think that the point is not Jesus speaks to the twelve disciples or to all people, rather to those who have known and do the way of God.
2Pe 2:21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
Those who have known and do the way of righteousness must be watched more carefully and obey the will of God which associates with the parable in Matthew 25: 14-30.
Mat 25:29 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
Besides, those who did not know will deserve their own punishment too, but just only lighter than those who have known. Hence, the best to conclude is to be a faithful and wise steward servant in order to provide a treasure in the heaven, and be watched because we do not know the time when God coming. Our Lord must strengthen his people for their effort and prepare the beautiful eternity for them.
Part I:
10 And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
Jesus referred it was under the circumstance when Jesus came to the world in flesh and preached the Gospel, man treated him as a human being and did not know that he is the Son of Man yet. So before the salvation or the inspiration of Holy Spirit came to them, they did not know that Jesus is God, e.g. the scribes and Pharisees were always discussing with each other what they might do to Jesus and Paul was persecuting the men, who are on the way of Jesus. That’s why it could be forgiven if a man has not known him yet and blasphemes against the Son of Man, because he did not know who Jesus is. But the Holy Spirit is on a higher level which is the divine nature. I mean that men on that time might have known the Holy Spirit, which represents God or the Spirit of God. If who has known and even though blasphemes the Holy Spirit, he cannot be forgiven, because he insults God and is unwilling to believe God.
Mat 20:28 "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
Luk 23:34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." […].
Jesus is the Mediator, which is between God and men. He lied for us as a sinner without sin and is always praying for us, because he loves us in hope that we can return to him. Actually he is enduring us too, so he is forgiving us. We shall not forget the God we believe is not only merciful but also righteous and jealous. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship with spirit and truth. Do not lie to the Holy Spirit as Ananias and his wife, Sapphira (Act 5).
Part II:
41 Then Peter said to Him, "Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?"
We could probably get the answer to this question, if we look at verses 47’ 48:
47 "And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
I think that the point is not Jesus speaks to the twelve disciples or to all people, rather to those who have known and do the way of God.
2Pe 2:21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
Those who have known and do the way of righteousness must be watched more carefully and obey the will of God which associates with the parable in Matthew 25: 14-30.
Mat 25:29 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
Besides, those who did not know will deserve their own punishment too, but just only lighter than those who have known. Hence, the best to conclude is to be a faithful and wise steward servant in order to provide a treasure in the heaven, and be watched because we do not know the time when God coming. Our Lord must strengthen his people for their effort and prepare the beautiful eternity for them.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Mark 15
"9 But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. "
Pride is a dangerous and evil thing. It is very sad that almost everyone has some degree of it. Jesus had warned us clearly that He "Resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble". Pride is not good, but it becomes deadly when the pride is against God. You may be wondering why I mentioned pride when this verse is talking about envy. It's beccause envy can only exist if pride exists first. If one has no pride, then one will not be bothered if another person is better. Envy is caused when one's pride is hurt by someone else being better than themselves. It is caused by pride, because they are not able to recognize and applaud another person being better and more prominent than themselves. This could indeed be a difficult obstacle to overcome. May the Lord help us, because even He knows it is hard. Because He has given us warning messages in this regard time and again through Himself and his apostles (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, Phillipians 2:3, Mark 7:22,23, etc...).
From this story, we can see how pride can be deadly, both for the victim and the offender. Because of pride, they crucified Jesus. Even if Jesus wasn't God and was just an ordinary person, they still committed physical murder. Because Jesus is God, the offender killed themselves spiritually by not being able to accept their Saviour. Because Jesus is God, they ended up with a bad deal, a deal for their own spiritual death and eternal suffering, a deadlier death than Jesus' physical death.
What we can learn from this is to remind ourselves not to make a bad deal that ends in our spiritual death. Remember how we can make eternal deals that will last, even when they may appear to be bad deals in this transient life. Learn to look further into the future and not just in the present. Remember that the priests in their present moment seem to have won and diminished the one who overpowered them. But in actuality, they have lost the battle that mattered, the eternal one. May the Lord help us.
Pride is a dangerous and evil thing. It is very sad that almost everyone has some degree of it. Jesus had warned us clearly that He "Resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble". Pride is not good, but it becomes deadly when the pride is against God. You may be wondering why I mentioned pride when this verse is talking about envy. It's beccause envy can only exist if pride exists first. If one has no pride, then one will not be bothered if another person is better. Envy is caused when one's pride is hurt by someone else being better than themselves. It is caused by pride, because they are not able to recognize and applaud another person being better and more prominent than themselves. This could indeed be a difficult obstacle to overcome. May the Lord help us, because even He knows it is hard. Because He has given us warning messages in this regard time and again through Himself and his apostles (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, Phillipians 2:3, Mark 7:22,23, etc...).
From this story, we can see how pride can be deadly, both for the victim and the offender. Because of pride, they crucified Jesus. Even if Jesus wasn't God and was just an ordinary person, they still committed physical murder. Because Jesus is God, the offender killed themselves spiritually by not being able to accept their Saviour. Because Jesus is God, they ended up with a bad deal, a deal for their own spiritual death and eternal suffering, a deadlier death than Jesus' physical death.
What we can learn from this is to remind ourselves not to make a bad deal that ends in our spiritual death. Remember how we can make eternal deals that will last, even when they may appear to be bad deals in this transient life. Learn to look further into the future and not just in the present. Remember that the priests in their present moment seem to have won and diminished the one who overpowered them. But in actuality, they have lost the battle that mattered, the eternal one. May the Lord help us.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mark 14
51 Now a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth thrown around his naked body. And the young men laid hold of him, 52 and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked."
Hmm....this verse stuck out and seem to appear in the middle of nowhere. It seems very odd and even irrelevant of the whole context. The only connection I can see right off the bat is the contrast it makes with the previous verse, "50 Then they all forsook Him and fled." The people who fled refers to Jesus' disciples, because in Matthew it recorded, "Then all the disciples deserted him and fled" (26:56). However, this particular young man was not mentioned in Matthew or other gospel books.
The connection then seems to be the contrast that there is still a person following Jesus after everyone else deserted Him. However, the latter part of the verse is harder to understand. Why on earth would a regular person on a regular day choose to be naked and just wear a linen cloth? Who were these other young men? Why did they lay hold of the man in linen? Why did the young man leave the linen cloth behind? Why did the young man flee naked? These are interesting questions and could be viewed from a few aspects, literal, symbolic, and spiritual.
I did a little research in regards to the significance of linen cloth in the Jewish tradition. It was worn as regular clothing. However, a more significant role that it plays is in the Jewish burial. There is a special procedure in the way the Jewish prepares bodies for burial. First the washing of the body (can be signified by the woman who anointed Jesus in v. 3), then the wrapping of the body in white linen cloth (which could be signified by this young man, Mark 15:45). Apparently, this young man was not a regular person, and that was not a regular day. If this were the significance of this unusually placed verse, the young man can signify the whole process of Jesus's last days on earth. The young man himself signifying the body of Jesus. The linen cloth thrown on his naked body signifying a body undergoing the ceremonial cutom for burial. Later on, however, he left the linen cloth and was naked, signifying resurrection; no longer a need for the linen cloth, because the body is no longer a body for burial, but a living body.
As far as the other young men were concerned, it would make sense if they were those who came with Judah to capture Jesus. It should not be Jesus' disciples, because they already fled. The young men then literally are the people capturing Jesus. When they saw the young man in linen cloth, they probably were just trying to take care of him to avoid being bothered in what they are doing, arresting Jesus. However, in the symbolic meaning, they can signify the threat the body of Jesus will have to undergo prior to resurrection (leaving behind of the linen cloth). At the end, the young man fled naked. This can signify that when everything is finished, Jesus will be free of threats, and no longer be dead but alive, because he has left behind the linen cloth used for burial.
On a different note, this young man was the only person who followed Jesus after His disciples fled. He wasn't afraid of this group of people who were carrying swords and clubs. Even with the visual danger and threat at hand, he pressed on to follow Jesus. What we can learn from him is a spirit in the persistence of our faith. That despite the danger that is apparently before us, we can still press on to follow Jesus, because Jesus is there. That nothing can deter us away from following Jesus, whatever danger or threat it may be. That even if all the other followers of Jesus, and strong followers at that, were to flee for their lives away from Jesus; we can ignore that and continue to follow Jesus. That we let no one influence us to becoming an impass in following Jesus, not even those who are supposed to be more faithful or spiritual. That we do as Jesus do, not do as what others do.
Hmm....this verse stuck out and seem to appear in the middle of nowhere. It seems very odd and even irrelevant of the whole context. The only connection I can see right off the bat is the contrast it makes with the previous verse, "50 Then they all forsook Him and fled." The people who fled refers to Jesus' disciples, because in Matthew it recorded, "Then all the disciples deserted him and fled" (26:56). However, this particular young man was not mentioned in Matthew or other gospel books.
The connection then seems to be the contrast that there is still a person following Jesus after everyone else deserted Him. However, the latter part of the verse is harder to understand. Why on earth would a regular person on a regular day choose to be naked and just wear a linen cloth? Who were these other young men? Why did they lay hold of the man in linen? Why did the young man leave the linen cloth behind? Why did the young man flee naked? These are interesting questions and could be viewed from a few aspects, literal, symbolic, and spiritual.
I did a little research in regards to the significance of linen cloth in the Jewish tradition. It was worn as regular clothing. However, a more significant role that it plays is in the Jewish burial. There is a special procedure in the way the Jewish prepares bodies for burial. First the washing of the body (can be signified by the woman who anointed Jesus in v. 3), then the wrapping of the body in white linen cloth (which could be signified by this young man, Mark 15:45). Apparently, this young man was not a regular person, and that was not a regular day. If this were the significance of this unusually placed verse, the young man can signify the whole process of Jesus's last days on earth. The young man himself signifying the body of Jesus. The linen cloth thrown on his naked body signifying a body undergoing the ceremonial cutom for burial. Later on, however, he left the linen cloth and was naked, signifying resurrection; no longer a need for the linen cloth, because the body is no longer a body for burial, but a living body.
As far as the other young men were concerned, it would make sense if they were those who came with Judah to capture Jesus. It should not be Jesus' disciples, because they already fled. The young men then literally are the people capturing Jesus. When they saw the young man in linen cloth, they probably were just trying to take care of him to avoid being bothered in what they are doing, arresting Jesus. However, in the symbolic meaning, they can signify the threat the body of Jesus will have to undergo prior to resurrection (leaving behind of the linen cloth). At the end, the young man fled naked. This can signify that when everything is finished, Jesus will be free of threats, and no longer be dead but alive, because he has left behind the linen cloth used for burial.
On a different note, this young man was the only person who followed Jesus after His disciples fled. He wasn't afraid of this group of people who were carrying swords and clubs. Even with the visual danger and threat at hand, he pressed on to follow Jesus. What we can learn from him is a spirit in the persistence of our faith. That despite the danger that is apparently before us, we can still press on to follow Jesus, because Jesus is there. That nothing can deter us away from following Jesus, whatever danger or threat it may be. That even if all the other followers of Jesus, and strong followers at that, were to flee for their lives away from Jesus; we can ignore that and continue to follow Jesus. That we let no one influence us to becoming an impass in following Jesus, not even those who are supposed to be more faithful or spiritual. That we do as Jesus do, not do as what others do.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Luke 17
Luke 17:1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!
Luke 17:2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
I find it interesting, how Jesus describes a man, who offend one of his sheep (Actually I like the German translation more than the English one. In German it does not say "offend" but it says "to lead to apostasy" or "to lead to the wrong way". So it is not only offending the sheep of Jesus, but it is leading them to spiritual death.). Jesus says that it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.
What will God do to someone, who has lead the child of God astray?
1.Cor.3:17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
Luke 17:2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
I find it interesting, how Jesus describes a man, who offend one of his sheep (Actually I like the German translation more than the English one. In German it does not say "offend" but it says "to lead to apostasy" or "to lead to the wrong way". So it is not only offending the sheep of Jesus, but it is leading them to spiritual death.). Jesus says that it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.
What will God do to someone, who has lead the child of God astray?
1.Cor.3:17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
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