QT 27 Jan 14, We are the elect because we elected Jesus

Matt 13:14-17 (ESV) "'You will indeed hear but never understand,

and you will indeed see but never perceive.

15 For this people's heart has grown dull,

and with their ears they can barely hear,

and their eyes they have closed,

lest they should see with their eyes

and hear with their ears

and understand with their heart

and turn, and I would heal them.'

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.  17  Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

NOTE: This verse is an interesting take on predestination. Jesus hides the truth because if it wasn't hid, people would repent. But the reason he hides the truth is that the people's hearts are dull, their ears can barely hear, and they have closed their eyes. Mildly hiding the message is a response to their decision. In contrast, the disciples have chosen to see and hear, and so they are blessed to know the truth. People choose their eternal destiny. God offers life to everyone, but some do not want to hear. They do not want to choose (elect) Jesus as their savior, and so they are not part of the elect. God planned long ago to save the elect, but the elect are those who will choose to hear and see, not those who do not want to hear and see. They have elected to believe in something else. But Jesus died for the whole world that anyone who believes can be saved. They become the elect when they believe, and that process started in eternity past, but their decision occurs in the here and now. We are elect because God has provided a way and made an offer, and we elected to take that offer. That isn't predetermined but it was known by God. At least that is how I understand the scriptures, and it seems to fit for me.

QT 24 Jan 14, Ultimately, we all just want LIFE!

Matt 12:38-39 (ESV) Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." 39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

NOTE: After all the signs and wonders that Jesus had done, why the request? It seems almost ridiculous. He heals a man on the Sabbath and enrages the Pharisees; he heals a paralytic and forgives his sin and they are enraged; he heals a blind and mute man, and they say he is the prince of demons. They want Jesus to perform on demand. But what would that really prove? They did not want to believe and no amount of signs will change the heart of those who do not want to believe. Repentance changes a heart, not scientific proof. Signs are useful to start the questioning process, but ultimately it becomes a heart issue and not a head issue. The real sign, the one that matters most, is the one Jesus leaves with them. He promises to rise from the dead, three days later--that is the sign of Jonah. And still today, that is the sign that matters most--can death be beaten? Or is this life all there is and then … nothing? The resurrection from the dead and the subsequent proofs are too great to ignore. Life has meaning and death is not the end. What great truth or sign exists anywhere in the universe? I want life. Everyone, deep down, really want life. We want to be satisfied. We want to reach our potential. We want to make an impact. We want to be loved and love. We want LIFE! And Jesus offers life to those who will believe.

QT 23 Jan 14, Why are we so complacent about such a great salvation?

Matt 11:13-17 (ESV) For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John,  14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.

15  He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,

17 "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;

we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.'

NOTE:  I wonder if Jesus' statement in verse 14 meant, that if they accepted him, John would be Elijah to come, but since "this" generation did not accept the Messiah, Elijah still remains to come. The first time Jesus came he played the flute, the second time he will sing a dirge. And it is not until the last moment that the nation of Israel recognizes his messiah-ship. It is easy to be critical of Israel, but we are not much better. There are scores in the church who are only interested in fire insurance and have no real desire to walk with God. How sad? Do they truly even understand their salvation? How can the church trample to the ground something of such great value? We are all fools, because we have so little faith. He gave so much and we are so unmoved. Forgive me Lord for my lack of faith. Forgive me for my complacency. I want to live for you and love you by my deeds and words.

QT 22 Jan 14, Our rewards communicate our thankfulness

Matt 10:40-42 (ESV) "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.  41  The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.  42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."

NOTE: Three times Jesus mentions a reward for something done while on earth. Two of the rewards are distinctly different from the last reward suggesting that all of the rewards are different and are based on service. Rewards are earned, salvation is free. One reward is called a prophet's reward, another a righteous person's reward, and the last "his" reward. The use of the word "his" suggests even more strongly that the rewards are personal and unique. But why do we seek a reward? I think there are two reasons. One, we are designed to seek gratification, but we seek it in a sinful manner. We are designed to achieve success. We are gratified when we are successful. It is not necessarily always a bad things. Secondly, our rewards honor God because they communicate our gratefulness for our salvation. The picture of this is the throwing of the crowns by the elders at Jesus' feet. What will we have to give back to the Lord that says we appreciated our salvation? We can never repay our salvation, the cost of the gift was too high, but we can say thankful for the gift. And the degree to which we can say thanks is measured by our earned rewards.

QT 21 Jan 14, Even right in front of us, we refuse to believe

Matt 9:23-26 (ESV) And when Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, "Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.

Matt 9:28-31 (ESV) When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord."  29  Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."  30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, "See that no one knows about it."  31  But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

Matt 9:32-34 (ESV) As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." 34 But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

NOTE: Three messianic miracles--raising the dead, healing the blind, and casting out demons from a mute person. And the answer to such a display of power is that it is Satanic. The charge will be repeated more forcefully later in the Matthew's account. But here is the clear statement that God has visited his people. The power was for good, not for evil. It never was used for evil. The message directed people to God, not away from God. And yet, in their stubbornness, men refuse to believe what is right before them, and come up with excuses not to believe. Why can't we see what is so obvious and give praise to the God of heaven for the good he does. Father, forgive me for my times of unbelief. Thank you for the good things you do. Help me to live for you in godliness and kindness to others.

QT 20 Jan 14, He takes away our pain

Matt 8:17 (ESV) This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases."

NOTE: In this chapter Jesus heals three others prior to this verse, a leper who asked him if he was willing, a centurion who asked that he would only give the command, and Peter's mother-in-law who is never recorded as saying a thing. Three examples that are very different. There are Jews and Gentiles; friends and strangers; petitioners and non-petitioners; touchable and untouchable; amazing faith and questioning faith. In all cases, Jesus "took our illnesses and bore our diseases." But why? Illness and disease are reminders of our fallen nature. They tell us that we rebelled against God and his plan. They result in life being difficult and painful. They cause some to seek God. But here God comes and his presence heals (takes away) our illnesses and diseases. Why? Because God never intended us to live this way, but while we live on a fallen earth, it is a result of our decision (in a federal sense). Mankind chose to go it on our own, and so we reap the result of our choice. But God's reentry into our lives causes a change. He takes away the pain of our stupid choices. He heals us, because, that is what the presence of God does. Thank you Lord that someday we will be in your presence and illness and disease will be no more.

QT 17 Jan 14, I need to stop trying to put the attention on self

Matt 4:5-7 (ESV)  Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

 "'He will command his angels concerning you,'

and

"'On their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"

7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

NOTE: This is my struggle and many others as well. I would call it the "me syndrome," the desire to call attention to oneself because of what they have done or what they are. It is also called just plain pride. Jesus was worthy and yet he did not seek it. I too often seek it through my words and even my actions. God calls me to humility. It is an important aspect of my witness. It is refreshing and appealing to others. Pride is a great turnoff. I know--I don't like it in others--why can't I see it in myself? I suppose it starts with getting the attention off of myself and putting it on others. I can do that by listening and asking questions of others, rather than just wanting to get my story in. Forgive me Lord for my ugly selfishness and pride. Give me a love and concern for others. Help me to think about them and to see how I can serve them.

QT 13 Jan 14, What has God called us to -- it doesn't have to be big, we just have to be obedient

Matt 1:18-25 (ESV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23  "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel"

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

NOTE: It is very clear that Mary and Joseph were not involved sexually. Joseph was committed to a divorce but did not want a public scandal. I would be surprised if Mary had not explained the circumstances to Joseph In which case, it was a story that was just too hard to believe for Joseph. Just as it probably was for any of Mary's other friends and family. So Joseph was probably not surprised by the visit of the angel. Joseph is involved early in the birth, the trip to Bethlehem, and the trip to Egypt. Joseph passed on his skills as a carpenter, but there is little else. Joseph played his part in Jesus' life, the part God had assigned him. He did the right thing. He served God. What is my part over the next few years in this new endeavor. It doesn't have to be grandiose, but it does have to be obedient. Thank you Lord for where I am. Help me to be observant to how you will you my life.

QT 9 Jan 14, When God is involved, the equation is completely different

2 Sam 10:15-19 (ESV) But when the Syrians saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they gathered themselves together. 16 And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the Euphrates. They came to Helam, with Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head. 17 And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together and crossed the Jordan and came to Helam. The Syrians arrayed themselves against David and fought with him. 18 And the Syrians fled before Israel, and David killed of the Syrians the men of 700 chariots, and 40,000 horsemen, and wounded Shobach the commander of their army, so that he died there. 19 And when all the kings who were servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Syrians were afraid to save the Ammonites anymore.

NOTE: Twice now the Syrians are defeated by Israel, first when they supported the Ammonites, and again when they combined all their forces against Israel. They probably realized that they had outnumbered Israel before and thought that with an even larger army, they could surely defeat Israel. But, when it comes to things that involve a spiritual dimension, what is seen is no guarantee of what will be. Even the large Army of the Syrians is defeated by Israel, with David at the lead. The result is fear. Why? I don't think it is the power of a small nation like Israel, but rather the amazing way that God gave Israel victory, even when it should not be possible. I don't know what the next ten years hold, but I do know that when God is involved, it is not what I see, but what God wants to do with my life. He has led me this far, and he will continue to lead in ways that will surprise me.

QT 2 Jan 14, Stupidity is only a fault when we don't want to learn

2 Sam 10:4, 6-14 (ESV) So Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away.

. . .

6 When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, the Ammonites sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and the Syrians of Zobah, 20,000 foot soldiers, and the king of Maacah with 1,000 men, and the men of Tob, 12,000 men. 7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the host of the mighty men. 8 And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the gate, and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.

9 When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Syrians. 10 The rest of his men he put in the charge of Abishai his brother, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites. 11 And he said, "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 12  Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him." 13 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near to battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him. 14 And when the Ammonites saw that the Syrians fled, they likewise fled before Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.

NOTE: Well, it doesn't appear that either the Ammonites or the hired Syrian mercenaries were willing to die for the new young king Hanun and his stupidity, even when they clearly outnumbered the Hebrews. Once again, David did the right thing by sending a delegation to Ammon after the death of Hanun's father, but Hanun, listening to his advisors decided there was evil intent in David's actions. The result is a war that ends badly for the new king Hanun. I wonder what he learned or if he learned anything? That is the difficulty of power, sometimes we begin to think we are above everyone else and there is nothing we need to learn.

I've learned a lot in these last thirteen years working for my present employer. I definitely don't know as much as I would like to know, and probably never will, but I want to be a person who is always learning. I don't want to ever think that I have arrived. I don't want to fail or to fail others. So, I pray as I enter my new job, to be successful and a blessing to my new employer, and to be learning and growing as a person and as a professional. God have mercy on me.

QT 31 Dec 13, God's sovereignty is not a promise of protection from evil

2 Sam 10:1-5 (ESV) After this the king of the Ammonites died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. 2 And David said, "I will deal loyally with Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father dealt loyally with me." So David sent by his servants to console him concerning his father. And David's servants came into the land of the Ammonites. 3 But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, "Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Has not David sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?" 4 So Hanun took David's servants and shaved off half the beard of each and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away. 5 When it was told David, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, "Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return."

NOTE: Even when you do the right thing, it is no guarantee that the other person will respond correctly. David did exactly what he should and his actions were misinterpreted. The result is that his men were publicly humiliated. Should he have expected Hanun's reaction? I don't think so. Hanun's advisors were clearly a different group than his father's. It was certainly a possibility, and David's grandson Rehoboam will commit a similarly stupid action based on poor counsel.

We can have the best intentions and do exactly the correct action, but that does not mean things will turn out right for us or for others who are involved in the choice. The problem is sin and it has an effect on everybody around us. In this case the sin originates on the other side. God does not step in and protect the delegation from the shame. God allows the world to turn as it does so that the evil of life separated from God can be made clear. Without the reminder of a fallen world, there is no need to turn to God. So God's sovereignty causes him not to intervene in most cases. He can and will when necessary. And he does promise to bring good out of evil for the believer, but he does not promise to keep us from evil tidings. I think most Christians have a misunderstanding of God's sovereignty and a misunderstanding of the fallen world around them.