Blog Archives

How To Make a Difference In Your City (Insights in Law)

1/31/2011

A person can't predict how God might use them. Tough times may seem to disqualify you from effective service. It's those frustrating and seemly "wasted" circumstances that God redeems for ministry in your city. Joseph thought his life was over while serving prison time for a crime he didn't commit. Two years later, he unexpectedly gets a call from Pharaoh or the president of Egypt. What unexpected opportunity is God preparing for you that taps into your experiences, passion and gifts in serving your city? Learning the principles of preparation, prerequisites and product of successful city ministry will equip you in making a difference.

Preparation for Successful City Ministry
After two years, Pharaoh dreamt that seven ugly cows ate seven fat cows and seven thin ears were swallowed up by seven plump ears. No one, including all the Egyptian magicians and wise men, could interpret the dream, which troubled him (Gen. 41:1-8). Sense of need among key leaders opens doors and opportunities for city ministry.

The chief cupbearer remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh that he interpreted dreams accurately. The cupbearer was restored to office and baker hanged as Joseph predicted (Gen. 41:9-13). God sovereignly uses tough experiences and your gifting to serve Him strategically in the city.

When Pharaoh told Joseph that he heard about his ability to interpret dreams, the latter answered, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." Pharaoh shared his dream with Joseph and said no one could explain it to him (Gen. 41:14-24). Listen to God and do what He says because ministry is not about you.

Prerequisites for Successful City Ministry
Joseph told Pharaoh that his two dreams revealed identical messages in emphasizing what God was about to do: seven years of great abundance in Egypt followed by seven years of famine. Repeating the dream twice meant God determined to bring about the events quickly. Joseph encouraged Pharaoh to look for a wise and discerning man to set over Egypt who could appoint overseers to exact a fifth of the land's produce during the seven abundant years to hold in reserve for the seven lean years, which would sustain people during famine (Gen. 41:25-36). God gives insights and strategies to influence leaders so they promote the welfare of the city's people.

The proposal seemed good to Pharaoh and he determined Joseph was the wise and discerning man to become secretary of agriculture or second in command in all of Egypt. Joseph was given the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as his wife (Gen. 41:37-45). Sharing truths without drawing attention to yourself has the greatest potential to be adopted by those in authority.

The food Joseph gathered during the seven years of plenty that was stored in every city came from the surrounding fields in great abundance until he stopped measuring it (Gen. 41:46-49). Diligent preparation and executing strategy to serve local needs ensure success.

Before the year of famine, two sons were born to Joseph: Manasseh (God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household) and Ephraim (God has made me fruitful in land of my affliction) (Gen. 41:50-52). God prioritizes inner healing and spiritual character over ministry competency.

Product of Successful City Ministry
Seven years of severe famine came after seven plentiful years in all the lands, but in Egypt there was bread, which Joseph sold to the Egyptians and all the earth (Gen. 41:53-57). Obeying God in performing your ministry leads to worldwide impact in solving society's real problems.

Answer these questions:
1. What tough experiences have you gone through (character and passion development)?
2. If you could do anything in your life and not have to worry about money, what would it be (passion)?
3. What are your primary gifts?
4. Do you notice any alignment between the answers to the above three questions?
5. Prayerfully consider the preparation, prerequisites and product of successful city ministry listed above along with timing to determine when, where and how God might be leading in serving Him in your city.

0 Comments

What's Leading You Astray from Christ? (Insights in NT)

1/30/2011

0 Comments

Life contains many mine fields disguised as distractions and desires of your sinful nature seeking to kill you. Everything in this world conspires to lead you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ. Religious leaders sought to kill Him. His disciples turned away from Him. Only one woman in Mark 14 lavished praise on Him. What's leading you astray from Christ?

With Passover and Unleavened Bread two days away, chief priests and scribes sought how to capture and kill Christ (Mark 14:1-2).

A woman lavishly poured costly perfume of pure nard over Christ in the home of Simon the leper. Some scolded her saying she wasted the perfume since the money saved could be given to the poor. Jesus told them to leave her alone since she had done a good deed of anointing His body beforehand for burial and people will remember her when the gospel is preached (Mark 14:3-9).

Money motivated Judas to seek an opportune time to betray Jesus to the chief priests (Mark 14:10-11).

In preparing the sacrificial Passover lamb, He asked the disciples to follow a man carrying a pitcher of water. When he entered a house, He instructed them to ask the owner for the guest room, which would be a large furnished upper room, where "I may eat the Passover with My disciples" (Mark 14:12-16).

While eating, Jesus predicted one would betray Him. All the disciples were grieved and said, "Surely, not I?" Jesus said it would have been better for that man not to have been born (Mark 14:17-21).

Jesus broke bread saying it was His body. After they all drank from a cup, He said this was His blood of the covenant poured out for many. None would drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when "I drink it new in the kingdom of God" After singing a hymn, they went to the Mount of Olives (Mark 14:22-26).

Jesus predicted they all would fall away because Scripture said that striking the Shepherd caused the sheep to scatter, but after He had been raised, He would go before them to Galilee. Peter said he would not fall away, but Christ said he would deny Him three times (Mark 14:27-31).

When they came to Gethsemane, Jesus took Peter, James and John with him. While there, He became very distressed and troubled as His soul was deeply grieved to the point of death. He prayed that God would remove the cup so He wouldn't have to die, concluding, "yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt." Three times He found His disciples sleeping and not watching, even for one hour. He exhorted them to keep watching and praying so they not come into temptation because, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. The Son of Man then was betrayed into the hands of sinners (Mark 14:32-42).

Judas accompanied by a multitude of religious leaders with swords and clubs, captured and led Christ under guard. Christ told them everyday He was teaching in the temple and they didn't sieze Him, but this happened so "Scriptures might be fulfilled." His disciples left Him and fled including a young man wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body (Mark 14:43-52).

Peter followed Jesus at a distance while He was led away to the high priest. The religious leaders and whole Council kept trying to obtain testimony to put Him to death. Jesus kept silent and made no answer to false testimony against Him. After the high priest asked if He was the Messiah, Jesus answered, "I am and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." Because of His "blasphemy," they condemned Him to death. Some spat at Him and others blindfolded and beat Him with their fists and said, "Prophesy!" (Mark 14:53-65).

Peter denied three times that he was with Jesus to a servant-girl, maid and bystanders, by answering, "I do not know this man you are talking about!" Peter wept after remembering Jesus saying, "Before a cock crows twice, you will deny Me three times" (Mark 14:66-72).

Let’s look at these 11 paragraphs in a chiastic structure as follows from the first through the eleventh paragraphs: A; B; C; D; E; F; E'; D'; C'; B'; A’. We group together the content contained in A & A’; B & B’, etc. Here are my conclusions:
1. Fear of man minimizes the effects of Christ's death so you deny His work on your behalf (A & A').
2. Instead of following the world's desires, follow the woman's example of lavish and sacrificial worship by spending time in prayer and listening to God (B & B').
3. Money can be security blanket preventing you from hearing and obeying Christ's radical teaching to take up your cross and follow Him (C & C').
4. Watching, praying and spending time with Christ prevents succumbing to temptation since the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (D & D').
5. Beware of severe consequences in boasting that you won't fall away and deny Christ (E & E').
6. The focal point of your life should be the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ through His shed blood (F).

Consider the theme of Mark 14 (item #6) summarized in 2 Cor. 11:3-4 since it's easy to be led astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ in the following ways:
1. Is fear of man leading you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ?
2. Are the world's desires leading you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ?
3. Is acquisition of more money leading you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ?
4. Is laziness in prayer leading you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ?
5. Is over-confidence leading you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ?

0 Comments

Responding to Hurtful Words (Insights in Psalms)

1/28/2011

0 Comments

Evil speech destroys like a fire (James 3:5-6). It causes you to be distracted, disturbed and distraught. I lost confidence when a boss constantly criticized my work. When trusted friends stabbed me behind my back, I felt my whole world crashing in on me. In these hurtful times, you need an anchor. Psalm 55 details these varied feelings when facing harm from enemies and how to respond.

Overview
Prayer is always the first lifeline when you feel restless and overwhelmed. When facing trouble, pressure and grudges, complaining becomes the natural response (Ps. 55:1-3).

Feelings Within
Your heart is in anguish. Terror of death falls upon you. Fear and trembling saps your strength. You don't know where to turn. You think only of escaping these circumstances. Wouldn't it be great to fly away like a bird to safety in the wilderness (Ps. 55:4-8).

Trouble Identified
The World War II saying that "loose lips sink ships" describe one's enemies. One's tongue destroys, oppresses and deceives others. It causes strife and violence in cities. At the very center of iniquity and mischief is evil speech from unexpected sources, your trusted friends, which cause even greater hurt (Ps. 55:9-15).

Appropriate Response
When you face evil, call and complain to the Lord because He hears. God delivers and allows you to know peace in the midst of the battle. God destroys and overturns flattering lips that sound good and comforting, but inwardly deceitful. Trust God by casting your burden upon the Lord since He will sustain you. Take heart and pray because He never allows the righteous to be shaken even though people stab you in the back (Ps. 55:16-23).

Write down your burdens (people saying unkind things or lies about you, injustice you are facing, etc.). Place the paper in a backpack and put it on. Take it off symbolizing that you are casting your burden upon the Lord.

0 Comments

Only One Way to God is Not a Dirty Word (Insights in Prophets)

1/26/2011

0 Comments

In our politically correct society, every way to God is equally valid. No one is right and no one is wrong. Truth is relative. People are called narrow and not open-minded if they insist there's only one way to God. That's a lie! God is truth and in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). The Philistines relied on their intellect and religious customs in determining how to approach God. The results were devastating just as they will be for anyone who doesn't follow God's way.

The ark of the Lord was captured from Israel by the Philistines and remained with them for seven months. God smote many the Ashdodites, and those who did not die received painful tumors on their bodies. The Philistine priests of Dagon said the ark should be returned with a guilt offering to heal their tumors and gain knowledge why God was killing them. The guilt offering contained five golden tumors and five golden mice as representative images of the tumors and mice that ravaged the land. They hoped to give glory to God and lessen His judgment upon them because of hardness of heart similar to Pharaoh in Egypt (1 Sam. 6:1-6). Pragmatism and human strategies in approaching God reveal hardness of heart.

The priests instructed the Philistines to prepare a new cart pulled by two unyoked cows, which would hold the golden guilt offerings. If the cart went through its own territory to Beth-shemesh, this would be a sign that God judged the Philistines with death. If the cart didn't go this way, then His hand struck them by chance. They hitched the two cows to the carts leaving their calves at home. The box containing the golden likeness of mice and tumors along with the ark of the Lord was placed on the cart. The cows headed straight to Beth-shemesh without turning aside to the right or left (1 Sam. 6:7-12). God is able to reveal His will using natural means.

People in Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest and glad to see the ark. When it came to Joshua the Beth-shemite's field, he offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord. The Levites made a burnt offering with the materials from the cart and box containing the gold articles. They set the ark on a large stone. When the five Philistine lords saw the sacrifice, they returned to Ekron. God killed 50,070 men because they looked into the ark (1 Sam. 6:13-19a). A mixture of truth with error plus disobedience to God lead to devastating consequences for a society.

The men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before Lord, his holy God? And to whom shall He go up from us.” They sent messengers to Kiriath-jearim asking them to come and bring the ark up to them (1 Sam. 6:19b-21). God reveals His power and holiness in unmistakable ways to humble people so they take Him seriously and come to Him.

People can’t approach God any way they want. He is very particular about the way men approach Him. The song, “I did it my way,” illustrates man’s way, not God’s. In the Old Testament, God set up the tabernacle, priesthood and sacrifices. Today, men approach God through the person and work of Jesus Christ as the sacrificial lamb who died for your sins. His death is exclusive as the only way to God when He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).

Have you placed your trust in Christ for eternal life or are you relying on something else (good works, other religion, nature, etc.)? Boast in nothing but the cross of Christ (Gal. 6:14).

0 Comments

When Life Makes No Sense (Insights in Law)

1/24/2011

0 Comments

When life makes no sense, I have a tendency to question God. When people went behind my back in a hostile take over of my ministry, I wondered what was going on. Could God really use this in my life? Yes! Tests like these develop patience and integrity as preparation for future usefulness. Trusting God's sovereignty over my human understanding reaps the reward of character development. God arranged circumstances in Joseph's life where he learned these lessons.

The cupbearer and baker offended the king of Egypt and Joseph was charged to care for them in prison. They both had dreams the same night. Seeing their dejection, Joseph asked why their faces were so sad. They answered that no one was there to interpret their dream. Joseph requested they tell their dreams to them since interpretations belong to God (Gen. 40:1-8). God reveals the meaning of dreams and Scripture, which encourages you to submit to His leadership.

The cupbearer told his dream about squeezing grapes into Pharaoh's cup before putting the cup in Pharaoh's hand. Joseph interpreted the dream to mean that in three days Pharaoh would restore him as cupbearer. He asked the cupbearer to remember him and put in a good word to Pharaoh so Joseph could leave prison. He told the cupbearer that he was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews and done nothing to deserve the "dungeon" (Gen. 40:9-15). Submitting to unfair and confusing circumstances allow God to transform your character into His image as preparation for future usefulness.

When the chief baker saw the favorable interpretation from Joseph, he explained his dream about three baskets of white bread on his head with the top one holding baked food for Pharaoh as birds ate from it. Joseph interpreted the dream to mean that in three days he would be hanged and birds would eat his flesh (Gen. 40:16-19). God provides integrity tests as preparation for you to make tough decisions when it's tempting to be men pleasers.

On the third day, Pharaoh restored the cupbearer to his office and hanged the baker just as Joseph had interpreted to them. The cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him (Gen. 40:20-23). Since God sovereignly works His will through authorities without your help, be patient in tough situations.

Answer these five questions:
1. What troubling or confusing circumstance are you experiencing right now?
2. How do you feel about it?
3. What is God teaching you?
4. Are you taking to heart these lessons?
5. How will this prepare you for future usefulness?

0 Comments

Are You Ready for Christ's Second Coming? (Insights in NT)

1/23/2011

0 Comments

Reading the newspaper headlines about natural disasters, terrorist attacks and relational unrest throughout the world have tendency to create fear. Remember these are birth pangs for Christ's Second Coming. Instead of being anxious, prepare yourself spiritually by putting your hope in Christ, not in things of this world. Christ comforts and encourages, while the world overwhelms and discourages. Since the disciples faced an uncertain future as persecution increased around Christ and themselves, He gave them the big picture surrounding His Second Coming.

As Jesus was going out of the temple, He told the disciples that every stone would be torn down from it. They asked when these things would take place and the sign for their fulfillment (Mark 13:1-4).

Jesus said the beginning of birth pangs would see many deceivers coming in His name, hear of wars and rumors of war, nations and kingdoms rising against each other and earthquakes & famines occurring in various places (Mark 13:5-8). Intense spiritual deception, natural disasters and political chaos are signals to prepare for Christ's Second Coming.

He exhorted the disciples to be on guard since they will be hated and many put to death on account of Christ. The Holy Spirit will tell them what to say as a testimony, especially when suffering persecution from religious leaders, family members and civil leaders since the gospel must first be preached to all nations (Mark 13:9-13). Severe persecution accelerates the spread of the gospel into all nations.

When you see the Abomination of Desolation standing where it should not be, flee to the mountains for great tribulation is coming. False Christs and prophets will show signs and wonders to even lead believers astray (Mark 13:14-23). Trusting in Christ and His provision protects you from evil political and spiritual authorities.

After the tribulation and immediately before Christ comes back in the clouds with great glory, the sun and moon will be darkened, stars will fall from heaven and powers in the heaven will be shakened. At His coming, the angels will gather believers together from the earth. When you see these things occurring, know Christ is coming soon. No one knows the exact time except God the Father. Be on the alert for His sudden appearing since His words won't pass away (Mark 13:24-37). Be alert for natural signs and spiritually prepared in readiness for Christ's Second Coming.

Rate yourself on a scale (1 being lowest and 10 highest) concerning your alertness (opposite of apathy) on the following principles that were underlined above:

1. Intense spiritual deception, natural disasters and political chaos are signals to prepare for Christ's Second Coming.
2. Severe persecution accelerates the spread of the gospel into all nations.
3. Trusting in Christ and His provision protects you from evil political and spiritual authorities.
4. Be alert for natural signs and spiritually prepared in readiness for Christ's Second Coming (blog on Mark 12 explains how to be spiritually prepared)

0 Comments

Withstanding Attacks from Evil People (Insights in Psalms)

1/22/2011

0 Comments

When someone seeks to hurt you by telling lies, what's your normal response? You want to defend yourself!
Nothing is more uncomfortable or aggravating than being on the receiving end of lies. In an earlier blog post from Gen. 39, Joseph was accused wrongly of sexual advances toward his master's wife. As a result, he was thrown into prison. Joseph understood that God was his deliverer. Because he trusted in God's plan, Joseph ultimately became the second most powerful person in Egypt, secretary of agriculture. God vindicated him! Psalms 52-54 paint a picture on how to withstand the attacks from evil people and thereby experience God's deliverance.

Loving evil more than good leads to destructive, deceitful and false speech. God's lovingkindness destroys words that devour. The righteous laughs at those who trust in riches instead of God (Ps. 52:1-7).

In contrast, the righteous trust in God's lovingkindness and thank Him forever. They wait patiently upon His good name in the presence of His godly ones (Ps. 52:8-9).

Besides destructive speech, the fool says in his heart there's no God and commits injustice. In reality, no one does good, understands or seek after God. Everyone is corrupt. Doing good is not part of their lifestyle. Because they don't call upon God, they experience dread and shame, In addition, they are drained of any positive energy to do good (Ps. 53:1-5).

Our only hope is God's deliverance. He frees you from all affliction, whether it's internal or external, to enable you to rejoice in God (Ps. 53:6).

God's saving power allows Him to hear and answer prayer when violent men seek your harm. The Lord sustains your soul so you have the inner resources to withstand attacks. He pays back evil so you aren't hurt. He silences your enemies so truth is upheld (Ps. 54:1-5).

God wants you to respond with thanksgiving in these tough circumstances, especially when evil people seek your harm. Remember that God is your vindicator. He doesn't need your help (Ps. 54:6-7).

If you are on the receiving end of unjust attacks, thank and trust God to deliver you. Don't seek revenge and remember that God will ultimately vindicate you. Truth will win out!

0 Comments

Escaping the Dark Cloud of Dread (Insights in Prophets)

1/21/2011

0 Comments

There have been times when I lacked confidence. Timidity and cautiousness robbed me of joy. I was afraid to take risks. Life became boring and meaningless. How can you escape the dark cloud of dread clinging over you, which make forward progress impossible?

Both Israel and the Philistines experienced God's curse by not following God. Philistines defeated Israel in battle while killing 4,000 men. After elders asked why Lord defeated them, they carried ark of covenant of Lord of hosts who sits about the cherubim. The two sons of Eli were there with the ark. Philistines were afraid and expressed concern about "gods who smote Egyptians with all kind of plagues in wilderness" They exhorted the army to take courage and fight. Philistines killed 30,000 foot soldiers in defeating Israel. The ark of God was taken and Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died. After hearing ark was taken, Eli died (1 Sam. 4:1-18). People lose confidence when God’s presence leaves.

Before Phinehas’ wife died in childbirth, she called her baby, Ichabod, “The glory has departed from Israel,” because ark was taken and her father-in-law and husband died (1 Sam. 4:19-22). Defeat and death occur when God’s glory leaves a nation because of spiritual and civil leaders' poor example.

Dagon fell on its face twice, which cut off both its head and hands after it was set by ark of God. No one who enters Dagon’s house walk on its threshold to this day (1 Sam. 5:1-5). Gods in this world fail before the powerful and true God.

The Lord applied pressure on Ashdodites and smote them with tumors. All the leaders asked, “What shall we do with the ark of God?” The Lord filled the city with great confusion besides the tumors. Philistine leaders said, “Send away the ark of God and let it return to its own place and not kill us and our people.” God brought panic and severe turmoil so men who didn't die were smitten with tumors. The cry of the city went up to heaven (1 Sam. 5:6-12). People experience confusion, disturbance and disease when they turn away from God.

God's curse is psychological (lack of confidence or dread), physical (sicknesses or diseases) and lacking all things (material provision). It becomes a sign "because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things" (Deut. 28:45-48,59-61,65-67).

Serve the Lord with joy and a glad heart by praying through one of the Psalms and responding in obedience.

0 Comments

Example of Trust When Life Unravels (Insights in Law)

1/20/2011

0 Comments

Losing my job because I wouldn't compromise my integrity was a great disappointment. Life seemed out of control after seven months of unemployment and no job prospects in sight. God kept reminding me to trust Him. It was one of the best growing times in my life. In time, God provided the best job up until that point in my life along with great working conditions. Gen. 39 showed how Joseph remained faithful to God and trusted Him even as life unraveled around him.

Joseph was sold as a slave, taken down to Egypt and became successful in Potiphar's house, captain of Pharaoh's bodyguard. Lord was with Joseph and prospered in all he did. Potiphar showed him favor as his personal servant and in charge of all he owned. He wasn't concerned about anything except food he ate. The Lord blessed Poitphar's house on account of Joseph who was handsome in form and appearance (Gen. 39:1-6). Integrity, follow-through, hard work and responsibility combined with great faith cause favor with God and man.

Potiphar’s wife tried seducing Joseph, but he refused her advances. He told her that Potiphar trusted him completely and withheld nothing except her. Joseph asked,“How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:7-9). Stay consistent and faithful by resisting temptation.

Potiphar's wife spoke to Joseph day after day, but resisted her advances. When they were alone, she caught his garment saying, “Lie with me!” Joseph left his garment and ran outside. She accused him of making sport of her. After lying to the men of her household, she left his garment beside her until Potiphar came home and then repeated the lie (Gen. 39:10-18). Being faithful and responsible sometimes leads to suffering persecution and injustice.

Potiphar's anger burned when he heard what his wife said. He put Joseph in jail, which confined the king’s prisoners. But the Lord showed kindness and gave him favor in sight of the chief jailer who made Joseph responsible for all the prisoners. His superior did not supervise anything under his charge. The Lord made him prosper (Gen. 39:19-23). God’s faithfulness and love combined with devoted and responsible service reap favor and blessings from authorities.

Remember that God is in control even when life unravels. What seems out of control in your life? Embrace the discomfort by remaining consistent in your walk with God while trusting Him for the outcome, whether good or bad.

0 Comments

Why Jesus Came to Earth (Insights in NT)

1/18/2011

1 Comment

Like in Jesus' day, people are confused why Jesus came to earth. A Muslim will shrug his shoulders if you ask him for a solution after doing something wrong. A Hindu will tell you maybe you can get it right in your next life. A psychiatrist will tell you, "You need some counseling, step in my office. Oh, that'll be $200 per hour once a week." Jesus Christ offers His disciples a relationship with God and forgiveness of sins, whereas in other religions people perform certain rituals and rites hoping to please God. Through Christ's dialogue with religious leaders and the crowd, He pointed out four "F's"--foundation, focus, force and foremost priority of life--that amazed both His opponents and those receptive to His message. These four "F's" explain why Jesus came to earth.

To illustrate His past circumstances, Jesus spoke a parable about a man planting a vineyard and sending slaves to vine-growers at harvest time to receive produce. The vine-growers beat the first slave and sent him away empty-handed. The second was wounded in the head and treated badly. The third slave was killed along with many others. Finally, the vineyard owner sent a beloved son expecting him to be respected. Jesus compared his killing to Himself, "The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief cornerstone" (Mark 12:1-12). How amazing to consider the cross or crucified Jesus as the foundation of life.

Hypocritical Pharisees and Herodians attempted to trap Jesus by asking if it's lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar. He answered, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:13-17). How amazing to consider your calling involves living in the world without being entangled.

Sadducees who believed in no resurrection questioned Jesus concerning which of his seven wives a husband would be married to in heaven. He answered that they "do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God" since people live forever like angels in heaven. He is God of the living when He told Moses that "I am God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Mark 12:18-27). How amazing to consider that Christ's resurrection power imparts eternal life beginning now in this life.

A scribe asked Jesus what is the foremost commandment. He answered that loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength along with loving your neighbor as yourself are the greatest commandments. Jesus commended the scribe for his understanding that these were "much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices" (Mark 12:28-34). How amazing to consider your most important priority is loving God and others.

Even though no one asked Him any more questions, Jesus asked how Christ could be the son of David when he calls Him Lord in Ps. 110: 1 (Mark 12:35-37). How amazing to consider the person of Christ as both God and man.

He warned them to reflect on the greater condemnation scribes received when they sought favor and honor from men, but devoured widows' houses and offered long prayers for appearance's sake (Mark 12:38-40). How amazing to consider that God values doing justice for the less fortunate more than religious observances.

Jesus pointed out that a "poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury" even though many rich people put in large sums. They put in their surplus while she "out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on" (Mark 12:41-44). How amazing to consider that God looks upon the heart, while man looks on appearances.

Let’s look at these seven paragraphs in a chiastic structure as follows from the first through the seventh paragraph: A; B; C; D; C’; B’; A’. We group together the content contained in A & A’; B & B’, etc. Here are my conclusions:

1. The foundation of your life is experiencing the sufferings of the cross through Christ's death (A & A’)
  2. The focus of your life is doing justice with the less fortunate while not entangled in religious observances (B & B’)
  3. The force of your life is Christ's resurrection power since He is both God and man (C & C’).
  4. The foremost priority of your life is loving God with all your heart, mind & soul and loving your neighbor as yourself (D).

The above four "F's" can be summarized by Phil. 3:10-12. Meditate on this passage and ask God to make the cross the foundation of your life (attitude), doing justice the focus of your life (action), Christ's resurrection power the force of your life (empowerment) and loving God and others the foremost priority of your life (passion).

1 Comment

<<Previous

Archives

Categories