Receive the Word

Who is the Word? Do we receive the Word? Does the Word live with us? Let’s look at Jesus’ pre-existence as God and how we receive Him in John 1:1-18.

Jesus is God

John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Before the Gospel of John was available in all churches, some thought that Jesus was a created being and not God. This Arian heresy is still believed today by some groups, notably the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Athanasius bishop of Alexandria in Egypt used our text today to counter this wrong idea.

Not having a complete New Testament meant parts of the puzzle were omitted. It’s simple enough to see in the very first verse of John that the word (Logos in Greek) was God, that through the Word (Jesus) all things were made. He was not created, but created all things.

Receive Him

John 1:6-13 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

We receive the word by listening. Faith comes from hearing the word (Romans 10:14-17). An ancient practice was to read the Bible aloud, because then it is also heard. Public reading of the Bible, making it clear and giving the meaning is also an ancient practice (Nehemiah 8:7-9).

When preachers avoid the Bible, especially the words of Jesus, the sheep cannot receive “the Word.” Why would we want to go to a church where the Word may be quoted in the Gospel text for the day every Sunday, then ignore him in our politics, business practices and marriages?

The Word Became Flesh

John 1:14-18 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

The word “dwelt” is “tabernacled.” Christmas, remembers the incarnation whereby the Word began to “tabernacle” in an earthly tent among us as He did in the first Tabernacle in the wilderness and looks forward to that time when the New Jerusalem descends to earth and God permanently dwells with us.

Jesus is the Word? If we skip too much church how can we hear and receive the Word? The Word wants to tabernacle with us. Someday heaven will descend to earth and He will live with us for all eternity.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings
Jeremiah 31:7-9

The restoration of Israel is foretold and a redeemer will come. Though the people had strayed and were punished for a season, God stayed true to His covenant and in His grace, eventually saves His people.
Psalm 147:12-20

The forensic evidence for God’s Providence is everywhere in His Creation. Because God rules all creation, we are in good hands and we have no need to fear.
Ephesians 1:3-14

Before time, God had planned to adopt a people as His own, redeeming us by His blood, and we don’t get the glory for that, He does. We trusted and believed.
John 1:1-18 in Rhyme

In the beginning was the Word
The Word with God, God was the Word
Always with God from origin
Everything was made through Him

Without Him nothing came to be
Not one thing that has come to be
In Him life was
And the life was
The light of all humanity

And the light shines in the darkness
Which the darkness could not possess
God sent a man whose name was John
To bear witness concerning one

To testify about the Light
That all through him believe alright
He was sent and was not that Light
Sent to bear witness of that Light

The true Light, every man lighting
Into the world He was coming
He was in the world, made through Him
The world He made did not know Him

Even His own rejected Him
But as many as received Him
Their right as God’s children became
To those who believe in His name

Not born of blood, nor fleshly thrill
But of God, not of human will

The Word became flesh and with us dwelled
And so His glory we beheld
Of the Father’s one and only
Full of grace and truth in glory

John bore witness and cried and said
“This was He of whom I had said
‘He who follows me is preferred
For long before me, He was heard.’”

Of His fullness we’ve all received
And even more gifts, grace for grace
The law was given through Moses
Grace and truth came through Christ Jesus

No one has seen God ever yet
The only one God did beget
In the Father’s intimate zone
He has come and made Him known
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Jesus as Refugee

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope, in Matthew 2:13-23.

Flee to Egypt

Matthew 2:13-15 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

We are confronted by the fact that peace on earth is not yet here, not even in the church. Instead, the news was of yet another brutal monarch killing people, children under two years of age. Jesus’ family fled to Egypt. Jesus identified from childhood with all who suffer persecution.

The murder of perhaps as many as 20 boys under two in Bethlehem is not known in any other record, but due to Herod’s similar murderous abuse is very plausible. Jesus and His parents became stateless refugees. We cannot look self-righteously at Herod. All nations have a history of atrocities.

Massacre of the Innocents

Matthew 2:16-18 “Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 18 ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.’”

Jesus was a foreigner in Egypt and later in Nazareth. Under God’s law, He reminded them that uncircumcised foreigners must be given the same poverty relief as a native born citizen, and live by the same legal standards. God watches for the welfare of the foreigner and other disadvantaged groups.

God will bless a people that does not oppress the foreigners among them. In the New Testament we are told that God will speak the Gospel through foreigners, but Christians of all nations are not foreigners to each other, though foreigners to the world and their citizenship is in heaven.

One of the saddest stories of Christmas is the murder of the little children. We decry the senseless murder of innocent children at a school shooting and the perverted treatment of little ones in child porn and then turn a blind eye to the greatest abuse of our children, abortion.

We kill innocent children mostly for convenience. We abhor rape yet punish the wrong people, the innocent children who had nothing to do with the crime, but are just as much victims as the mothers were. We decry terrorism, but are guilty of our own homegrown terrorism against the innocents.

The Home in Nazareth

Matthew 2:19-23 “Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.’ 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Jesus returned to provincial town Nazareth and later from there as an adult, began a ministry telling of the good news of peace. Jesus was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:2-3, Isaiah 53:7-9, Isaiah 53:12; Psalm 22) as were people from Nazareth (John 1:46; John 7:52).

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope.

Readings

Isaiah 63:7-9

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord And the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has bestowed on us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies, According to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. 8 For He said, “Surely they are My people, Children who will not lie.” So He became their Savior. 9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them All the days of old.

This passage is about to be fulfilled as a Savior is born. The Jews had betrayed God many times, each time suffering for it. In Jesus, the incarnate Lord of the Hebrew Scriptures became the Savior that they seek, revealing His lovingkindnesses, great goodness, mercies, His love and His pity.

Psalm 148

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! 2 Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! 3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! 4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens! 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. 6 He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; 8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; 9 Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; 10 Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl; 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; 12 Both young men and maidens; Old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. 14 And He has exalted the horn of His people, The praise of all His saints—Of the children of Israel, A people near to Him. Praise the Lord!

Citing visible evidence, one of the culminating Psalms is filled with praise for the Maker of all things. Even in our vociferously naturalistic world, the creation loudly voices praise for its Creator.

Hebrews 2:10-18

10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” 13 And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

This tells us who Jesus is and what He has done, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Salvation is a rescue mission from heaven, only made possible because Jesus was willing to call us His brothers and sisters and suffer like us.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Matthew 2:13-23 in Rhyme

To Joseph an angel appeared,
In Egypt, safety is assured
Stay there until I bring you word
Herod wanted no children spared

So by night they left for Egypt
And stayed ‘til the death of Herod
Fulfilling prophecy begun,
“Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

When Herod saw the wise men flee
He went on a child murder spree
Fulfilling what the prophet said,
Lamentation through Ramah spread

When Herod died, an angel said
You can go back home, Herod’s dead
Fulfilling prophecy foreseen
“He shall be called a Nazarene.”
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God with Us, God Saves

What was Jesus’ birth really like? Let’s understand the circumstances of Jesus' birth. Let’s look at Joseph's dilemma, the meanings of Jesus' names and whether or not Mary remained a perpetual virgin in Matthew 1:18-25.

Joseph’s Dilemma

Matthew 1:18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Joseph, betrothed to Mary, found her pregnant. At that time, a groom typically prepared a home for his bride, which could take a year. When all was prepared, he came to collect his bride, like Christ comes for the Church. Joseph decided to cancel the wedding privately for Mary’s sake.

Joseph’s Mercy

Matthew 1:19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

Imagine being engaged, feeling betrayed, yet loving her and not wanting to disgrace nor punish her. An angel says, it’s of God and her son would bring salvation. You marry her knowing there will be gossip. You also know the child’s name, Jesus (God saves) and Immanuel (God with us).

Name Him Jesus

Matthew 1:20-21 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Jesus’ name means “YHWH (the Lord) saves.” His name is the hope of the whole world (Matthew 12:15-21). Jesus’ name heals (Mark 9:38-40). We should take Jesus name seriously and pray for blasphemers. His Greek name is abbreviated ΙΗΣ[1], IHS in English, a sign seen in churches everywhere.

[1] Greek capital letters Iota-Eta-Sigma, biblestudytools.com, newadvent.org/cathen, christogenea.org

God with Us

Matthew 1:22-23 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity, His birth, resurrection, salvation, divinity and humanity. In 451 AD, the last Ecumenical Council recognized by most Protestants, came to the greatest historical consensus on Christ, affirming the Trinity, Christ's virgin birth, his humanity and his deity, and his two natures in one person.

Jesus means Joshua. Two Joshuas were forerunners of Jesus. Joshua the son of Nun conquered 31 cities in Canaan beginning around 1400 BC. Joshua and the promised land symbolize Jesus and eternal life. Joshua the son of Jozadak was a high priest (Haggai 1). Jesus is our high priest (Hebrews 8:3-5).[2]

[2] newadvent.org/cathen; The Oxford History of the Biblical World. 1998. Oxford University Press; biblearchaeology.org; orthodoxytoday.org)

Perpetual Virginity?

Matthew 1:24-25 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

Was Mary a Perpetual Virgin? Jesus had siblings (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55, John 7:3, Acts 1:14, 1 Corinthians 9:5). The Greek word for cousins was not used. In John 19:26-27 Mary is a spiritual mother, not without her own children to look after her.

Psalm 69, quoted several times, refers to not only David, but also Jesus (John 2:13–17, John 15:24–25, John 19:28–30, Romans 15:3). It states plainly that “my brothers” are “my mother’s children” (vs 8). Let’s not hide doctrinal errors behind infallibility, but repent and admit the truth.

Jesus was God with us, is God with us every hour of every day and will be God with us forever.

Readings
Isaiah 7:10-16

10 Later, the Lord sent this message to King Ahaz: 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign of confirmation, Ahaz. Make it as difficult as you want—as high as heaven or as deep as the place of the dead.” 12 But the king refused. “No,” he said, “I will not test the Lord like that.”

13 Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? 14 All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). 15 By the time this child is old enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong, he will be eating yogurt and honey. 16 For before the child is that old, the lands of the two kings you fear so much will both be deserted.

The word of the Lord.

In the virgin’s child lies the hidden mystery of God becoming fully human in Jesus Christ. In the name Immanuel lies the mystery of redemption for all humanity.

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph, to be sung to the tune “Lilies of the Covenant.” 1 Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph’s descendants like a flock. O God, enthroned above the cherubim, display your radiant glory 2 to Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Show us your mighty power. Come to rescue us! 3 Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved. 4 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, how long will you be angry with our prayers? 5 You have fed us with sorrow and made us drink tears by the bucketful. 6 You have made us the scorn of neighboring nations. Our enemies treat us as a joke. 7 Turn us again to yourself, O God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.

17 Strengthen the man you love, the son of your choice. 18 Then we will never abandon you again. Revive us so we can call on your name once more. 19 Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.

Thus ends the reading from the Psalms.

God is so far above us, and our sins have separated us from him, that glimpses of heaven can seem science fiction. Yet, we can return to God and be saved. Let’s pray to turn our lives to God, and for His strength to help us make the journey home.

Romans 1:1-7

1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

The word of God for the people of God.

Paul’s titles were not grandiose or bragging when he wrote them. Servant or slave is a humble title. Apostle simply means a messenger.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 1:18-25 in Rhyme

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was this way
Mary was to marry Joseph some day
But before the marriage even took place
She’s with child by the Holy Spirit’s grace

Righteous Joseph caused no anxiety
Chose to break the engagement quietly
But, an angel came to him in a dream
Don’t fear, the Holy Spirit’s in this scheme

She’ll have a son, and you’ll name him Jesus
He’ll save his people from their sins grievous
The Lord’s message through his prophet compiled
“Behold! The virgin will conceive a child!

She’ll give birth to a son, Emmanuel,
Which means ‘God is with us.’ as all will soon tell”
Joseph awoke and took Mary his wife
Then after the birth came marital life

And Joseph named him Jesus
[And Jesus means, God saves (us)]
And Joseph named him Jesus
[Emmanuel, God with us]
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Offended by Jesus

Are we offended by Jesus at Christmas time? If he walked the earth today would we be offended by him? Let’s examine the real Jesus and being offended at Jesus in Matthew 11:2-11.

Are You the One?

Matthew 11:2-3 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

Are we offended by Jesus? John the Baptist doubted. Was Jesus the ONE? He was different than expected. He was a pacifist not a freedom fighter. Jesus ate and drank with sinners. He preached repentance and the kingdom and turned the other cheek. He healed and preached the Good News.

Are we are disappointed in Jesus? He did not encourage tongues, Sabbaths, prayers to Mary, or rosaries. He did not teach about nationalism or a materialistic gospel. He condemned abusive, authoritarian religious leadership. He healed, preached to the poor about giving and self-sacrifice, and a kingdom not of this world.

Are we frustrated by Jesus? John was an activist and revolutionary. Jesus was a healer and teacher. Jesus did not make John a disciple. John looked for a political Messiah. Are we disappointed with Jesus, His life of poverty, dying on a cross or do we wait patiently for salvation?

Not Offended by Jesus

Matthew 11:4-6 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

What do we think about when we hear about Jesus, a little baby in a manger, or someone who heals lives and preaches to the poor? Instead of an imaginary Jesus of our wishes, let us get to know the real Jesus and be grateful for who he really is.

Is our salvation found in ways of this world? Jesus used no worldly methods. The blind received sight, the lame walked, lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, the dead were raised up, and the poor heard the good news. This is what the Messiah looks like. He is the one.

Have we created a fake Jesus in our minds? Do vain human traditions and picture the truth about Jesus? Denominationalism, politics, and traditions only divide us. Do we build a Jesus that we created, because we are disappointed with the simplicity of the real Jesus? The real Jesus unites us.

I Send My messenger

Matthew 11:7-12 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’

Christmas was rescued from paganism. Yet, Christmas is again becoming a pagan festival, the pursuit of profit, the focus on gifts, parties, the stampede for merchandise and the pressure to spend. There is still a voice of one crying in the wilderness. Let’s rescue Christmas from paganism all over again.

The Violent Take it by Force

Matthew 11:11-12 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

God’s kingdom suffered violence when John was murdered. Violent people take the kingdom by force. The Greek word can also be translated as zeal and certainly ardent zeal is needed for Christians to enter God’s kingdom. Christianity is not the easy path. It is an ongoing spiritual battle against evil.

Do we know the real Jesus or have we created a fictitious Jesus? Are we expecting Him to create a cushy Disneyland for us, now or do we look forward to that day when He will return and take over the governments of this world? Have we put our faith in the real Jesus?

Readings
Isaiah 35:1-10

1 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; 2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, The excellency of our God.

3 Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert. 7 The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water; In the habitation of jackals, where each lay, There shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

8 A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, Nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; It shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there, 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

The word of the Lord.

A picture of Israel after her return from captivity will be much greater in the world after Jesus’ return. The world will be transformed, and all religion will be purified. If we have spiritual discernment, eyes to see, we can allow God to create these conditions in our hearts today.

Luke 1:47-55

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

Thus ends Mary’s Song.

God’s kindness to Mary was unique in human history. No other woman who ever lived would bear the child who would be the Messiah. Mary sings of God’s power, holiness, mercy and faithfulness.

James 5:7-10

7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.

The Word of God for the people of God.

Waiting upon God is a large part of our faith. Advent is also waiting for Jesus’ second coming. When we suffer, we learn patience. We learn to wait. A world of suffering looks for quick fixes in politics, medicine, credit cards and getting high. We look for a coming Messiah.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Matthew 11:2-11 in Rhyme

John heard in prison what Christ was doing
He sent two disciples to Him asking
“Are You the One who is to come?
Should we expect another one?”

Jesus said, “Tell John what you hear and see
Lepers cleansed, lame walk, deaf hear, the blind see,
Dead are raised, poor hear the gospel decree
Blest is anyone not stumbling at Me.”

Jesus spoke to the multitudes of John
“What did you go in the wilds to look on?
A reed in the wind? A man in soft clothes?
Those in soft clothing live in fine abodes.”

“Was it a prophet you went out to see?
Yes, I say, more than a prophet was he.
For this is he of whom it is written
‘Prepare the way, My messenger’s mission.’”

“Of those born of women there’s none greater
But the least in the kingdom are greater
The kingdom suffers intensely
But the bold take it zealously.”

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Preparing for Christ

A commercialized, materialistic Christmas often leaves out the greatest Christmas gift of all. How did John the Baptist prepare for our Savior? Let’s look at John’s preparation for Jesus in Matthew 3:1-12.

Preaching

Matthew 3:1 “In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was,”

John the Baptist preached that the kingdom was near (Matthew 3:1-2; 4:17). Preaching and teaching are VERY important to the life of the church. Preaching is a public announcement to unbelievers. Teaching is instructing believers to obey what Jesus commanded. That's what Jesus instructed (Matthew 28:19-20).

How Prepare

Matthew 3:2-3 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

John called for repentance. Is something wrong with our modern world? Repentance is a change of heart about our life’s direction with hope for a new beginning. John wanted to see proof of repentance, fruit. The root cause of all our planet’s ills is spiritual and so is the solution.

Is repentance just a one time thing? Christian life is a continual repentance. Conversion is merely the beginning of a process of change. Our journey begins with small changes. The idea that we do not have perfect knowledge and the humility to learn new perspectives are indicative of ongoing repentance.

John was urgent, the “kingdom of heaven is near.” In military terms, God was establishing a beachhead and would eventually take over. God rules in the lives of those who accept him. The “kingdom of heaven has come near” is the same as saying God is now taking control.[1]

[1] The Gospel of Matthew, The New International Commentary of the New Testament, R. T. France, 2007, Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, p. 102
Preacher in Poor Country Clothes

Matthew 3:4 “John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.”

John was dressed in farmer’s clothes. He emphasized the often overlooked ingredient of repentance, a change of heart. After confession of sin, John ignored Levitical sin offerings, and instead emphasized baptism. His baptism of repentance prepared for a new high priest who would also baptize people with the Holy Spirit.

The Announcer

Matthew 3:5-6 “People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.”

John heralded an important announcement in the wilderness, at the edge of Roman control. This last of the Old Testament prophets was dressed in simple farming clothing reminiscent of Elijah. Israel crossed the Jordan to become God’s people in this wilderness. It was a fitting place to announce a revival.

Brood of Snakes

Matthew 3:7 “But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath?”

John the Baptist preached a discomforting call to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:1-12). He called some religious leaders a brood of snakes, and to produce proof of a changed heart. In a selfish and corrupt world sometimes a confrontation with truth is needed?

Fruit

Matthew 3:8-10 “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

Social gospel is a modern concept of a social responsibility highlighting love for neighbor. The idea of a social responsibility towards others is clearly evident among those who believe. John the Baptist told the Pharisees to show fruit of a changed heart. One such fruit is how we treat others.

Baptism of Fire

Matthew 3:11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

The baptism of fire has two possible meanings. The tongues of fire on the faithful at Pentecost (Acts 2), similar to water baptism on the head. It also means the unrepentant who choose hell over heaven are to be thrown into a lake of fire, more like an immersion baptism.

Why was God with us, Emmanuel, born as a helpless baby. Like the still, small voice that Elijah experienced, the power of God is often small or even unseen. There is great power in the good news that Jesus brought. May we truly hear that message and find miraculous power.

Never Ending Fire

Matthew 3:12 “He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

John and Jesus’ disciples were disappointed that Jesus came to die for the world rather than conquer the world. What the world really needs is not another king like this world’s, but one who rules in our hearts and produces a fire that creates permanent change from the inside out.

Should we preach smooth things, or is there a better way? Is a revival of that message of repentance needed, that bitter pill which we really need for the healing of our world today? Repentance is preparation for the coming of the Christ?

Readings
1. Isaiah 11:1-10

1 Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. 4 He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. 5 He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.

6 In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. 7 The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. 8 The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. 9 Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.

10 In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.

The word of God.

The stump takes us back to the rootstock, David, a man after God’s own heart. That shoot is a second David growing from the stump. It is the Christ, will bring true justice and so change society that former enemies, symbolized by a wolf and a lamb, live together in peace.

2. Psalm 72:1-7; 18-19

A psalm of Solomon. 1 Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son. 2 Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly. 3 May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful. 4 Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors. 5 May they fear you as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains in the sky. Yes, forever!

6 May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth. 7 May all the godly flourish during his reign. May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more...

18 Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. 19 Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!

Thus ends the reading from the Psalms.

Psalm 72 is a mandate for national rulers, be they kings, prime ministers or presidents, to love justice, treat the poor fairly and crush those who oppress the needy. A righteous king encourages righteousness in the people. Sadly, very few kings who reigned after David were righteous.

3. Romans 15:4-13

4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. 8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. 9 He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote:

“For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name.” 10 And in another place it is written, “Rejoice with his people, you Gentiles.” 11 And yet again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. Praise him, all you people of the earth.” 12 And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.”

13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Do we accept the failures of the weak? We all have weaknesses, be it judgmentalism, sexual problems, drunkenness, compulsive lying, anger, or lust. Do we accept others, just as Christ accepted us? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to do His job without interference, and lead us into all truth?

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 3:1-12 in Rhyme

In those days John the Baptist came
To the wilderness to proclaim
Repent of sins and turn to God
The Kingdom is near, not abroad

Isaiah speaking about John said
Shouting in the desert he spread
Prepare the way, the Lord’s coming
Clear the road for his forthcoming

John’s clothes were made from camel’s hair
And a leather belt he did wear
He ate locusts and wild honey
People came from the whole country

They went out to see and hear John
To confessed their sins they were drawn
He baptized them in the Jordan
And their leaders came to hearken

John denounced them, “You brood of snakes!”
Who warned you to flee when wrath breaks?
Where are your fruits of repentance
Sons of Abraham is no stance

God can make sons of Abraham
From these very stones in the land
Now the ax is poised and ready
To sever the roots of the trees

Every tree that has no good fruit
It’s chopped down and given the boot
I baptize people with water
But someone’s coming much greater

I’m not worthy his shoes to wear
He’ll baptize with Spirit and fire
He’ll separate the chaff and wheat
He’ll winnow and clean the floor neat

He’ll place the wheat into the store
Burn the chaff with eternal fire”
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Watching and Praying

When will Jesus return? Let’s learn that we do not know when Christ will return but that he will come back and we must keep watch. Let’s discuss this in Matthew 24:36-44.

End of an Era

Matthew 24:36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.

If Jesus is God the Son and coequal with the Father, how does He not know the day or hour? The Athanasian Creed says that Christ is "equal to the Father, as touching his Godhead; and inferior to the Father, as touching his manhood.” Jesus the man is speaking here.

When is the end of this age? Jesus predicted the fall of Jerusalem and the Gospel preached in the whole world. No one knows the day or the hour of His return, a purposefully vague prophecy. We keep watch, because we don’t know on what day our Lord will come.

Like Noah’s Day

Matthew 24:37-39 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

Jesus confirms the Noah flood narrative. Does science prove it wrong? Are we sure? If the flood is a myth, how were transcontinental sedimentary rock layers formed? How were the Grand Canyon layers formed without any evidence of erosion between layers? How are whale and possum fossils found mixed together?

Jesus includes a picture of normal life before Noah’s flood. We can become deluded that we don’t need to keep vigilant watch in prayerful preparation for his return. It appears that in apocalyptic times there may also be periods of normalcy. During those times watching will be even more imperative.

Left Behind

Matthew 24:40-41 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.

The “left behind” theories have difficulties with this passage. Jesus compares those “taken away” with evil people swept away in Noah’s flood. The natural reading of this passage is the opposite of the “left behind” theories. Jesus gave us enough to encourage hope, and enough left out to stimulate faith.

Watch

Matthew 24:42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.

A mandates in the passage is to watch. A watchman must be vigilant. In Matthew 26:41 we are to watch and pray not to give into temptation. Jesus encourages us to be ready at all times, because he is coming at an hour when we do not think he will.

Shepherds watch flocks to protect them. Jesus warns us to remain clothed (Revelation 16:15), to watch and pray that we do not fall into temptation (Mark 14:38). Unlike the five foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) a good watch is always ready, on guard lest the enemy tempt them.

Jesus Like a Burglar

Matthew 24:43-44 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Jesus like a burglar in only one way, his coming is unexpected. The only way to deal with burglars is preparation and watching. Most people will be uninterested in Jesus and unaware of the approach of his coming. Jesus challenges us to stay alert, be vigilant, prepared for his coming.

Rather than becoming deluded by consumerism and materialism, let’s live out the kingdom of God here and now, like Nicholas of Myra who gave away his life’s fortune so that others could be blessed. We cannot know when Christ will return but He will and we must keep watch. We need to watch and pray so that when he comes we will be ready.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Readings
Isaiah 2:1-5

Isaia 2:1 This is a vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all—the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. 3 People from many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. 4 The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. 5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord!

The word of the Lord from Isaiah.

Turning swords into plows is carved into a wall across the UN building in New York. Isaiah describes a future that begins at the coming of the Lord. His first coming began this future for those in the church. His second coming will bring this future to all the world.
Psalm 122

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David. 1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” 2 And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached. 4 All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord, as the law requires of Israel. 5 Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David. 6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. 7 O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. 8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” 9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.

Thus ends the Psalm.

Jerusalem pictures the church, the place for all who love God, the place we all pray together. It is where God meets us. It is where the words of life are rehearsed in our ears. It is the place where national greatness begins.
Romans 13:11-14

11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

The word of God for the people of God.

The Holy Spirit helps us to see through the darkness of this world. We battle the evil that brings hatred and fear. We become like Christ, just as became one of us. We welcome and embrace all humanity, just as Christ embraced all humanity at the cross.

Matthew 24:36-44 in Rhyme

No one knows the day or the hour
When these things will happen down here
No not the angelic order
Or the Son, only the Father

When the Son of Man comes our way
It will be like in Noah’s day
In those days before the drenching
Were banquets, parties and weddings

Right up until Noah boarded
They ignored warnings afforded
Unaware of what was coming
‘Til swept away in the flooding

Just like when the Son of Man comes
Two farmers; two different outcomes
Two women working at the mill
One taken, the other left still

So you, too, must keep watch!
It’s not something to botch
You don’t know when the Lord’s coming
It’s just like the burglar’s cunning

Keep watch lest your goods be stolen
Always ready, that’s the slogan
For the Son of Man will then come
Unexpected by everyone
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Failure of Human Leadership

Can human political systems save us? We elect national leaders, and are quickly disappointed. Let’s learn that only God’s government can truly bless humanity. Let’s contrast human governments and Christ’s government in Luke 23:33-43.

Forgive Them

Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots.”

This is a remarkable saying, “Father forgive them.” The people didn’t know what they were doing. Do we forgive others only after they apologize, after repentance? Here Jesus teaches us a new level of forgiveness before repentance, before a change of heart, forgiveness because of a deed done in ignorance.

Taking versus Giving

Luke 23:35-39 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

At the cross, human leadership failed: Romans, Jews, and the Disciples. Jesus said: Father forgive them. Human leaders, in and out of the church will disappoint us. We do not know what we are doing. We say of the suffering Jesus, “Let him save himself.” Human governments are devouring beasts.

A bad leader (1 Samuel 8) will “TAKE your sons and appoint them for his own… TAKE your daughters… the best of YOUR fields… TAKE a tenth… And you will be his servants.”1 Luke’s Gospel describes Christ’s government, giving and forgiving. He gave his life and forgave our sins.

Remember Me

Luke 23:40-43 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Every generation starts moving into adult life about the same way, thinking that they can create a better world and do a better job than their parents or national leaders. By the time we reach middle age, optimism can turn to pessimism as we are forced to face humanity’s failures.

By the time we are old, we begin to see the reality of death. We learn that our generation too has NOT solved the world’s problems. We don’t need to fret or turn to pessimism and despair. Let’s learn to pray, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus conquered the gates of hell. He ushered in a new government, a forgiving government, forgiving those who planned his death. His government willingly sacrificed for all. His government forgave a criminal based on his attitude alone. We represent that eternal government every time we forgive and sacrifice for others.

A failure of human leadership is unwillingness to sacrifice for others. A failure of human society is unwillingness to forgive imperfect leaders. Jesus showed us the way by giving his life for all and forgiving all our sins. What are we willing to sacrifice? Who must we forgive?

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Jeremiah 23:1-6

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord. 2 Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the Lord. 3 “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4 I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord. 5 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. 6 In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Thus ends the reading from Jeremiah

This woe to the shepherds or pastors includes not just local church leaders, but also national political leaders in its scope. Bad leaders scatter the flock, drive people away and do not look after them. Good leaders feed the flock, people don’t fear, are not dismayed and people don’t lack.

The Benedictus (Song of Zachariah) Luke 1:68-79

68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Thus ends the Song of Zachariah.

Reciting phrases taken from the Psalms, Zechariah’s Song is also a prophecy of the kingdom and salvation in the Messiah.

Colossians 1:11-20

11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

The word of God for the people of God.

Made powerful by God, we are already delivered, already in God’s kingdom through the blood of Jesus’ cross.

Luke 23:33-43 in Rhyme

When they had come to Calvary
They crucified Him brutally
Criminals right and left of Him
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them

For they don’t know what they’re doing.”
They bet on His clothes, lots strewing
And the people stood looking on
Even the rulers said with scorn

“He’ll save Himself if not a fraud
If He’s the Christ, the chosen of God.”
The soldiers also came and mocked
Giving sour wine they did concoct

“Save Yourself, if You’re the Jews’ King.”
Made a sign in three tongues writing,
Said, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS
A criminal blasphemed his views

“If You’re Christ, save Yourself and us.”
But the other rebuked him thus
“Don’t you fear God, you’re condemned too?
We receive our punishment due

But this Man has done nothing wrong.”
“Recall when kingdom comes along.”
“I tell you, today in this place
You’ll be with Me in Paradise.”
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Don't be Deceived

Jesus said the gates of hell will not destroy His Church (Matthew 16:18). He was not talking about a building. People are the Church. Let’s look at Luke 21:5-19 and discuss fear and enduring to the end.

Not One Stone

Luke 21:5-6 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

Jesus predicted the Temple would be destroyed. It lasted over 500 years. God closes spiritually worthless buildings. Jesus’ prediction came right after he had praised a widow for her very generous contribution to the temple fund, the proverbial widow’s mite. Church buildings are not the "forever" part of church life.

The majesty of a large church service and the healing intimacy of a small church are unsurpassed. Large churches are not the norm and not always successful. A few ancient churches were large. Usually, they were small and scattered. Jesus is more impressed with the grandeur of a faithful heart.

God may destroy what we have built for our own good. The Temple once serving a good purpose but it became a distraction. The Gospels help us realize how ignorant we are of God’s perspective. The important thing in gaining perspective is to sit at the feet of the Master.

A tour guide once remarked that St Peter's Basilica cost most of northern Europe. Built by financial corruption, indulgences, it is a monument to sin and arrogant pride in the Church. Our traditions and structures can become monuments to our own sin and conceited arrogance which God must eventually destroy.

Jesus spoke of a permanent Temple. People are that house of God (Ephesians 2:18-20). We are the living stones (1 Peter 2:4-6) in a spiritual temple. Our hope is in a permanent structure being built by Jesus Christ. If we build with him we will not be disappointed.

Don’t be Deceived

Luke 21:7-9 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” 8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

Let’s not be deceived by wild claims about the end times. Let’s not be frightened. In the midst of calamity and destruction, let’s stand firm on God’s foundation: Jesus, the prophets and apostles, the whole Bible. End-time theories make us lazy. Real Christianity involves steadfastness in the midst of uncertainty.

An Occasion for Testimony

Luke 21:10-13 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.

Many Christians live in GREAT tribulation in dozens of countries today, fellow Christians face North Korean labor camps and death, Saudi Arabian imprisonment, deportation, torture and death, Afghani kidnapping and killing, Iraqi home burning, abduction and murder, Somali abduction and murder with no religious freedom. Let us pray for them.

Every generation since the cross has thought that theirs was the last generation and none of them was right. Jesus encouraged us not to worry about being overly prepared but to put our faith in him. Worry and doubt distract us from the important job of spreading the gospel message.

Patient Endurance

Luke 21:14-19 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.

By patient endurance, we will gain our lives. Martyr means testimony, a witness. 50 countries persecute Christians according to Open Doors and Voice of the Martyrs. Fake gospels contradict the reality of giving in self-sacrifice. God certainly does provide material blessings along with suffering. Jesus encouraged us to stand firm.

There are 4 predominant schools of prophecy: preterists (ancient fulfillment), historicists (fulfilled through history), futurists (to be fulfilled) and idealists (symbolic or spiritual fulfillment). The symbolic view can include all other views. Here we can see elements fulfilled in 70 AD and some more completely fulfilled only at Christ’s return.

Someday this earth will pass away. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Our church buildings will be gone. False predictions and false gospels will be exposed. To God, the only important things are you and me. Have we learned to possess our souls? Are we trusting God with patient endurance, and gaining eternal life?

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

1st Reading: Isaiah 65:17-25

Isaiah 65:17-25 17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, And her people a joy. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, And joy in My people; The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, Nor the voice of crying.

20 “No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old, But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed. 21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them.

24 “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox, And dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,” Says the Lord.

Thus ends the reading from Isaiah 65.

This chapter of Isaiah offers a vision of a world with a wonderful future, a future that is at peace. In this new world God will not simply defeat enemies but transform their relationships. “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox.”

2nd Reading: Isaiah 12:1-6

Isaiah 12:1-6 And in that day you will say: “O Lord, I will praise You; Though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. 2 Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ” 3 Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation. 4 And in that day you will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted. 5 Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth. 6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”

The word of the Lord.

This is Isaiah’s song of praise to the Lord for His salvation. Isaiah thanks God for replacing His anger with mercy. That happens in Jesus Christ. Rather than fear we trust God. God will again grant Israel an “exodus” from “slavery.” Jesus is the “Living Water.” Eternal life begins now.

3rd Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

The Word of God for the people of God.

Paul instructs the Christians in Thessalonica on the importance of work and avoiding the creation of an “idle class” either on welfare but able to work or wealthy and not working. Neither is God’s intent for humanity. Never get tired of doing good works.

Luke 21:5-19 in Rhyme

Then, as some spoke of the temple
Adorned with stones so beautiful
And gifts to God dedicated
With which it was decorated

He said, “These things which you are beholding
The days will soon be unfolding
In which not one stone shall be left
On another, but thrown to rest.”

So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher
When will these things be a feature?
And what sign will there be when these
Things are about to take place please?”

He said: “Take heed you’re not deceived.
In My name heaps will be received
Saying, ‘I’m He,’ and, ‘The time’s near.’
Don’t go after them, when you hear.

When you hear of wars and tumults
Don’t waver; expect such results
But the end won’t come right away.”
And then He had some more to say

“Nation will rise against nation
Also kingdom against kingdom
There will be terrible earthquakes
In various places outbreaks

And famines, plagues and fearful sights
Also great signs from heaven’s heights
Before all these things come to pass
They’ll lay hands on you and harass

In the assemblies and prisons
You’ll be before rulers and kings
For My name’s sake you’ll testify
Don’t plan ahead what you’ll reply

I’ll give you a mouth and wisdom
Foes can’t fight with criticism
You’ll be betrayed by your brothers
By parents, friends and relatives

And they’ll even kill some of you
And for My name’s sake they’ll hate you
You won’t lose a hair on your head
Stand firm and win your life instead.”
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Dead or Alive?

What happens after death? What happens between death and the return of Christ? Where are our loved ones? Let’s understand that God is the God of the living because to him all are alive. Let’s discuss the Sadducees, an ancient marriage custom and resurrection questions in Luke 20:27-38.

Sadducees

Luke 20:27 Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection)

In Israel a religious party was also political. Sadducees were conservatives preserving Temple worship. The more liberal Pharisees believed people could worship God anywhere. The Sadducees also did not believe in a resurrection. The Pharisees and Sadducees were not often in agreement but they were united in opposition to Jesus.

Trick Resurrection Question

Luke 20:28-33 and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless; 30 and the second 31 and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally the woman died also. 33 In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.”

In ancient times marriage was more practical than purely romantic. Ancient societies gave agricultural inheritance through the males. Females would usually be joint-owners with their husband. Where ancient culture was unfair, Israel created exceptions. Levirate marriage was where a man married his deceased brother’s wife to ensure the family inheritance.

This is the background to the question. Whose wife will she be in the resurrection? It was designed to trick Jesus about the resurrection, something the Sadducees did not believe in. Important beliefs in Christianity are repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:1-3).

An ancient Ugaritic and Hittite levirite custom was also normal in Israel. After seven marriages, whose wife will she be? Was it meant to poke fun, disproving the resurrection? Jesus did not answer the question but pointed out how ridiculous it was because there is no marriage in the resurrection.

Resurrection Questions

Luke 20:34-36 Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

People ask if the giants of old were hybrid children of angels and women. Jesus quite clearly states, at the resurrection people do not marry or give in marriage, but are like angels. People are called sons or children of God too, but this verse adds immortality to that description.

Are we disappointed that there will be no sex or earthly family life? Remember that eternity will be far and above any earthly experience. Will we recognize our current earthly families? Though Jesus did not directly address that question, he did say that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would be recognizable.

Dead or Alive?

Luke 20:37-38 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.”

We read in that account that God said “I am [not WAS] the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:6; Matthew 22:32; Mark 12:26). We learn much more about the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:35-58.

Like some today, the Sadducees did not believe all of scripture. They focused mainly on the five books of Moses, which do not seem to directly mention the resurrection. Jesus showed them that even Moses understood the resurrection when describing the Lord as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Jesus spoke regarding the patriarchs that, God is the God of the living not the dead. The original Greek says “all live to him.” God is the God of the living implies something more than just a future life. It implies that our lives today are already touched by eternity.

Is the departed spirit asleep until Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15)? What about the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) or Stephen’s prayer “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59)? Is resurrection instantaneous after death where believers receive a spiritual body (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)?

Is the spirit absent from the body and consciously present with the Lord in heaven (Philippians 1:19-26) but awaiting a body at the return of Christ (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)? All die and by God’s grace we can enter his joyful presence forever (Luke 20:27-38).

God is the God of the living because to him all are alive. Therefore, let us stand firm. Let nothing move us. Always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

Readings

Haggai 1:15b-2:9

After having been devastated by persecution, or falling away from the truth, or generational change, or urban decline, many churches are in need of encouragement to rebuild. May this encouragement to be zealous in rebuilding the Temple, encourage us to be strong in rebuilding our local churches.

Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21

In a world that praises materialism and corruption, may we stay strong in praising God above all else. May we praise God with as much or more enthusiasm than fans show to men in colorful athletic gear chasing a little air-filled leather bladder across a cow paddock.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

What an encouragement regarding our merciful God! Our prayers are not answered due to legalistic observance, but because of truth, reverential fear, our love for Him. Let us not be deceived by arrogant people who try to lead us astray.

Luke 20:27-38 in Rhyme

Now there came to Him some Sadducees
Who say that there’s no resurrection
They posed questions for His expertise
A man reaches life’s expiration

He dies childless and Moses taught us
His brother should marry the widow
To raise children for his brother up
Now then seven brothers did ditto

The second and the third married her
And in the same way all seven died
Childless, her death did also occur
Whose is she a resurrection bride

She had been married to all seven
Jesus said marriage is for this age
It’s different in the resurrection
No giving or taking in marriage

For they can’t even die anymore
Because like angels, they’re sons of God
Sons of the resurrection what’s more
The dead are raised, Moses spread abroad

Describing the burning bush he said
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s God
He’s God of the living not the dead
For all live to Him, so said our Lord
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Repentance of a Con Man

Can a con man change? Is it possible for a rich man with ill gotten gains to enter heaven? Let’s look at Luke 19:1-10 and one such man’s repentance.

Wealth

Luke 19:1-4 Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

Zacchaeus had become “very rich” as a chief tax collector for Roman occupiers. It was dirty money in the eyes of the people. Jesus taught how hard a wealthy person would find entering the kingdom (Luke 18:24-25). Zacchaeus was short and despite the obvious embarrassment, he climbed a tree.

Today

Luke 19:5-6 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.

Zacchaeus’ persistence was rewarded. Jesus wanted to be his guest today. Zacchaeus was immediately responsive and filled with joy. Jesus had kingdom plans that included this “notorious sinner.” Zacchaeus is genuinely receptive and ready to embrace the values of the kingdom of God. The bigger the sinner the more thankful.

Salvation

Luke 19:7-10 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. 8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” 9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Zacchaeus was happy, the crowd grumbled, because he collaborated with Roman occupation. They could not see what Jesus saw. Zacchaeus responded to Jesus with the fruits of repentance within his heart, righting wrongs and giving to the poor. Jesus said Zacchaeus’ behavior was that of a true child of Abraham.

Zacchaeus means the righteous one. His name was a prophecy of his life as Jesus would make it. All our righteousness comes from God. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but Jesus had already seen him, and a rich man entered the kingdom of God. Jesus can make the impossible possible.

Zacchaeus repented of his greed and began giving. Do we grumble about Jesus’ grace to those who have wronged us? Is Zacchaeus welcome in our churches? Jesus came to call the lost. Do we shut the lost out of the church? A rescue came to Zacchaeus, from greed to giving.

It is hard for a rich con man to be saved but it is possible. Salvation has come to you and me. Jesus wants to be a guest in our homes today. Is He welcome?

Readings

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

Habakkuk 1:1 This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received in a vision. 2 How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. 3 Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. 4 The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted.

2:1 I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint. 2 Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. 3 This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. 4 “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.

Here ends the reading.

Habakkuk prophesied before the Exile, when the Babylonians were beginning to attack. Angry at God, he can’t understand why God would permit suffering. Is the Lord’s judgment perverted? Why is God silent? The Lord replies. The Chaldeans are carrying out God’s plan and Judah will one day be great again.

Wait patiently for God to work His plan, even if suffering gets worse. While we wait, we pray and do good. Like Habakkuk we write God’s answer down in our hearts. This vision may seem slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It won’t be delayed.

Psalm 119:137-144

Tsadhe [the 18th letter of the Hebrew alphabet] 137 O Lord, you are righteous, and your regulations are fair. 138 Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy. 139 I am overwhelmed with indignation, for my enemies have disregarded your words. 140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much. 141 I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments. 142 Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true. 143 As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. 144 Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live.

The Word of God for the people of God.

The Psalm is a contrast to the outrage in Habakkuk. Though we may sometimes be angry at God or doubt what He is doing, the Psalmist reminds us, in the face of the stark reality around us, violence and injustice that does not seem to stop, to trust in God.

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

2 Thessalonians 1:1 This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy. We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3 Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. 4 We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.

11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.

The Word of the Lord.

Paul greets the Thessalonians, thankful for their growing faith and their love for one another even in the face of persecution. He assures them of his prayer that they be worthy of God's call and continue to grow in faith so that Christ may be glorified in and through them.

Paul caringly reminds them of their identity “in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul hammers home their new identity, not as Roman citizens, not as Thessalonians, but as people entirely defined by their relationship with God and Jesus. Are we defined by nationality or by God’s kingdom?

Let’s focus on that rather than any other identity? In God and Christ, we begin to act like God and Christ. We endure this world, but our identity is in God and Christ. By enduring in faith, empowered by God and Christ to His glory, can we transform the world.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Luke 19:1-10 in Rhyme

When Jesus entered Jericho
There was a man named Zacchaeus
A rich man came to see the show
Tried to get a look at Jesus

Too short to see over the crush
He climbed a tree beside the street
Jesus was coming, better rush
He looked up, Zacchaeus to greet

Jesus called Zacchaeus by name
Quick, come down! I must be your guest
Quickly a welcome was proclaimed
He took Jesus home with joy expressed

But displeased, the people grumbled
He’ll be the guest of a sinner
But, Zacchaeus stood and crumbled
The poor, I will now consider

If I’ve cheated on taxation
I’ll give them back four times as much
To this home has come salvation
A son of Abraham does such

For the Son of Man paid the cost
To seek and save those who are lost
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Self-Righteous Delusion

Do we constantly criticize others? What about politicians, past or current generations or fellow motorists? Do we constantly compare ourselves to others to justify ourselves? Let’s learn that we are all in the same boat and that God alone justifies. Let’s discuss self-righteousness and self-justification in Luke 18:9-14.

Self-Righteousness

Luke 18:9 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else

Do we continually scorn politicians or fellow motorists or others? Are we caught up in generational self righteousness, constantly criticizing past or present generations? What about Old Testament generations or the letters that Paul wrote? Are we self-righteous about not being self-righteous like a Pharisee, which still makes us self-righteous?

A Patriot & a Collaborator

Luke 18:10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.”

Pharisees were patriots who preserved the faith under foreign domination. Tax collectors were traitors profiting from foreign occupation. Yet, Jesus challenged us to rethink our judgments. We don’t know another person’s heart. A seemingly wonderful person may be arrogant, and an outwardly bad person may have a heart of repentance.

Delusion

Luke 18:11 “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!’”

If we pray “thank God I’m not like so and so” we are self-deceived. Like a delusional person, believing he is Napoleon, or a different gender, we can all imagine that we are something we are not. Self-righteousness is a fool’s delusion, defining our worth by the faults of others.

Righteous Deeds

Luke 18:12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

Can we be close to the Church yet far from God? The Pharisee had dedicated his life to holiness and became confident in his own righteousness. He believed he was superior. Yet he forgot one thing. All our good deeds do not clean up a filthy act (Isaiah 64:6).

Righteous Repentance

Luke 18:13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Church reformation is good but sin taints both heretics and orthodox. Both may be seeking to justify themselves. Yet, no amount of self-justification will work, because we have all sinned. The faults of others ought to make us humble not arrogant, because in them we should see our own sins.

None of us measures up to God’s righteousness. Let’s avoid self-righteously judging others and humbly confess our own sins. The righteous will not live by criticism and judgmentalism, but the righteous will live by faith (Romans 1:17).

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Luke 18:9-14 in Rhyme

9 He spoke now to some who trust in themselves
They’re “righteous” but despise everyone else
10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray
A Pharisee and a man gone astray

11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed
‘I thank you God, I’m not like those who’ve strayed
Robbers, evildoers, adulterers
I’m not even like this tax collector.’

12 ‘I fast twice a week and give a tenth part.’
13 “But the tax collector stood quite apart
He wouldn’t even look up to heaven
Saying, ‘God, may I please be forgiven?’”

14 “I tell you that this man, and not the other
Went back home justified and in order
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled
Those humbling themselves will be exalted.”

Lectionary Commentary

Joel 2:23-32

Joel prophesied about the day of the Lord as an army of locusts like the plague in Egypt. Israel should call a solemn assembly, and pray for mercy. The prophet predicts a future when they will be back in the land of promise and their lives will be fully restored.

Joel gives hope in the midst of crisis: rain, grain, wine, oil, homes, businesses, smiles, laughter, justice, freedom, and feasting! We are not perpetually in death and destruction. We are Easter people with a hope for restoration in dire situations! The Lord IS our God and there is no other.

Psalm 65

David reminds us to be thankful. The Jews had three seasons of thanksgiving: Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. The Sunday of Passover a wave sheaf was offered in thanks for the barley harvest. On Pentecost first-fruits of wheat loaves were offered. The Feast of Tabernacles included thanks for the fall harvest. 

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

These are the final words of a seasoned minister, about dying well, forgiveness and hope. Paul’s life for Christ is complete, poured out in worship. Everlasting life, death and the grave are freedom from sin. Paul calls the Christian life a marathon with the prize given to all who finish.

The great desire of Paul’s heart was the hope of eternal life. Forgiveness because of God’s faithfulness. He encourages young pastors and all Christians to finish well. Here is grace and encouragement to fight, finish and keep the faith. The victor’s crown is reserved for all who love his appearing.
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