The fruitless fig tree

The fruitless fig tree

Scripture:

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:18-22

Observation:

“May you never bear fruit again!” the Lord had said to the fig tree. And to the disciples’ great surprise, it immediately withered, never to bear fruit again. The Lord had been hungry and had gone to the tree hoping to find fruit, but there was none. In Proverbs, it is written how the tongue has the power of life and death, and even proclamation to living things such as a tree has great effect indeed. This calls us to bring to our attention the words that we use regarding ourselves and regarding our family members. Do we speak blessings or curses to them? Do we speak blessings or curses on ourselves? Carelessly, many people use flippant remarks like “I’m dead” or “that will be the death of me”. They do not realize the power of their words over their own lives. Rather than use such careless words, speak blessing, life, health, healing in Jesus name to our own bodies, to our loved ones, even the plants in our garden, or our pets.

Regarding the fruitlessness of the fig tree, there is also an inherent warning to us. Are we bearing fruit for the Lord? John the Baptist warned that the axe is at the tree and every unfruitful tree will be cut off! He was not talking concerning physical trees but human beings and the fruit or lack thereof that they produced for God. How do we know whether we are bearing fruit? Basically, we should ask ourselves if we are a blessing to those around us or not? A fruitful tree gives life and blessing to those that come across it.

Seeing his disciples’ amazement, the Lord takes the opportunity to remind them of the importance of faith. “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.” From the withering of the fig tree, the Lord now gives His disciples the picture of a mountain being thrown into the sea at His command.” The mountain is basically the largest physical thing we can imagine, and even that is nothing to a person of faith. How do we get this faith? Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God! It is in inculcating that close personal walk with God that our faith grows and His Word comes alive to us.

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer”. What is to believe? It is to believe that God is for us, that He hears us, even that He is and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. How do we strengthen that belief in God. Again, it comes from that personal relationship inculcated preciously with the Lord! If we are close to the Lord and we pray as Jesus taught us, we find that our will is moulded to seek His will, and our desires and emotions are brought in sync with that of the Lord’s. Again, we are reminded of the all-importance of prayer, the seedbed from which are faith really grows.

Application:-

Remember to be conscious of the words we speak, whether they are blessing or cursing ourselves, our loved ones, and those around us. Remember that the tongue has the power of life and death.

Meditate on ourselves using the picture of a fruit tree. Are we bearing much fruit for the Lord, or are we fruitless like the barren fig tree? Pray to the Lord that He might make us fruitful even as we yield our hearts and hands to Him.

Resolve to spend more time in prayer and listening for God’s voice in quietness. Therein is the place where our faith will grow stronger and we will learn to truly believe. Then only will we begin to see ourselves saying prayers that move mountains and bring momentous change in the lives of others.

Prayer:-

We thank You, Father God, for the power of Your Word that You have given us. We thank You Lord that You are trustworthy and righteous and watch over Your Word to make sure it comes to pass. Let our trust be founded strong and secure on Your Word O Lord, and let us too choose to speak words of life and strength and blessing in our daily lives.

We pray O Lord that You bless our hands with fruitfulness. Let the work that we do in You prosper and be blessed 30 times, 60 times, a 100 times. Forgive our sins, but let us enter times of refreshing in You, we pray.

Forgive us for the times we have neglected to fellowship with You, even in the quietness of our hearts. Draw us to You, O Lord. Reveal more of Yourself to us day by day, hour by hour. Let our faith grow and expand and strengthen even as we trust in You, O Lord. May Your name be blessed forever O Lord. In Jesus name, 

Amen.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

A house of prayer

A house of prayer

Scripture:

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

Matthew 21:12-17

Observation:

First came the fury of the Lord. Tables were overturned. Birds squawked in terror. Coins were scattered all over the floor. There was shouting and anger, shock and disbelief, as the temple courts were overrun by the rage of the Lord. Eyes glistening with hot anger, the Lord declared “It is written: My house will be called a house of prayer but you are making it a den of robbers!”

To understand this better, we need to take a look at history and how this practice of allowing money changers and sellers of doves into the temple came about. Now Jews from all over the world would return to the temple of Jerusalem to pray and give their sacrifice. However, as they had foreign currency and also since it was not practical for them to bring animals over such a long journey, they had to depend on the money changers and dove sellers to fulfill their worship obligations. Sensing this as an attractive money-making venture, the Pharisees had collaborated with businessmen to charge exorbitant rates and prices, thus exploiting all the foreign Jews who came there. To make matter worse, they had camped in the Court where the Gentiles were to worship. Their actions were akin to daylight robbery, and their evil in this defiled the temple and raised God’s anger.

From the fury, we are suddenly brought to a different scene, a scene of great joy and healing as the blind see and the lame walk even as Jesus heals them – now with a Word, now with a touch. The children in the courts start singing “Hosanna to the Son of David”, praising Him as Messiah, Savior. As usual, the jealous priests and Pharisees are indignant and call the Lord to question for allowing them to sing that way. Here, the Lord again quotes Scripture to them “Haven’t you heard, from the lips of children and infants, you Lord have called forth praise?”

At the end of the day, he retires to Bethany, probably to the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha, where he is comfortably welcome.

Application:

Meditating on the clearing of the temple, we quickly realize that God’s house is holy, and that we must take extra care to make sure we honor His house. Now providing money changing services and doves for foreign guests are not wrong in themselves. The sin here was in exploitation, charging exorbitant prices to take advantage of the weak. That’s why the reference to the “den of robbers”, for these businesspeople in connection with the Pharisees were guilty of daylight robbery in an ethical sense. For us too in our daily lives, whether in business or trade, we must be careful to be fair and honest, not to take advantage of the weak but to treat our neighbor as we would like to be treated. Another point we should take note of is that our body is God’s temple, and we must honor God with our bodies in like manner, not letting our minds or bodies be defiled by filth or impurity or idolatry.

Remember that God’s house is a house of prayer, where we seek God, and pray to God. Even our bodies are houses of prayer, and we are meant to pray to God in a sense unceasingly, throughout the day. Those who have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and can speak in tongues are better able to do this, able at any given moment, pray in tongues to build up our spirit man, to pray for ourselves in the Spirit with groans that no words can express.

Consider the praises of the infants and the children “Hosanna to the Son of David”. The Sunday School or Children’s ministry is very precious indeed, as God is most pleased with the praises and songs from His young ones. Those involved in this ministry are blessed indeed and even if we are not, we can lead the young ones in our lives to praise and worship Jesus in like manner wherever we can.

Reflect on how dear Bethany was to Jesus. He was welcome there. Friends who loved him were there. He was able to go there and be comfortable and find rest. Let us also who have homes endeavor to make it a place like Bethany, welcoming and refreshing to those who visit.

Prayer:

We praise and thank You, Heavenly Father, for this day’s lesson which is rich in application. Forgive our sins we pray, especially where we have felt to honor Your house, and even our bodies, the temple of the Holy Spirit. Teach us Lord to honor You with all our heart, mind and soul, even as Your Spirit leads us. Give us the wisdom and discipline to put away practices or sins that dishonor You. Give us temperance and peace especially in our interaction with others that glorifies Your name. We thank You Lord for making Your House a house of prayer. Let us never forget that we go to church, first and foremost to commune with You, not as a routine but as a time of deep fellowship with You for You speak to us even through the worship or the Pastor or even in the times of prayer. Even on our own, teach us to pray without ceasing, strengthening our spirit man, even as we pray in the Spirit.

We thank You for all who are involved in the Children’s ministry for they are precious to You. Empower them and give them strength and patience, that they may leave a great impact on the all-important younger generation. May they grow in love and knowledge of You even as they teach the children. We also pray that we may make our homes like Bethany, hospitable and welcoming to all who visit, just like when You visited with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Bless our homes we pray for this, in Jesus name, Amen.

On a donkey and a colt

On a donkey and a colt

Scripture:

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion,  ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna^] in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11

Observation:-

Great excitement filled the air in Jerusalem, and there was deep sense of anticipation among the people. Their promised Messiah had arrived, and they began to dream of their King leading them to a great era of prosperity and fame after overthrowing the rule of the Roman government. Here was the man who fed 5,000, who healed the sick and cast out demons, who walked on water, and turned water to wine. Anything was possible for Him. He was the great Miracle Worker from Heaven, the one who claimed to be the  very Son of God. Even now, coming into Jerusalem, he was fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah which said “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal or a donkey.

Curiously, the other two accounts of Palm Sunday in Mark and Luke only list Jesus riding on one donkey, while Matthew lists the Lord as riding on both a donkey and a colt. Theologians surmise that the Lord physically rode on the unbroken colt, which was kept calm by the presence of its mother walking beside. Donkeys were traditionally very effective beasts of burden in those times, and very popular among the people as a mode of transportation. Most likely, the cloaks were placed on both mother donkey and colt as Jesus rode into Jerusalem triumphantly. The image of the Lord on a humble colt showed that He came in peace and gentleness, not for war.

The crowd rightfully shouted “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! Hosanna to the Son of David!” The Son of David was a specific reference to Jesus as Messiah, the promised Savior who was prophesied to come and save the Jews. What they unfortunately did not realize was that His first coming was for spiritual salvation, and they would unwittingly participate in this by crucifying the Lord Himself in just a short while later.

Application

What stands out most about the triumphant entry is the humility of Jesus. Here was the Son of God, powerful and mighty, with thousands and thousands of holy angels at His immediate command. Yet He chose to come in humility and peace. This was His way, We too should resolve to live humble and peaceful lives in Him, not being quarrelsome or arrogant.

Also, the image of the colt and its mother show us the Lord’s love for us, like a mother for her child. In Old Testament law, the mother child relationship even among animals was considered sacred, A kid was not to be cooked in its mother’s milk. A bird was not to be captured together with its eggs. An animal was not to be slaughtered in the same day as its young. Even in nature, the Lord shows His love for us through the mother-child animal relationship. Let us appreciate His great love shown to us.

Remember to praise the Lord as the Son of David, our Messiah, our Savior. His great salvation for us is something that we should never take for granted. Be mindful and thankful for His gracious salvation day by day.

Prayer

We praise You, Lord Jesus, for showing us the way, in Your perfect humility and gentleness and peace. Help us too be likewise humble and gentle and peace-loving. We thank You, Lord for Your great love for us which is like a mother’s deep love for her child. We praise thee, Lord, for You are our Great Messiah, our wonderful Savior in whom we have precious salvation. Blessed be Your name O Lord. In Jesus name Amen!

He touched their eyes

He touched their eyes

Scripture:-

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him Matthew 20:29-34

Observation:-

Great, loud shouts filled the air to the consternation of the Jericho crowd. “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The two blind men screamed at the top of their lungs, louder and louder. The irritated crowd rebuked them over their incessant noise, but they would not be denied. Here was the only opportunity they had to receive their sight. In all likelihood, they would not ever have this chance again. Their disability was against them. The crowd was against them. But they did not give up. They called and they called, confident that Jesus could heal them if He would only stop and notice them.

Sure enough, the Lord stopped and called them to Him. “What do you want me to do for you?” The crowd hushed to a whisper, even as the blind men asked desperately “Lord, we want our sight”. And the Lord had compassion on them and touched their eyes. The crowd had no compassion for them. They cared not whether the blind men could be healed or not. They were interested in their own selves, their own needs. The blind men were totally unimportant to them. But not to the Lord. The Lord cared for them. The Lord identified with them. Tdhe Lord felt their suffering, their helplessness with them.

The Lord could have healed them with a Word, but He chose to heal them with a touch. When God touched man, divine power flowed through His hands to their eyes, bringing complete healing. They received their sight immediately and followed Jesus. Unlike the 9 lepers who went away and forgot about Jesus, these two blind men immediately set out to follow the Lord.

Application

Let us pray to be more compassionate like Jesus, who cared for the least of society – the disabled, the disadvantaged, the weak and feeble. He felt their pain, their helplessness, their frustrations. He came so that He may walk among us and be one of us, in all our frailties and weaknesses. Blessed be His holy name.

Let us also learn from the blind men who sought Jesus with such desperation and hope. Their actions proved their faith, for they did not stop crying until the Lord acknowledged them. How hard do we pray? Are all we have half-hearted prayers and boring, routine prayers? How much time do we spend seeking the Lord, enjoying His presence?

The touch of one human being to another has great value. It introduces a bond, a connection, a sharing. In the act of laying on of hands, we act as a conduit bringing God’s healing or blessing or protection through prayer to the person we are praying for.

Remember how the blind men immediately followed Jesus after their healing. The Lord heals us and blesses us for a purpose, to glorify His name! We are not healed or blessed for our own sake alone.

Physically, most of us can see well, although many of us may need spectacles. Nevertheless, we can be spiritually blind, blind in our perceptions, blind in our thinking, blind to the needs of others. We too need to ask Jesus to open our spiritual eyes and help us see.

Prayer:

We praise thee Father in Heaven for the glory of Thy name. Just as You are compassionate and gracious, help us be compassionate and gracious to others. Forgive our apathy, our blindness, our lack of concern for the many who suffer even among us. Change our hearts that we may see those in need, and be motivated to pray for them, to help them, to hope the best for them.

Help us seek You earnestly and passionately, Lord, Give us fresh hearts, fresh vision, Be with us O Lord for we are Your channels. Let Your power flow though our hands that we might  pass Your blessings to many. Let us always remember Your great sacrifice for us, that we might also follow You. May Your name be praised O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

                  

Not to be served but to serve

Not to be served but to serve

Scripture:

Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:17-27

Observation:

Darkness hovers over the mood in the camp as Jesus and His disciples prepare to go up to Jerusalem. The Lord knows that His death awaits Him there, and He reminds His disciples yet again of His impending crucifixion and resurrection. The disciples still can’t really comprehend all this, and in what seems a particularly ill-timed supplication, James and John come with their mother to request Jesus to let them sit on His right and his left of His throne in His kingdom. The Lord was about to go through an incredibly painful death and here they were, thinking about their own selfish ambitions.

The Lord looks at them incredulously, saying “You don’t know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” Here, Jesus was referring particularly to the cup of suffering, the cup of death that awaited Him. Confidently, James and John apply in the affirmative. The Lord then explains to them that they will indeed drink from the same cup of suffering. Nevertheless, the choice of who would be given these places belonged to God the Father.

Later, when the 10 heard about what James and John had done, they were incensed with them. Out of jealousy and pride, each one of them also desired to be honored above the others, a typically human reaction. However, the Lord took the opportunity to call them together and teach them a very important truth. While the world’s way is for those in power and authority to be arrogant and proud and lord themselves over those beneath them, the way of Jesus is totally the opposite. The one who is great is the one who serves best, who is willing to humble himself like a servant, and work selflessly for the benefit of others. The Lord Himself showed His disciples the way of the servant by His way of life, culminating in the washing of His disciples’ feet. Indeed, He came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

Application:

Let us meditate on the Lord’s call for us to have a servant mindset. How would having such a mindset affect the way we treat our colleagues, our subordinates, our family members and friends? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the pride of our hearts, the desire to be superior to others, to lord it over them. Ask the Lord to give us a new heart, focused on serving Him, focused on serving others. A true leader has a servant’s heart. This does not mean he goes around having to wipe everyone’s shoes or making coffee for all his followers, which is servanthood only on a superficial level. Rather, it is an inbuilt desire of the servant leader to want the very best for those he leads. A very good example of a servant leader in practice is Abraham’s servant Eliezer, who is a type of Holy Spirit seen in the Old Testament. He was the greatest of Abraham’s servants, so much so that in the absence of an heir, Abraham would have chosen him to inherit all his wealth. Nevertheless, in Eliezer’s mindset, he was never jealous of Isaac, but sought the very best for his master, even praying earnestly to God to show him the right woman whom he should approach to be Isaac’s wife.

In Potiphar’s household, Joseph also showed this excellent servant’s mindset, taking care of all Potiphar’s affairs to his best ability, and maintaining his righteousness by refusing to commit adultery with his master’s wife. Even in prison, Joseph still continued serving his fellow prisoners diligently, and later when raised to Prime Minister of Egypt, he continued to serve Pharaoh and the people, bringing much prosperity to Egypt while ensuring the people also were dealt with fairly and taken care of during the famine. It was never about personal gain but about what was best for the people he served.

Prayer:

We praise thee O Lord, for the great example You showed us even as You walked the earth, coming not to be served, but to serve and give your life as an example for many. Create in us that servant’s heart O Lord, that thinks not about our own personal gain, but seeks to serve others to the best of our ability. Help us, Lord to seek greatness not in power or fame or riches but rather in humble servanthood which is of great value in Your eyes. May Your name be praised forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

The workers of the vineyard

The workers of the vineyard

Scripture:-

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.

“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:1-16

Observation:

In yet another amazing parable, the Lord gives us a picture of the landowner of a vineyard hiring workers at a denarius for the day. The workers are hired at different times, but each are promised the same pay and receive the same at the end of the day. Those who came first grumbled that the landowner had made them equal to those who worked only the last hour. However, the landowner reasoned with them that they had agreed to work for a denarius. Ultimately, it was the prerogative of the landowner to pay each worker whatever he wanted. It was his money, his call, nothing to do with them how he wished to use it.

Studying this parable, we can easily deduce that God is the landowner of the vineyard and the workers are those that He calls for His work. What is the meaning of the work and the pay? At first, there seems to be an allusion to working for salvation, which is contrary to the clear Scripture that salvation is only by grace, through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast. However, as James pointed out, faith without works is dead, so true faith will naturally result in good works.  

In a sense, comparing the Jews to the Gentile believers, the Jews are in a way like the workers who started work earlier since they had known God for so long while the Gentile believers are those who only just knew God. However, their reward is the same as the Jews. Both Jew and Gentile are given salvation purely on the same basis, which is through faith in Jesus Christ. A Jews should not be jealous of a Gentile who receives the same gift of salvation. It is God’s prerogative, based on His grace and mercy and generosity. In the same way, a Christian of many years should not despise another who received Christ at his deathbed. Each one should be content with whatever the Lord gives us. At times, new Christians may grow quickly and become more prominent than Christians of many years. Even then, we are not to cast an “evil eye” and be covetous of their success. Each one should look towards himself and serve God faithfully according to His calling and accept humbly whatever reward the Lord gives, which may not be according to what we may expect from a human way of thinking.

Application:-

Thank God for His call to us, that we may come and join Him in His work. Praise God for His amazing grace that extends salvation to all, regardless of when they receive Him. Pray to God that we may be content with what He gives us, not casting evil eyes on those appearing more successful than us. Ask the Lord for mercy and grace to be faithful and fulfill the calling He has given us.

Prayer:-

We praise You, Lord, for Your perfect grace, and Your generosity to all men. We thank You, Lord, that Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your thoughts than our thoughts. Forgive us Lord for the times we have been ungrateful, or looked with jealousy at the success of others. Let us be content with all You give us, and give us the grace to be faithful, and stedfast in fulfilling the calling You give us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Entering the eye of the needle

Entering the eye of the needle

Scripture:-

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Matthew 19:23-30

Observation:-

Imagine! A camel squeezing through the eye of a needle! It seems just too impossible to comprehend. However, that was exactly the degree of difficulty that the Lord wished to express regarding the way for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. For the poor man who has little, he believes easily for he really has nothing to lose. Little children enter Heaven easily for they come honestly and happily to the Lord. They do not have any baggage or possessions or wealth to bog them down. Ultimately, the typical rich man defines himself by the vastness of his wealth and treasures. He ties himself down with many pleasures, and to give so much up to follow Jesus just seems impossible. The money and possessions are symbolized in the camel. We just can’t bring this camel if we are to enter the narrow door of salvation. Again, this does not mean that we are all called to sell all our possessions. Rather, we are to recognize that all these is only temporary, and we who have such abundant wealth should endeavor to exchange it gradually rather to bless others, and so use temporary wealth to gain permanent wealth.

Impossible! “Who then can be saved?” protest the disciples who have high regard for rich. The Lord then reminds them “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!” God created all things and is able to save anyone!

Peter then asks “How about us, Lord? We have left everything to follow you!” And here the Lord declares to His disciples how at the renewal of all things, His disciples will sit on twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. We are reminded here of how the Lord will make everything new when he comes again, and we are given a clue to future government whereby each of the Lord’s disciples will have authority over one tribe of Israel. The Lord also further explains how everyone who has left houses or families or fields for His sake will receive a 100 times as much and will inherit eternal life! However, many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. While many, like the rich young man lived life being superior to others in wealth and prosperity, the time will come when they will be last, for they hoarded wealth for themselves and were not generous to God or their fellow men. This warning is a stark reminder for all of us concerning our future accountability to the Lord.

Application:-

Again, we must remind ourselves that wealth is only temporal, and we must not become attached to it. Following the Lord may mean having to give up everything, especially in the last days, when the Anti-Christ rules the earth for a season. Sacrificing our temporal wealth for the Lord is no loss indeed, for we will gain a 100-fold according to His promise and most important of all gain eternal life! The world is short term in thinking, seeking gratification of the flesh and accumulation of wealth as a symbol or pride and power. The Lord’s way is different, looking ahead beyond this life, instead making the priority His will and His kingdom.

Prayer:-

We thank You, Father God, that nothing is impossible for You, and even the hardest sinner can still be saved. We come before You O Lord, asking Your forgiveness where we have made wealth and money too important. We thank You that in You, we have all we need, and we do not need to prioritize pursuit of wealth which is a chasing after the wind. Where you have given us the ability to attain wealth, help us use it wisely for the extension of your kingdom and blessing the poor. Let us always have Your kingdom viewpoint in the way we live our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

Sell your possessions and give to the poor

Sell your possessions and give to the poor

Scripture:

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 18:16-22

Observation:

“Sell all your possessions and give to the poor! Then come, follow Me” The young man was stunned, shocked that the Lord could suggest such a thing. Then slowly, he hung his head and walked slowly away

“Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” the young man had asked earnestly. Smiling, the Lord had replied, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Confidently, the young man asked back “which ones?”, thinking he has got them all covered. The Lord listed down 5 of the 10 commandments for him – you shall not murder, commit adultery, steal or give false testimony, and you shall honor your father and mother and also adds in the second greatest command – you shall love your neighbor as yourself. The 10 commandments consist of 4 commands relating to our relationship with God and 6 commands relating to our fellow men. Interestingly, the Lord named 5 of the 6 man-related laws, purposely leaving out the last one – “You shall not covet”.  

The young man happily replied “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” It is then only that the Lord challenges him to sell his possessions and give to the poor and then come and follow Him. When he heard this, the young man was saddened and went away, unable to follow the Lord’s words because of his great wealth. The Lord’s words exposed the sin of covetousness within the man, for even in spite of his great wealth, he still desired to become more and more wealthy. Mammon (Money) had become his god, and it was impossible for him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. In fact, the Lord actually showed him, that giving to the poor was even greater as an investment, for then one would reap treasures in heaven, that rust and most cannot destroy, and where there are no thieves who steal.

Application:

Is this command for every Christian? To sell all our possessions and live like poor hermits? No! There is no record of anyone actually selling all they had. Even during His ministry, the Lord did not give all their money away, and even had a treasurer look into proper accounting of the funds, However, more importantly, it is our generous spirit and wisdom in regard to wealth that must be certain. In the early church, many of those with wealth sold pieces of land and brought money to the apostles. The Lord knows that we need funds for our daily living and expenses. He only advocated the giving of 10% as a tithe, knowing that most of us need the balance 90%.

Nevertheless, for those that the Lord has blessed with abundant wealth, even 10% of their income may be more than sufficient for their daily living. For such as these, they must not seek to build up great hoards of wealth but rather actively aim to channel their wealth to worthy causes such as helping the poor and the marginalized of society, supporting evangelism in third world countries or building hospitals and schools to help the less able communities.

Many of us in the middle class are far from super rich but also have more than enough. As the Lord enables, we too should look to give generously, not just sticking rigidly to 10% as an obligation. We should also review our lifestyles to ensure it is not unnecessarily lavish in materialism, but instead simple and focused on serving the Lord and doing good. 

To sum up, no matter how wealth or status in society, we should have a generous heart, seeking to give cheerfully as the Lord enables us and we should also beware lest we make money our God. Money is only a tool that enables us to do good, and is useless for vast hoarding when no good is done with it at all. 

Prayer:

We praise You and thank You, Lord, that all wealth and the ability to make wealth comes from You. You hold all things in Your hands, precious Father, and You give to each of us as You see fit. Teach us, Lord, to use the wealth we have been entrusted with for good, to bless others, to extend the kingdom, to help those in genuine need. Let us never become ensnared by the love of money, which is the root of all evil. Give us the wisdom to know that the wealth on this earth is only temporary, and it is far better to do good and gain treasures in Heaven that last forever. We thank You and praise You, Lord. Let Bless us that we may be a blessing! In Jesus name, Amen.

Jesus loves the little children

Jesus loves the little children

Scripture:-

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Matthew 19:13-15

Observation:-

What a wonderful picture! The Lord in all His gentleness carrying little children on His lap, laying His hands on them, blessing them, showing them His love. Traditionally, churches have used this passage as the basis for the practice of baby dedications, with parents bringing their children to the Lord for His blessing.

It is also from this picture in Scirpture, that songwriters have penned such beautiful children songs such as “Jesus loves the little children”, and “Jesus loves me this I know”. Jesus really does love little children, and they are so precious to Him.

Culturally, at that time, and even now, children were little regarded, and all the attention and priority was given to adults. However, Jesus had a totally different view, seeing the little children as far more precious in His sight, and even teaching His disciples how the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these little children. Then, the Lord took time to bless the little children. 

Application:-

Remember to bless little children like Jesus did. Look upon them as precious, highly regarded by God, and bless them with prayers and goodwill. Always try to make time for them, to even learn from them. Remember that the kingdom of heave belongs to such as them. Their humility, their honesty, their trust, their simple faith….. We can learn so much just by observing them.

Prayer:-

We thank You, Father in Heaven, for the beautiful way You made children. Growing from little infants to toddlers to children in all their amazing cuteness. Help us learn from them, and remember to be like them in our relationship with You, always trusting, always hoping, always believing, always knowing that You will be there for us as our wonderful Father in Heaven. Help us love the little ones O Lord like You love them. Give us strength and hope we pray. In Jesus name, Amen.

What God has joined together

What God has joined together

Scripture:

When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”

Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it. Matthew 19:1-12

Observation:

“What God has joined together, let no one separate!” From the beginning it has been God’s will that the marriage covenant be holy and permanent for life. Marriage was God’s original idea. He created us men and women and willed that of certain age, we should leave our homes and start a new family with a chosen mate, as one flesh. The hallmark of marriage is unity between  husband and wife, and gives us an excellent picture of what God intends between God and Israel, Jesus Christ and the Church. Jesus prayed that we might be one as He and the Father are one. That unity in heart and mind and purpose is something precious that God wills for us, and the unity in marriage is the closest of bonds instituted between individuals on earth.

During the time of the Pharisees, they were allowing divorce for frivolous reasons, and the Lord was quick to correct that their practice was wrong, and divorce should not even be allowed except for sexual immorality. In regard to this, we also get a picture of the dangerous consequences of the sin of adultery which is akin to separating what God has joined together. In such instances, it seems that the innocent party is released from the bond of marriage and is able to remarry without committing adultery. However, if divorce is done for any other reason, any subsequent remarriage would result in the parties involved to be committing adultery.  

The disciples are shocked at this teaching, concluding that it is better not to marry if one is still forced to continue in marriage to someone who has become no longer tolerable to live with. At this point, we are soberly reminded that marriage is not easy, and there are moments of differences that can be very severe, and really require leaning on the grace and mercy of God for help.

Here, the Lord also teaches His disciples concerning singlehood in His reference to eunuchs. Some were born that way, some were made that way by men and some choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom. He then adds that the one who can accept it should accept it, in reference to the last point.

Application:

Thank God for the sacredness and sanctity of marriage. For those of us who are married, let us resolve to be ever faithful to our spouse, knowing that our marriage relationship is divine, ordained by God and blessed by God according to His will. Resolve in our hearts to never entertain even thoughts of adultery, which breaks the bond that God has put together in marriage. It is in this area, that we really need to take captive every unclean thought and surrender it at the feet of Jesus. It is part of the necessity of denying ourselves and taking up our cross in living righteous lives in Him. Where marriage is difficult, or even impossible humanly, do not lose hope but continue to pray for reconciliation and healing, for with God all things are possible! For those of us yet to be married, consider the solemnity and sacredness of marriage, knowing that our vows are truly for better or worse, till death do us part. It is not flippant or temporal like Hollywood makes out to be, but for life.

For those who have the gift of celibacy, who are able to live a life of singleness in the service of God, they should accept their calling, and set themselves to serve God wholeheartedly.

Prayer:

We thank You Father in Heaven, for Your grace and for Your blessings. You blessed the human race with the gift of marriage, the joy and blessing of a man and woman committing their lives together for life. We thank You, Lord, for showing us the great unity You destine for us, even in the picture of the unity of marriage. For those of us who are married or are to be married, let us be ever loyal and faithful and loving to our spouse, resolving all difficulties with prayer and hope in You. Lead us not into temptation O Lord. Let adultery or sexual immorality be far away from us. For those who have the gift of celibacy, let us consecrate for lives of singleness and passion in doing Your will, for Your glory. We praise and thank You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.