Matthew 12:1-21
Snow! Just when everyone thought it was getting warmer again, it started to snow. It snowed quite a bit. For some reason I was happy that it snowed. I guess it's kind of grown on me now. Church went great even if it was really cold in our sanctuary. After service I took a huge nap (more like sleep lol) and attempted to study. Keyword: attempt.
Well school is about to start again. This week is going to be significantly tougher than the weeks before in terms of workload. And what's up with these people starting school tomorrow for the first time this semester? Geez. I know it's Cal State Fullerton and you guys think you guys are special, but it's like the end of January. Anyways have a good first day.
Lord Of The Sabbath
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012:1-14;&version=31;
At this time of the Bible, Jesus has probably acquired a lot of fame. People all over the world are probably talking about Jesus and the miracles that He has performed. While He probably had a lot of followers, He probably produced just as many enemies. These enemies are probably out there nitpicking on every little detail trying to find a fault with Jesus. And this passage is one example of that.
The Day of Sabbath, or the holy day (aka Sunday), was observed by these Pharisees. They probably had a tradition of some sort that depicted what was in the law and made sure that everyone followed it. So when Jesus's disciples did something contrary to what they believed, they made a big deal out of it. Jesus's answer to this is one that basically states that such things are trivial in the grand scheme of things. Jesus is greater than the temples and whatever traditions and laws the Pharisees may follow. Jesus claims that He is the Son of God and the Lord of Sabbath.
When thinking about how this may relate to us, I think we can relate to it very well. What do we think of church? We make sure everything is under control, everyone is dressed, and things just look perfect. Now I'm not saying that any of this is bad. I think it's great. But when it becomes so important that we disregard the whole purpose of our being there, then it becomes a problem and we become no better than the Pharisees. The Pharisees did everything they were instructed to. But they were missing the point. Jesus is much greater than any of that. We need to keep that in mind.
When the man with the shriveled hand (don't know what exactly this is) asks if it is alright to heal on the day of Sabbath, Jesus answers that it is. We need to stop making such a big deal about what's right and what's wrong. They're important, yes, but not to the extent where we forget our purposes. In the end the Pharisees plotted to kill Jesus.
God's Chosen Servant
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012:15-21;&version=31;
This passage is rather simple and shows who Jesus is. God sent Jesus as His servant to bring justice to the nations. He was sent to heal the sick and give hope to the nations. He will lead justice to victory.
Summary:
Lord Of The Sabbath
1-2 Jesus and His disciples were in the grainfields on Sabbath and because they were hungry the disciples ate the grains. Pharisees called that it was unlawful.
3-8 Jesus replied that David and his men ate the consecrated bread, which is unlawful, and priests desecrate the day and yet are innocent. Jesus is greater than the temples and He told them they would not have condemned if they knew what mercy was.
9-14 In the synagogue a man with shriveled hands asked if it was lawful to heal on the day of Sabbath. Jesus replies that it is lawful to do good on the day of Sabbath. Jesus healed the man's hand. The Pharisees tried to plot on how to kill Jesus.
God's Chosen Servant
15-16 Jesus went away knowing about the plot and healed the sick. He told them not to say who He was. This was to fulfill a prophesy.
17 Jesus was a servant to bring justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out, but will lead justice to victory. The nations will have hope through Him.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Find Rest
Matthew 11:20-30
Saturday is already over. Weekends are just way too short. It's not fair. We had leader's meeting for church this morning and discussed what's to come. I'm excited for our retreat that will happen next weekend. I think it'll be a great start into the semester just before everyone starts to get busy. Hopefully it'll get everyone started in the right direction with the right intent. I do kind of want to talk about our Bible Study on Friday because I didn't really blog on Friday. It was the first Bible Study of this semester and I just wanted to put down my thoughts here. Mainly, things I need to work on. One thing I definitely want to get better at is challenging people more. Some questions are just way to easy and I struggle milking out more questions from them. I need to improve on generating more thought-provoking questions. Some people are just gifted with this; I'm not. If anyone has tips, that'd be awesome. I'll try to let you guys know how it's going along the way.
I tried to get some work done today, but I couldn't. I wasn't motivated enough. I opened the book, stared at it. Read the intro, and then stopped at the first equation. It wasn't going to happen. Went back home, and watched "The Godfather." The movie is just epic. And yes, I have never watched the movie till today. I actually watched both Parts I and II and ran out of energy to watch III. I have newfound respect for Al Pacino. Seriously I can't believe I haven't watched this movie before. But yea, that took up all of today. I don't regret it though. It might have even
been productive.
Woe To Unrepentant Cities
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2011:20-24;&version=31;
This passage is really straightforward. You do not repent, then you will not be recognized. After all of the miracles Jesus has performed for these cities, they did not repent. For those that did, they will enter the kingdom of Heaven. He will pass judgment. So it is crucial for us to repent.
Rest For The Weary
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2011:25-30;&version=31;
The first part of this reading is confusing. He thanks the Father for hiding "these things." It is unclear what these are. It might be the truth. What comes to mind is the apple in the Garden of Eden. All those things are hidden from us. And maybe Jesus is thanking for that? The other thing it could possibly be is what I read in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31,
"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many of were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God. --that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'"
What I get from this passage is that the very thing he may have hidden is Jesus Christ. He gave us these lowly things. Many are happy with these things. Things like money, wealth, fame, etc. But something greater than that was hidden. And that's the wisdom of God. That's Jesus Christ. And He gave that to us little children. I don't know, that's what I thought.
The other part ot this reading is taking up His yoke. Now for those who don't know what a yoke is, here's a picture:
So we are to take up his yoke because it is easy and the burden is very light. We will find rest in Him. This is especially comforting. I know a lot of you have been stressing out. I know because of the IM's you have been giving me. Find rest in Jesus. It's the only way we can keep sane. It's a tough world out there. Especially now. Find rest in Him. His yoke is easy. :)
Summary:
Woe To The Unrepentant Cities
20-24 Jesus warns the cities Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. They will have a tough day of judgment for not repenting. The cities that did repent will have a more bearable judgment.
Rest For The Weary
25-27 Jesus praises the Father for hiding things and revealed them to little children. He says no one knows the Son but the Father and nobody knows the Father but the Son and the people the Son chooses.
28-30 Jesus tells the weary and burdened to find rest in Him. He tells them to take his yoke and learn from Him. His yoke is easy and the burden is light.
Saturday is already over. Weekends are just way too short. It's not fair. We had leader's meeting for church this morning and discussed what's to come. I'm excited for our retreat that will happen next weekend. I think it'll be a great start into the semester just before everyone starts to get busy. Hopefully it'll get everyone started in the right direction with the right intent. I do kind of want to talk about our Bible Study on Friday because I didn't really blog on Friday. It was the first Bible Study of this semester and I just wanted to put down my thoughts here. Mainly, things I need to work on. One thing I definitely want to get better at is challenging people more. Some questions are just way to easy and I struggle milking out more questions from them. I need to improve on generating more thought-provoking questions. Some people are just gifted with this; I'm not. If anyone has tips, that'd be awesome. I'll try to let you guys know how it's going along the way.
been productive.
Woe To Unrepentant Cities
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2011:20-24;&version=31;
This passage is really straightforward. You do not repent, then you will not be recognized. After all of the miracles Jesus has performed for these cities, they did not repent. For those that did, they will enter the kingdom of Heaven. He will pass judgment. So it is crucial for us to repent.
Rest For The Weary
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2011:25-30;&version=31;
The first part of this reading is confusing. He thanks the Father for hiding "these things." It is unclear what these are. It might be the truth. What comes to mind is the apple in the Garden of Eden. All those things are hidden from us. And maybe Jesus is thanking for that? The other thing it could possibly be is what I read in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31,
"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many of were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God. --that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'"
What I get from this passage is that the very thing he may have hidden is Jesus Christ. He gave us these lowly things. Many are happy with these things. Things like money, wealth, fame, etc. But something greater than that was hidden. And that's the wisdom of God. That's Jesus Christ. And He gave that to us little children. I don't know, that's what I thought.
The other part ot this reading is taking up His yoke. Now for those who don't know what a yoke is, here's a picture:
So we are to take up his yoke because it is easy and the burden is very light. We will find rest in Him. This is especially comforting. I know a lot of you have been stressing out. I know because of the IM's you have been giving me. Find rest in Jesus. It's the only way we can keep sane. It's a tough world out there. Especially now. Find rest in Him. His yoke is easy. :)Summary:
Woe To The Unrepentant Cities
20-24 Jesus warns the cities Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. They will have a tough day of judgment for not repenting. The cities that did repent will have a more bearable judgment.
Rest For The Weary
25-27 Jesus praises the Father for hiding things and revealed them to little children. He says no one knows the Son but the Father and nobody knows the Father but the Son and the people the Son chooses.
28-30 Jesus tells the weary and burdened to find rest in Him. He tells them to take his yoke and learn from Him. His yoke is easy and the burden is light.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Jesus Defends Us
Matthew 11:1-19
I changed the post time for this one so that it matches for Friday.
Jesus And John The Baptist
This passage is pretty awesome. Not only because John the Baptist did awesome work for the kingdom and glory of God, but because of what Jesus said about him. Isn't it awesome that Jesus spoke so highly of a servant? Would he do the same with us? Absolutely. I believe it. I think that if we do the works of God, He will cherish us in the same way. Just look how protective He is of John. Jesus asks the crowd what they were expecting from John. He wasn't this crazy fashioned priest. He wasn't some guy claiming he could work wonders. He seemed like an ordinary human being. If anything he probably was worse. A couple entries back I said he probably looked like a beggar. Yet, he was the messenger that the scripture has foretold.
Jesus tries to reason out a little here. He says that John the Baptist came "neither eating nor drinking" yet people said he was possessed. Jesus comes "eating and drinking" and they accuse him of being a glutton or a drunkard. Isn't this precisely what we do? We make assumptions and judgements. We're overly observant, to the point where we create misconceptions. I think that we need to understand that God has given us so many signs, prophesies, and proofs. It's not the lack of them. It's us. We're the ones making faith so hard.
Summary:
Jesus And John The Baptist
1-6 Jesus went to Galilee to continue teaching. John the Baptist, while in prison, wanted to know if Jesus was truly the one. Jesus told the disciples to let him know of the miracles that occurred.
7-15 Jesus asked the crowd what they expected from John, for he was not one with great appearance. Yet Jesus said that he was more than a prophet, but a messenger. Through him the kingdom of God has been able to advance.
16-19 Jesus continues asking what the crowd was expecting. Regardless, wisdom prevailed.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Tough Road Ahead Part 2
Matthew 10:24-42
I realized after today that Thursdays are going to be the toughest days of this semester. Today was just really really really bad. By the end of today I was drained. I couldn't do anything but stare blankly at my computer. I was so tired I couldn't sleep. Here's what my schedule looks like for Thursday:
10:30am-11:20am Chinese 202
11:30am-2:20pm ECE 440 Lab
2:30pm-5:20pm ECE Senior Design Lab
Yes, 10:30 to 5:20 straight. No breaks. No lunch. Just classes. And I wish they were just lectures. No, they're labs. They require effort. I'm just glad it's over. Before I came home, I went to Chipotle to grab a burrito because I thought it would fill me up and give me some energy. It just made me more tired lol. And then I spent the next 3 hours reading stuff on the Internet, watching Youtube videos, and being a complete waste of space. I need to find a better way to make my Thursdays efficient.
Anyways enough complaining and looking back at what a terrible Thursday it was and will be. I think my blogs have been a place to come complain about everything. I'm sorry if it's depressing you guys. :( I'll try to brighten up a little more on my blogs. I swear I'm not a depressing person. Well I think so anyway. To brighten up my day, I had a discussion with my buddy about the greatness that is Vince Carter. How I wish I could dunk...
The Meaning Of Discipleship
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2010:24-39;&version=31;
This is a continuation from yesterday's reading about the disciples. Jesus continues to advise them and tell them what they're going to face. He tells them that it is good enough to be like the teacher. He tells the disciples not to be afraid for they will not be able to break the soul. They can do anything to the body, but nothing to the soul. Only God holds that power. He is the only one we should truly fear. This is a rather important concept and gives us a reason to stay strong and bold. We should not be afraid of what others may think of us. God is on our side. Nobody is stronger than God. Be strong.
Jesus talks about acknowledgement. If we acknowledge Him, He will in turn acknowledge us. Similarly, if we disown Him, He will do the same. That's a pretty clear cut deal. It also really tests our faith a little. We can't do this 50/50 business with Jesus. It's 100% or 0%. You believe Him or you don't.
How serious does Jesus take this? Pretty darn seriously. Look what He has to say about it. He claims He did not come to create peace but rather the opposite. He brought a SWORD. He says anyone who puts someone else before Him, He will disown. Ouch. Even parents, children, and anyone you may love. Nobody should come before Jesus. Now when you first read this, it sounds rather harsh. It sounds selfish. But this is how much trust and faith we need to have in Jesus. At the end of the day, He is all that matters. This is still a hard concept for me to swallow, but that's just the way it is. He said it, and what He says is truth.
One interesting part about this reading is where Jesus says to take up the cross. This clearly happened way before His death, yet he mentions cross. I don't know if that was just the thing to say back in the day (kind of like how we say "I'd die for you") or if He meant to say that on purpose. I just thought it was interesting.
The Reward Of Service
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2010:40-42;&version=31;
Thankfully He doesn't end it on that note because so far all He told the disciples was a list of instructions and things they should not do. He ends with what will result. He promises them the rightful reward. He will make sure it is a just reward. He doesn't necessarily specify what that may be, but He gives them His word. That may make it a little harder to follow, but that's where faith comes into play again. Faith is so crucial. It's tough, and I still struggle with it. I need to grow stronger...
Summary:
The Meaning Of Discipleship
24-31 Jesus says that no student is above his teacher and no servant is above his master. The best they can do is be like them. Thus, He tells the disciples to not be afraid. They can take their bodies, but not their souls. They are very valuable to the Lord.
32-33 Jesus states taht whoever acknowledges Him, will be acknowledged in Heaven.
34-39 Jesus did not come for peace but rather with a sword. He will disown anyone who puts another person before Him. This includes family and any other loved ones. He states that whoever does not take up the cross with Him is not worthy. Whoever dies in His sake will find life.
The Reward Of Service
40-42 Jesus says that whoever receives Him will receive God. Whoever receives the prophet will receive the prophet's reward and the righteous will receive the reward of a righteous. He promises nobody will lose his reward.
I realized after today that Thursdays are going to be the toughest days of this semester. Today was just really really really bad. By the end of today I was drained. I couldn't do anything but stare blankly at my computer. I was so tired I couldn't sleep. Here's what my schedule looks like for Thursday:
10:30am-11:20am Chinese 202
11:30am-2:20pm ECE 440 Lab
2:30pm-5:20pm ECE Senior Design Lab
Yes, 10:30 to 5:20 straight. No breaks. No lunch. Just classes. And I wish they were just lectures. No, they're labs. They require effort. I'm just glad it's over. Before I came home, I went to Chipotle to grab a burrito because I thought it would fill me up and give me some energy. It just made me more tired lol. And then I spent the next 3 hours reading stuff on the Internet, watching Youtube videos, and being a complete waste of space. I need to find a better way to make my Thursdays efficient.
Anyways enough complaining and looking back at what a terrible Thursday it was and will be. I think my blogs have been a place to come complain about everything. I'm sorry if it's depressing you guys. :( I'll try to brighten up a little more on my blogs. I swear I'm not a depressing person. Well I think so anyway. To brighten up my day, I had a discussion with my buddy about the greatness that is Vince Carter. How I wish I could dunk...
The Meaning Of Discipleship
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2010:24-39;&version=31;
This is a continuation from yesterday's reading about the disciples. Jesus continues to advise them and tell them what they're going to face. He tells them that it is good enough to be like the teacher. He tells the disciples not to be afraid for they will not be able to break the soul. They can do anything to the body, but nothing to the soul. Only God holds that power. He is the only one we should truly fear. This is a rather important concept and gives us a reason to stay strong and bold. We should not be afraid of what others may think of us. God is on our side. Nobody is stronger than God. Be strong.
Jesus talks about acknowledgement. If we acknowledge Him, He will in turn acknowledge us. Similarly, if we disown Him, He will do the same. That's a pretty clear cut deal. It also really tests our faith a little. We can't do this 50/50 business with Jesus. It's 100% or 0%. You believe Him or you don't.
How serious does Jesus take this? Pretty darn seriously. Look what He has to say about it. He claims He did not come to create peace but rather the opposite. He brought a SWORD. He says anyone who puts someone else before Him, He will disown. Ouch. Even parents, children, and anyone you may love. Nobody should come before Jesus. Now when you first read this, it sounds rather harsh. It sounds selfish. But this is how much trust and faith we need to have in Jesus. At the end of the day, He is all that matters. This is still a hard concept for me to swallow, but that's just the way it is. He said it, and what He says is truth.
One interesting part about this reading is where Jesus says to take up the cross. This clearly happened way before His death, yet he mentions cross. I don't know if that was just the thing to say back in the day (kind of like how we say "I'd die for you") or if He meant to say that on purpose. I just thought it was interesting.
The Reward Of Service
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2010:40-42;&version=31;
Thankfully He doesn't end it on that note because so far all He told the disciples was a list of instructions and things they should not do. He ends with what will result. He promises them the rightful reward. He will make sure it is a just reward. He doesn't necessarily specify what that may be, but He gives them His word. That may make it a little harder to follow, but that's where faith comes into play again. Faith is so crucial. It's tough, and I still struggle with it. I need to grow stronger...
Summary:
The Meaning Of Discipleship
24-31 Jesus says that no student is above his teacher and no servant is above his master. The best they can do is be like them. Thus, He tells the disciples to not be afraid. They can take their bodies, but not their souls. They are very valuable to the Lord.
32-33 Jesus states taht whoever acknowledges Him, will be acknowledged in Heaven.
34-39 Jesus did not come for peace but rather with a sword. He will disown anyone who puts another person before Him. This includes family and any other loved ones. He states that whoever does not take up the cross with Him is not worthy. Whoever dies in His sake will find life.
The Reward Of Service
40-42 Jesus says that whoever receives Him will receive God. Whoever receives the prophet will receive the prophet's reward and the righteous will receive the reward of a righteous. He promises nobody will lose his reward.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Tough Road Ahead
Matthew 10:1-23
It's finally Wednesday! It took forever to get here. Oh wait, we had Monday off... Was Tuesday really that long? *sigh*
Work is starting to pile up fast, like exponentially. I was going to write this blog earlier today, but work got in the way. Yes yes, whining after whining. Such is my life these days. :(
Classes were pretty good today, however. I didn't have any problems paying attention. I did run into trouble calling our car company today though. My mom needed some help with a bill that was never sent and now it's late. The crazy thing is we don't even have the car anymore. So really we shouldn't even have to pay the bill. But of course talking with them was more than impossible. Oh and I hate that machine that makes you go through a series of options. I completely skip them now (learned that trick kinda late) and just wait till it connects me to a human being. Stupid machines.
Jesus Sends Out The Twelve
We get the names of the 12 disciples for the first time in the Bible here. Just in case you don't know them, here's the list (in no particular order):
1. Peter (aka Simon)
2. Andrew
3. James (son of Zebedee)
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Thomas
8. Matthew
9. James (son of Alphaeus)
10. Thaddeus
11. Simon
12. Judas
Jesus instructs them of what they can/should do. He also advises them of what not to do. He warns them about the hard trip ahead of them. People will persecute and hate them because they are associated with Jesus. They must persist. It is important to note that when they do get persecuted, they will know what to do because of God. God will tell them what needs to be done.
What can we learn from this? Well while we're not one of the twelve disciples, we are a follower and so these advices and warnings can be applied to us as well. The road is tough as a Christians. There are so many people out there that love to hate us. We need to be ready and be able to fight through these tough times.
Summary:
Jesus Sends Out The Twelve
1-4 Jesus assigned the twelve disciples tasks. They were authorized to drive out spirits and to heal.
5-15 Jesus tells the disciples to seek after the lost sheep. They are to heal these people and not take anything for personal gain. They are to stay with those that are worthy.
16-20 Jesus tells the disciples that the road will be tough. People will turn them in to the courts. When this happens, Jesus tells them that the Spirit will speak for them.
21-23 Jesus also tells the disciples that many will hate them because they are associated with Jesus. He tells them that they will not finish going through all the cities until the Son of God arrives.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Jesus Continues To Amaze
Matthew 9:18-38
Well it's January 20th, 2009 and that means a lot to this nation. We now officially have a new president. Now whether you like the president or not, this is an important day for all Americans, and as citizens I think it's important to at least witness this event. Whether you agree with him or not is another story. I, for one, was anticipating this event because it may mean a lot to me and my future.
Now if you've watched the event, I was kind of mesmerized by how they made this event. I don't remember the inauguration speech being such a theaterical event. But I guess that's what happens when you put in a lot of money for it. As far as President Obama, he has shown that he can speak; his speech was very good. Now it's time to put those words into action. As an American, I wish him, our leader, the best.
On a side note, anyone chuckle when Obama screwed up the oath? Good thing he backed it up with a powerful speech...
School started again and it went pretty well. We finally made teams for our senior design, and I like it thus far. I think everyone knows a little something to get us started. It's just the beginning though, so wish us the best!
A Dead Girl And A Sick Woman
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:18-26;&version=31;
Jesus continues on his trek to heal and save many people. This encounter is with someone who also has faith in Jesus that He can save his daughter. The ruler saw that his daughter was dead, but he knew that Jesus was able to heal her, even when she was dead. Knowning this and having faith in Jesus, he came all the way to Jesus and asked for help.
Meanwhile Jesus encounters a woman who has been suffering from bleeding. She also seeks help and had faith that just by touching His cloak, she would be healed. Jesus, seeing this faith, said she was healed. Jesus finally sees the daughter and heals her as well.
What we can get from these messages of how Jesus healed people is our need to have faith in Him. If a ruler can have the faith that Jesus can save his dead daughter and the bleeding woman can have faith that just by TOUCHING His cloak, she can be healed, what's there to stop us from having that kind of faith? If we truly believe in Him, we need to have this kind of faith, a faith that Jesus will alleviate any pain, physical and non.
Jesus Heals The Blind And Mute
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:27-34;&version=31;
This reading is a continuation of all the great miracles Jesus performs.. The first is on 2 blind men who asks for help. Jesus again sees their faith and heals them. He then warns them not to spread the news of what has happened, yet they do. I don't know what the purpose of Jesus's wish for the news to not spread. The only thing I can think of is to help the men be humble. Yes being able to see is probably a huge deal to someone who was blind. However, maybe Jesus didn't want this excitement to make the men forget why they were able to get healed. They were healed because of their faith.
The second was a mute, demon-possessed man. Jesus drove the demons out and the people were astonished at the miracle. Yet, the Pharisees were skeptical. They tried to find every way to make the miracles less credible. Is this what we do when we see miracles? Perhaps. Everyday seems like a miracle in a way, yet we just accept it like we deserve it. Maybe it's time to be thankful and not be so cynical.
The Workers Are Few
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:35-38;&version=31;
Jesus continues on and teaches in many places. He sees the crowds and has compassion on them. He compared them to sheep with a shepherd. In many cases, that's exactly what we are. We are people that live our lives without a purpose. We're misguided and don't know what we're doing. So a shepherd like Jesus comes along and guides us. The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. It is time for us to ask if this is what we want, and it's time to get on it. It's a message for us to serve when we're ready.
Summary:
A Dead Girl And A Sick Woman
18-19 A ruler came to Jesus and asked to save his daughter by putting a hand on her. Jesus went with him.
20-22 A woman who has been bleeding for 12 years came and touched Jesus's cloak, wishing to be healed. Jesus replied that she was healed because of her faith.
23-26 Jesus arrived at the ruler's house and told the noisy crowd to go outside. He saved the girl. This story was then spread.
Jesus Heals The Blind And The Mute
27-31 Two blind men encountered Jesus and asked to be healed. Jesus saw if they had faith and healed them once they replied that they did. He warned them not to tell anyone about this, but the news spread.
32-34 A demon-possessed mute man then came and Jesus drove the demon out and the man spoke. People were astonished, but the Pharisees were skeptical.
The Workers Are Few
35-38 Jesus went around different towns and had compassion on the people because they were like sheep without shepherd. He stated that the harvest is plentiful but workers are few. He told the crowd to ask the Lord for the harvest.
Well it's January 20th, 2009 and that means a lot to this nation. We now officially have a new president. Now whether you like the president or not, this is an important day for all Americans, and as citizens I think it's important to at least witness this event. Whether you agree with him or not is another story. I, for one, was anticipating this event because it may mean a lot to me and my future.
Now if you've watched the event, I was kind of mesmerized by how they made this event. I don't remember the inauguration speech being such a theaterical event. But I guess that's what happens when you put in a lot of money for it. As far as President Obama, he has shown that he can speak; his speech was very good. Now it's time to put those words into action. As an American, I wish him, our leader, the best.
On a side note, anyone chuckle when Obama screwed up the oath? Good thing he backed it up with a powerful speech...
School started again and it went pretty well. We finally made teams for our senior design, and I like it thus far. I think everyone knows a little something to get us started. It's just the beginning though, so wish us the best!
A Dead Girl And A Sick Woman
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:18-26;&version=31;
Jesus continues on his trek to heal and save many people. This encounter is with someone who also has faith in Jesus that He can save his daughter. The ruler saw that his daughter was dead, but he knew that Jesus was able to heal her, even when she was dead. Knowning this and having faith in Jesus, he came all the way to Jesus and asked for help.
Meanwhile Jesus encounters a woman who has been suffering from bleeding. She also seeks help and had faith that just by touching His cloak, she would be healed. Jesus, seeing this faith, said she was healed. Jesus finally sees the daughter and heals her as well.
What we can get from these messages of how Jesus healed people is our need to have faith in Him. If a ruler can have the faith that Jesus can save his dead daughter and the bleeding woman can have faith that just by TOUCHING His cloak, she can be healed, what's there to stop us from having that kind of faith? If we truly believe in Him, we need to have this kind of faith, a faith that Jesus will alleviate any pain, physical and non.
Jesus Heals The Blind And Mute
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:27-34;&version=31;
This reading is a continuation of all the great miracles Jesus performs.. The first is on 2 blind men who asks for help. Jesus again sees their faith and heals them. He then warns them not to spread the news of what has happened, yet they do. I don't know what the purpose of Jesus's wish for the news to not spread. The only thing I can think of is to help the men be humble. Yes being able to see is probably a huge deal to someone who was blind. However, maybe Jesus didn't want this excitement to make the men forget why they were able to get healed. They were healed because of their faith.
The second was a mute, demon-possessed man. Jesus drove the demons out and the people were astonished at the miracle. Yet, the Pharisees were skeptical. They tried to find every way to make the miracles less credible. Is this what we do when we see miracles? Perhaps. Everyday seems like a miracle in a way, yet we just accept it like we deserve it. Maybe it's time to be thankful and not be so cynical.
The Workers Are Few
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:35-38;&version=31;
Jesus continues on and teaches in many places. He sees the crowds and has compassion on them. He compared them to sheep with a shepherd. In many cases, that's exactly what we are. We are people that live our lives without a purpose. We're misguided and don't know what we're doing. So a shepherd like Jesus comes along and guides us. The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. It is time for us to ask if this is what we want, and it's time to get on it. It's a message for us to serve when we're ready.
Summary:
A Dead Girl And A Sick Woman
18-19 A ruler came to Jesus and asked to save his daughter by putting a hand on her. Jesus went with him.
20-22 A woman who has been bleeding for 12 years came and touched Jesus's cloak, wishing to be healed. Jesus replied that she was healed because of her faith.
23-26 Jesus arrived at the ruler's house and told the noisy crowd to go outside. He saved the girl. This story was then spread.
Jesus Heals The Blind And The Mute
27-31 Two blind men encountered Jesus and asked to be healed. Jesus saw if they had faith and healed them once they replied that they did. He warned them not to tell anyone about this, but the news spread.
32-34 A demon-possessed mute man then came and Jesus drove the demon out and the man spoke. People were astonished, but the Pharisees were skeptical.
The Workers Are Few
35-38 Jesus went around different towns and had compassion on the people because they were like sheep without shepherd. He stated that the harvest is plentiful but workers are few. He told the crowd to ask the Lord for the harvest.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Fasting 101
Matthew 9:14-17
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so we didn't really go to school. Sometimes we forget how important he really was. What he did for this country is pretty important. Here's a video I found just to remember what he did for us:
Thank you Martin Luther King Jr.
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
The reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:14-17;&version=31;
This passage was rather interesting and important. The topic is on fasting. At first reading the passage was a bit confusing so I had to kind of research on it to comprehend it. Here's what I've deciphered.
The first part is the question that the disciples asked. Why did the people that followed Jesus not fast? Looking into Jesus's response:
"How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast."
If the bridegroom is present, why would his attendants mourn? The first thing to get from this is why people fast in the first place. According to this response, people fast to mourn. So in the past, when people were mourning for God and needed Him, they were fasting for Him. That's the first important part: why we fast.
What exactly does the answer mean? Well, if I'm comprehending this correctly, he's actually symbolizing Himself and making a huge claim. If we replace "bridegroom" with Jesus, it might make more sense to us. Here:
How can the guests of Jesus mourn while he is with them? The time will come when Jesus will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Make sense? Now if this statement is true, there are two things to consider. First, Jesus as a bridegroom. In the Old Testament, God has referred to Himself as the husband of Israel many times. Looking at Isaiah 54:5, "For your Maker is your husband. The Lord Almighty is his name. The Holy One of Israel is your redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth." There are many other passages like this. Thus, if this is true, then Jesus is proclaiming that He is indeed the son of God, or God.
The second part to this is the answer to the question. The followers are not fasting because God is here! Why would they be sad if the very being that they praise and worship is present before their eyes?!! Jesus is here! There's no time for sorrow. It's time to rejoice! Thus, that's why they were not fasting! Now if you read what comes next, He's also foreshadowing His death. He says that when the bridegroom is taken away (as in Jesus will die on the cross), then the people will mourn, and fast. Thus, while He's here, there's no reason to fast. Interesting huh?
The latter part to this passage is also important. Jesus refers to old garments and why we would not patch it up because it would ruin it. He also says you would not put wine in an old wineskin because it would rip. Rather you would want to put it in the new one. This was rather confusing at first but I think what He's trying to say is that after He is gone, we need a new setting to fast in. Before Jesus came, people fasted because they needed Him. They were full of sin and needed to be cleansed. Then Jesus came, so people did not need to fast. Finally once He leaves, people will be renewed. Thus, we would no longer fast to yearn for Him to come. Rather, we're fasting for something new, that He would come again. Or we're fasting as new, cleansed individuals. We're no longer old wineskins. We need new ones. We're saved. Now we're fasting for His second coming. And that's the real reason we're fasting now.
I don't know this was quite revealing and interesting to me. Now when I fast, I know why and what for. Let's try to keep this in mind the next time we fast.
Summary:
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
14-15 John's disciples asked why Jesus' disciples did not fast. Jesus replied that while the bridesgroom is there, there is no reason for the attendants to weep.
16-17 Jesus also said that there is no reason to patch an old garment or poor wine in an old wineskin because it will result in a worse condition.
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so we didn't really go to school. Sometimes we forget how important he really was. What he did for this country is pretty important. Here's a video I found just to remember what he did for us:
Thank you Martin Luther King Jr.
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
The reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%209:14-17;&version=31;
This passage was rather interesting and important. The topic is on fasting. At first reading the passage was a bit confusing so I had to kind of research on it to comprehend it. Here's what I've deciphered.
The first part is the question that the disciples asked. Why did the people that followed Jesus not fast? Looking into Jesus's response:
"How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast."
If the bridegroom is present, why would his attendants mourn? The first thing to get from this is why people fast in the first place. According to this response, people fast to mourn. So in the past, when people were mourning for God and needed Him, they were fasting for Him. That's the first important part: why we fast.
What exactly does the answer mean? Well, if I'm comprehending this correctly, he's actually symbolizing Himself and making a huge claim. If we replace "bridegroom" with Jesus, it might make more sense to us. Here:
How can the guests of Jesus mourn while he is with them? The time will come when Jesus will be taken from them; then they will fast.
Make sense? Now if this statement is true, there are two things to consider. First, Jesus as a bridegroom. In the Old Testament, God has referred to Himself as the husband of Israel many times. Looking at Isaiah 54:5, "For your Maker is your husband. The Lord Almighty is his name. The Holy One of Israel is your redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth." There are many other passages like this. Thus, if this is true, then Jesus is proclaiming that He is indeed the son of God, or God.
The second part to this is the answer to the question. The followers are not fasting because God is here! Why would they be sad if the very being that they praise and worship is present before their eyes?!! Jesus is here! There's no time for sorrow. It's time to rejoice! Thus, that's why they were not fasting! Now if you read what comes next, He's also foreshadowing His death. He says that when the bridegroom is taken away (as in Jesus will die on the cross), then the people will mourn, and fast. Thus, while He's here, there's no reason to fast. Interesting huh?
The latter part to this passage is also important. Jesus refers to old garments and why we would not patch it up because it would ruin it. He also says you would not put wine in an old wineskin because it would rip. Rather you would want to put it in the new one. This was rather confusing at first but I think what He's trying to say is that after He is gone, we need a new setting to fast in. Before Jesus came, people fasted because they needed Him. They were full of sin and needed to be cleansed. Then Jesus came, so people did not need to fast. Finally once He leaves, people will be renewed. Thus, we would no longer fast to yearn for Him to come. Rather, we're fasting for something new, that He would come again. Or we're fasting as new, cleansed individuals. We're no longer old wineskins. We need new ones. We're saved. Now we're fasting for His second coming. And that's the real reason we're fasting now.
I don't know this was quite revealing and interesting to me. Now when I fast, I know why and what for. Let's try to keep this in mind the next time we fast.
Summary:
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
14-15 John's disciples asked why Jesus' disciples did not fast. Jesus replied that while the bridesgroom is there, there is no reason for the attendants to weep.
16-17 Jesus also said that there is no reason to patch an old garment or poor wine in an old wineskin because it will result in a worse condition.
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