Matthew 13:1-23
I slept so much last night it's ridiculous. I think I slept a total of 11 hours. Is that even possible? I don't know what it was but I couldn't even wake up. Good thing I didn't have a whole lot to do. I ended up having to do a lot of work in between classes, but they weren't that big of a deal. But 11 hours!!! I'm like tired from sleeping, if any of you guys know what that feels like.
Today was cold and as I was bundling up, I decided, man I need to start working out. I haven't done so in a while and my excuse was the cold. It's too much of a hassle going out to go work out. But I will do it starting tomorrow. This is all for the better. So if you see me this week, ask me if I worked out today so I can feel guilty if I didn't. Another thing I have to work on is managing money. I have been eating out way too much since the semester started. I need to do less of that.
Parable of the Sower
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2013:1-23;&version=31;
The reading today is a popular one. That does not mean it should not be studied. In fact, we probably have to look into it deeper. And so I wanted to cover only this parable for today.
The first thing to cover is the question the crowd had. When Jesus spoke, He spoke in parables. And this was rather confusing to them. By the way, before I continue, I do want to raise a question about Jesus speaking from the boat. I heard from someone that this was rather strategic because the wind blows towards the shore and so if Jesus stood on the boat and the crowd on shore, that would have carried His voice to more people. That's what I thought it was, I just needed some verification on that. This isn't anything important though.
Jesus gives us an answer as to why He speaks in such a fashion. Those who have the ears, the eyes, and the heart will understand His message, regardless of how He delivers it. He can be speaking in some funky language and those who receive Him will still understand it. It is a secret of heaven, as He states. Thus, if we truly understand His word and live to it, then we'll know why. He then praises those who are able to do this because there are even teachers of the law that want this gift. Do we understand and hear to this extent? That gives me all the more reason to look deeper into these parables and not just take them for stories that give us a life lesson. Jesus has a valuable secret embedded in them. I hope I can understand them the way He wanted us to.
The parable then. This parable about the seeds is rather simple, but in no way does that take anything away from His point of it. Basically He lists four types of listeners to His word. I make a list here with description:
1.) Seed On Path - These are listeners who listen to the word, but do not understand it. Thus, when some evil comes along, they lose it.
2.) Seed On Rocky Soil - These are listeners who listen to the word and accept it with joy. However, their roots are shallow and their foundation is weak. Thus, any troubles they face make them lose it.
3.) Seed Amongst Thorns - These are listeners who listen to the word, accept it, and understand it. Yet, they are choked with worries and other values in life. Thus, they produce bad fruit.
4.) Seed On Good Soil - These are listeners who listen to the word, accept it, and understand it. They live by it and produce good fruit.
Now it is a no-brainer on what we should strive to be, and that's the 4th one. The question though is where are we at, and how do we get to 4? I went through each scenario and thought about what I could do. I also thought of some people I love and cherish in my life that may fall into some of these categories and prayed that they can make the necessary changes so they can make it to 4. Here's what I thought:
1.) Seed On Path - Again these are people who hear the word and lose it to evil because they don't fully understand it. I think for the most part these include people who have not yet accepted Christ. They can be atheists, agnostics, or even people who kind of believe in God, but more on the "not" side. I think the important thing to do here is to find out more and more about it. I think the first thing I would do is read. There is no risk in it other than time, really. If it mattered to you this much, though, then I don't see an excuse in it. Reading the Bible is one of the biggest things you can possibly do. After I've read and seen why Christians make a big deal out of it, then I study it. You cannot argue against it if you don't know anything about it. That goes both ways by the way. You cannot defend it if you don't know anything about it either. So please, just read it. It won't hurt, I promise. Hopefully it will help in getting to the right direction.
2.) Seed On Rocky Soil - People who accept it gladly at first, but lose it because of the lack of foundation. This one is a struggle and it may even be the most popular one. But the solution is rather simple I think. Study. Really. Study. The only reason I can see for the lack of foundation is because we don't know anything to build that foundation. It is tough to build a foundation when all you do is go to church on Sunday, receive the word, be happy you received it, then the next day you're back to being lost. Make an effort. Build a foundation on rocks so it may endure the troubles and the word you so gladly accepted will remain with you.
3.) Seed Amongst Thorns - These are people who accept the word and understand it. Yet, struggles, worries, and other values conflict with it. And thus, we cannot produce the good fruit that we need to produce. As a seed amongst thorns, you probably love God and praise God, but so many other things in life hinder us. I can't find an easy solution to this really other than to put all our faith in God. All our worries will be taken care of. We really need a strong foundation and a strong faith. We really need to be able to trust that God will take care of things and all we need to do is what we're told.
Which seed am I? I would have to say a mix of 2 and 3. I've been the second one for quite some time (especially all throughout jr. high and high school) but have found a joy in reading the word. I still struggle though and am in the middle of building that strong foundation needed to fight the good fight. Worries are quite common amongst people at my age. With the economy being crappy and my future unclear, it is so easy to be in those thorns. It's tough. I admit it. But that's why I need to keep learning and praying. I hope to make more progress.
Summary:
Parable Of The Sower
1-2 Jesus sat on a boat to speak to the crowd because the crowd so large. He spoke in parables.
3-9 He said a farmer sowed his seed and some went fell on the path, where birds ate them, some fell on rocky soil, where it sprang up quickly because of the lack of soil and then withered because they had no roots, some fell among thorns, where the plants choked, and some fell on good soil, where it produced good crop. He told everyone to listen.
10-14 The crowd asked why He spoke in parables. Jesus replied that the secrets have been given and whoever has them will keep them while those who don't will lose what they have. They do not truly see or hear. This is part of the prophecy of Isaiah.
15-17 Jesus said that because the people have shut their ears and eyes, their hearts have been calloused. If they did opened their ears and eyes they would have understood with their hearts and been healed by Him.
18-23 Jesus describes His parable. The seeds on the path are those who listen to the word and don't understand it. Thus, the evil takes it away. The seeds on the rocky soil receive the word gratefully, but don't have a root deep enough to keep it. The seeds amongst thorns receive the word but worries of life make it unfruitful. The ones on good soil take the word, understand it, and produce good.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Driving Out Satan
Matthew 12: 22-50
Happy Year of the Ox! I don't really celebrate Chinese New Years, but being in Chinese 202, I pretty much have been hearing about this day since the beginning of the semester. In any case, I wish your year of the ox will be full of goodness. Oh and if you do celebrate it and received a red envelope full of money, keep in mind that I am a pretty poor hungry college student (keyword: hungry). :)
Anyways it's Monday and you all know what that means. AUGGGHHH. Yea, well my Monday has been nothing special other than the fact that I've been on campus since 8:30. Exhilarating, I know. Has anyone read the Exponent today (it's the Purdue newspaper, for those in Cali) ? I found that article about the RIAA pretty interesting.
Jesus And Beelzebub
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012:22-37;&version=31;
Jesus attacks the Pharisees indirectly for the first time here. Throughout Jesus's journey, the Pharisees has kept close watch and nit-picked on every little detail. Finally the Pharisees referred Jesus as Beelzebub, and Jesus spoke out to prove them wrong. And He makes a strong point with a rather simple logic.
A kingdom will be destroyed if it is divided against itself. In other words, if the people in the kingdom is fighting against others in the same kingdom, then the kingdom will struggle and eventually struggle; it will be an internal breakdown. So, if what the Pharisees says is right and Jesus is Beelzebub, or Satan, then why would He drive out demons. Demons are Satan's tools. Driving them out will be countering what Satan stands for. Thus, it will cause a division and an eventual fall to Satan's kingdom. Thus, it can't be true. Thus, Jesus driving demons out is actually bring the Kingdom of God to the people. If He didn't, then who would take care of the demons? They would prevail and take
over. Sounds pretty simple. No? Maybe His second example will help.
You cannot rob a house of a strong man's without tying up the strong man. Makes sense right? Like if you one day thought about robbing Arnold Schwarzenegger, you'd have to do something to him first. Otherwise, you'd die. So if God was to take over Satan, then He'd have to do something with the demons. Hence, Jesus is driving them out.
Jesus then makes a strong statement about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. He says that we will be judged by what we say. A man who is evil produces evil and says evil. This person cannot enter the kingdom. Thus, we need to be a good tree that produces good fruit. We need to really watch what we're saying. Sometimes that means saying very little. And that's advocated in the Bible. We must be people of very few words. That's my challenge to you today.
The Sign Of Jonah
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012:38-45;&version=31;
When the Pharisees ask for a miracle, Jesus replies with statement about how wicked their generation was. This statement is rather difficult to follow, but the gist of it is in the fact that the people are so wicked that no matter what miracles may come, it will not help them.
Jesus gives them the sign of Jonah, as the name suggests. He says that the people that listened to Jonah and Solomon will condemn them for they are evil. The second part of His answer is even scarier. He says that even if a miracle is performed an the evil is driven out of the man, the evil will return to the man because the man will not have prepared his body to prevent it. Thus, the evil will return to the body, only stronger than before. Thus, the men will be worse. That's the condition they will be in.
What can we get from this answer? The message was rather difficult to follow for me and even harder for me to relate to my life. But I think the important thing is to not be like the Pharisees. They are there nitpicking and testing Jesus. They want a full 100% proof before accepting Him. And the answer He gives them is that no matter what He does, it will not help them because they are already so shut-in. We have to make sure that this doesn't happen to us. I find myself doubting Him a lot too and almost testing Him. But if He did send a sign or miracle, will I be able to then prepare my body to prevent all evil? Or am I just as bad as these Pharisees, where nothing will help our cause...
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012:46-50;&version=31;
It is great to hear, then, that if we're not like the Pharisees, we can be Jesus' mother, brothers, and sisters. He says that whoever does the will of the Father in heaven will be one. The choice really is ours.
Summary:
Jesus And Beelzebub
22-24 Jesus healed a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute and people wondered if He was the Son of Davis. The Pharisees said He was Beelzebub, the prince of demons.
25-29 Jesus says that a kingdom, city, or household divided against itself will be ruined. In the same sense, if Satan drove out Satan, he would be divided. Jesus driving out demons by the Spirit of God means the kingdom of God has come upon them. He gives one more explanation. How can someone rob a strong man's house without tying up the strong man.
30-32 Jesus declares that anyone who is not with Him is against Him. He says the sins will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirt will not.
33- 37 Jesus says to make a tree good and the fruits will be good. So anyone who is evil cannot produce good. He also makes a statement about the words that we speak for it is by a man's words the man will be condemned.
The Sign Of Jonah
38-39 The Pharisees asked for a miraculous sign, but Jesus did not give it to them. Instead He gave them the sing of Jonah.
40-42 He says just as Jonah was in the belly of a fish, He will be in the heard of the earth. The men of Nineveh, who repented at Jonah's preaching, and Queen of the South, who listened to Solomon, will condemn the generation. Jesus is here and He is greater than both Jonah and Solomon.
43-45 Jesus says that once evil leaves a man it will not find a home and return back more evil than before. Thus, the man will be in worse condition. That is the state of the generation.
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
46-47 In the crowd, someone told Jesus that His mother and brothers were present and wanted to speak to Him.
48-50 Jesus then said that His mother and brothers were them, the disciples because whoever did the will of God was His brother, sister, and mother.
Happy Year of the Ox! I don't really celebrate Chinese New Years, but being in Chinese 202, I pretty much have been hearing about this day since the beginning of the semester. In any case, I wish your year of the ox will be full of goodness. Oh and if you do celebrate it and received a red envelope full of money, keep in mind that I am a pretty poor hungry college student (keyword: hungry). :)
Anyways it's Monday and you all know what that means. AUGGGHHH. Yea, well my Monday has been nothing special other than the fact that I've been on campus since 8:30. Exhilarating, I know. Has anyone read the Exponent today (it's the Purdue newspaper, for those in Cali) ? I found that article about the RIAA pretty interesting.
Jesus And Beelzebub
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012:22-37;&version=31;
Jesus attacks the Pharisees indirectly for the first time here. Throughout Jesus's journey, the Pharisees has kept close watch and nit-picked on every little detail. Finally the Pharisees referred Jesus as Beelzebub, and Jesus spoke out to prove them wrong. And He makes a strong point with a rather simple logic.
A kingdom will be destroyed if it is divided against itself. In other words, if the people in the kingdom is fighting against others in the same kingdom, then the kingdom will struggle and eventually struggle; it will be an internal breakdown. So, if what the Pharisees says is right and Jesus is Beelzebub, or Satan, then why would He drive out demons. Demons are Satan's tools. Driving them out will be countering what Satan stands for. Thus, it will cause a division and an eventual fall to Satan's kingdom. Thus, it can't be true. Thus, Jesus driving demons out is actually bring the Kingdom of God to the people. If He didn't, then who would take care of the demons? They would prevail and take
over. Sounds pretty simple. No? Maybe His second example will help.
You cannot rob a house of a strong man's without tying up the strong man. Makes sense right? Like if you one day thought about robbing Arnold Schwarzenegger, you'd have to do something to him first. Otherwise, you'd die. So if God was to take over Satan, then He'd have to do something with the demons. Hence, Jesus is driving them out.
Jesus then makes a strong statement about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. He says that we will be judged by what we say. A man who is evil produces evil and says evil. This person cannot enter the kingdom. Thus, we need to be a good tree that produces good fruit. We need to really watch what we're saying. Sometimes that means saying very little. And that's advocated in the Bible. We must be people of very few words. That's my challenge to you today.
The Sign Of Jonah
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012:38-45;&version=31;
When the Pharisees ask for a miracle, Jesus replies with statement about how wicked their generation was. This statement is rather difficult to follow, but the gist of it is in the fact that the people are so wicked that no matter what miracles may come, it will not help them.
Jesus gives them the sign of Jonah, as the name suggests. He says that the people that listened to Jonah and Solomon will condemn them for they are evil. The second part of His answer is even scarier. He says that even if a miracle is performed an the evil is driven out of the man, the evil will return to the man because the man will not have prepared his body to prevent it. Thus, the evil will return to the body, only stronger than before. Thus, the men will be worse. That's the condition they will be in.
What can we get from this answer? The message was rather difficult to follow for me and even harder for me to relate to my life. But I think the important thing is to not be like the Pharisees. They are there nitpicking and testing Jesus. They want a full 100% proof before accepting Him. And the answer He gives them is that no matter what He does, it will not help them because they are already so shut-in. We have to make sure that this doesn't happen to us. I find myself doubting Him a lot too and almost testing Him. But if He did send a sign or miracle, will I be able to then prepare my body to prevent all evil? Or am I just as bad as these Pharisees, where nothing will help our cause...
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
Reading: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2012:46-50;&version=31;
It is great to hear, then, that if we're not like the Pharisees, we can be Jesus' mother, brothers, and sisters. He says that whoever does the will of the Father in heaven will be one. The choice really is ours.
Summary:
Jesus And Beelzebub
22-24 Jesus healed a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute and people wondered if He was the Son of Davis. The Pharisees said He was Beelzebub, the prince of demons.
25-29 Jesus says that a kingdom, city, or household divided against itself will be ruined. In the same sense, if Satan drove out Satan, he would be divided. Jesus driving out demons by the Spirit of God means the kingdom of God has come upon them. He gives one more explanation. How can someone rob a strong man's house without tying up the strong man.
30-32 Jesus declares that anyone who is not with Him is against Him. He says the sins will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirt will not.
33- 37 Jesus says to make a tree good and the fruits will be good. So anyone who is evil cannot produce good. He also makes a statement about the words that we speak for it is by a man's words the man will be condemned.
The Sign Of Jonah
38-39 The Pharisees asked for a miraculous sign, but Jesus did not give it to them. Instead He gave them the sing of Jonah.
40-42 He says just as Jonah was in the belly of a fish, He will be in the heard of the earth. The men of Nineveh, who repented at Jonah's preaching, and Queen of the South, who listened to Solomon, will condemn the generation. Jesus is here and He is greater than both Jonah and Solomon.
43-45 Jesus says that once evil leaves a man it will not find a home and return back more evil than before. Thus, the man will be in worse condition. That is the state of the generation.
Jesus' Mother and Brothers
46-47 In the crowd, someone told Jesus that His mother and brothers were present and wanted to speak to Him.
48-50 Jesus then said that His mother and brothers were them, the disciples because whoever did the will of God was His brother, sister, and mother.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Knowing What's Important
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.
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.
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.
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