This Morning as I was reading Scripture the Lectionary Passage was John 2:1-11. The story of the Miracle of the Wedding at Cana. The first and seemingly ridiculous miracle that Jesus performed.
While it may seem inappropriate to call a miracle of Jesus ridiculous, I only say it to show how it appears to our eyes. After all, isn't God about eradicating drunkenness and even (some might believe) eliminating fun? Yet here is Jesus turning water into wine. More so he seems to do so reluctantly, at his mother's request, when the wine for the wedding party has run out. Yet his mother doesn't badger or nag him into it but simply turns to the stewards and says. "do whatever he tells you."
What can we learn from this? I encourage you if this story is unfamiliar open your Bibles and re-read it. First I think we learn something about what it means to have faith in Jesus. For the participants in this feast things were not going well. Now, mind you this is not on par with a Cancer diagnosis or a financial collapse. But it certainly was a big deal in a culture that valued extravagant hospitality torun out of wine for your INVITED guests. These weren't passers by who would still merit a good meal and sheltering, these were invited wedding guests. You don't stop halfway through the party and say "sorry folks, we're out of wine, would you like some tea?" Mary seeing the trouble for a friend? a family member?, she goes to Jesus. When he tries to avoid the attention that a miracle would bring, (she wasn't asking him to make a wine run to the state store.) She simply says to the stewards, "do whatever he tells you." Do you need an answer to a problem? This is the place to begin. Trusting that Jesus has the ability to fix things, DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU TO. Don't assume you have to figure it all out on you own. Go back to the basics. Do what God makes clear that you are to do Pray (Philippians 4:6), Worship (Hebrews 14:15), Work as you are able (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15). Don't do anything he would not want you to do. Don't knowingly sin because you don't seem to have a better option. This takes faith, but we learn from what follows that Jesus acts.
Next, we learn that Jesus transforms our mediocre repetitive attempts to take care of ourselves into completion and celebration. The striking thing here is that the transformed wine is drawn out of water jars used for ritual cleansing. What was used for a repetitive religious ceremony, done again and again and never able to make them truly clean or happy, was now used for celebration. The wine also prefigures the wine of the New Covenant.Where before continued washing with water only served as a reminder of sin and their need to be made clean to approach God. Jesus invites His disciples to dine with Him at His Table offering them "the cup of the New Covenant"in His blood; that blood which gave true forgiveness of Sins.
As you worship and live think about these things. Jesus came to transform our mediocre striving and religious ritual into real forgiveness and celebration. Happy New Year!
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
How will we Receive Him?
John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
6 The Witness John
There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word Made Flesh
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, ' He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'" 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
NASU
John 1:1-18 Exposition
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The gospel According to John the Evangelist (as distinguished from John the Baptist who is the second subject mentioned in the gospel) begins with an attention grabbing sentence. In the beginning was the Word, with God and in fact God. Taking a philosophical idea of the day of the Logos the divine Word or the self revelation of God. God remains a mystery apart from God's own revelation of Himself. At the same time the Word is a personal being existing both beside the one God, but also being at the same time THE one God. John also adds that this same Word was not a later creation of God but existed in “the beginning” archae, before there was anything or any time to be measured. This concept is not offensive to the idea of one God, yet it becomes an offense, unless true, when one attributes the identity of the Word to a particular human being as John is preparing to do. To begin his gospel, “In the beginning,” he is paralleling Genesis rather intentionally. One has to be certain that he is either right or foolish and he leaves no room for a middle ground. Jesus, He is prepared to assert is in fact the personal revelation of God and in fact God himself.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
This sentence reinforces the first and prepares for the next as it places the Word personally present outside of any measurable time and before anything else existed.
3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
The Word, the self revelation of God is present in and working to accomplish the creation of all that exists apart from God. There is no doubt, as Scripture elsewhere asserts, that creation reveals God in such a way as to make clear and evident what would otherwise be pure inscrutable mystery. Take for example Rom 1:20-21
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
NASU
In addition it is asserted that there is no shared creation by one or more gods or demi-gods. The Word who is God created all leaving nothing to any other mind or being. One cannot assert that anything is a creation of the devil or that the creator God is a lesser God answerable to a higher being. Again the Word is not a lesser being compared with some greater God.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.
Here if I may write what comes to my mind, I would say that genuine life is only possible when it is enlightened so that one knows and is in proper relationship to Jesus Christ. For in Him as the second person of the triune God and as the co-creator we not only first receive life as created beings but receive genuine and eternal life when we receive “in Him” that life which is the “Light of men”. In simpler terms. Life is only worth living when we have the life that Jesus offers as the one who turns on the light so we can stop fumbling around in the dark.
5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Often this word translated “comprehend” means to take hold of, of to receive. It is as though light is present yet somehow must be revealed in order to be visible. We know that certain bands of light such as infrared can be shined in darkness but are not visible to the naked eye. The Light shined by Christ was similar to this, it is made visible yet it was rejected, as we will see in verse 11. Also this is made apparent regarding the light of Creation in Rom 1:18-23
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
NASU
and again in John 3:19
19 "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
NASU
6There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.
John the Baptist is an important figure, needing to be distinguished from the Christ but nonetheless “sent from God”
7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.
His purpose in being sent was “as a witness” one to give sure testimony from God concerning this “Light” so that by his message all might believe. This all speaks of the general nature of Johns message which did not target or discriminate in its presentation of God's call to repentance. Certainly all are in need of repentance. It is also certain that although he was sent to proclaim to all, all did not receive his message as we shall soon see. Yet God is not to be accused of failing to offer the means of salvation to “all”. For our purposes it will become clear with verse 13 that to receive Christ requires a birth that is “of God” and not merely of the will of any person. It suffices that the witness to John the baptist published to all the need for repentance without care for who might receive or reject it. Likewise we are to publish the gospel indiscriminately so that no one may say “I have not heard” and because we cannot know who will believe.
8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
John is to be distinguished from the “Light” just as The lamp may transmit the light to a room but is not the energy which makes visible what was invisible in a darkened room. John, we are to be sure was not the Word, the Light, or more pointedly, the Christ.
9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.
Apart from John was the “true Light” which was the subject of John's witness, which was about to be made known, coming into the world, and who would enlighten “every man”. There is not other true light or source of genuine “enlightenment” apart from Christ. Prophets and teachers, religions and “spirituality” are merely witnesses, valuable only so far as they correctly point us to the Christ. Those that would steer us to some other source of light other than Jesus Christ are not the light and draw us away from the source of life. (recall verse 4)
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
Here the Light, we are reminded is the same as the Word, which created the world, yet we who are his creations did not know him to be our creator and God.
11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.
He even came to a special people who had been prepared through Covenant, Law, and Prophesy, God's chosen people Israel, or else and at the same time, human beings in general. He did not appear as an angel or bird or some other creature or being, but as an Israelite man whose life and actions fulfilled prophesies that pointed to his identity. Yet even coming as one of us and to a special people prepared to receive him, he was not received.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God,
Yet for those who did receive him,they were given the right to become children of God. Important words here for they teach us how to receive what Christ was sent to give. To receive here means to welcome near or to associate with. More than an intellectual understanding of a system of behavior or philosophy to receive Christ is to welcome Him as part of your life, to make a companion of Him, or more accurately to become his companion and follow Him. Second it speaks of Him “giving” the right to become children of God. The status of “child of God is not a natural “right” but it is given to us in and through Christ. The word here translated “right” can also be “power” or “privilege” or “capacity”, to be made able, Were we naturally “children of God” we would not need to be given this. Yet it is through Christ that it is given.
even to those who believe in His name,
To receive Him is also to believe in or as the King James Version states “on” His Name. It means more than understanding or accepting the idea of Him, but to trust in and to place your faith and confidence in Him and in His Name. His name is mentioned so that our faith is once again attached to a person and not an abstraction. Jesus is a person, the person, God the Son, in whom we place our faith.
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Those who put their faith in Christ are assured that this was not their own doing that they may doubt the adequacy of their faith or fear they may lose it by misstep or neglect. The are assured that it came not of their own will, or by inheritance, but by the supreme will of God alone. So, even as Christ came to his own particular people and was rejected by many, all who trust in Jesus Christ, whether Jew or Gentile may know that they will be gifted with the privilege to become what we were not before: Children of God.
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This thing which God purposed to accomplish happened when the Word of God, Jesus Christ, “The Light” became a human being, taking on human nature in every way possible and “dwelt”, more accurately “tented” or “camped”, giving the sense of the temporary nature of His earthly life and momentary placement in history, He did this so that those who saw him, even the evangelist who is writing, could say without doubt or hesitation that they saw with their eyes the Word of God, God Himself, in his Glory. His Glory is one and the same as the only begotten son of the Father. His resemblance to the Father is like that of an only natural son, like him without compare as there is no brother so we could say “the older looks more like his Father,” or “the Younger has more of his father's personality.” He is like the father, different only in his resemblance to his mother as well, being in human flesh (not a characteristic of the father), glorious, and filled with the Father's own grace and truth. John (the evangelist) beheld this glory uniquely (along with Peter and James) at the transfiguration of Jesus, yet this Glory that “we” (his contemporaries) all saw was enough that they could say they saw him resembling the Father and full of grace and truth. In fact the word rendered “saw” implies to see closely or examine or also as one might see someone closely when visiting. This was no mere glimpse of God as Moses saw, but a revelation of God in person.
15 John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, ' He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'"
Here the evangelist, distinguishes Jesus from the Baptist further by reminding us that John (the Baptist) himself pointed to Jesus as the one superior to him so far as to make him, in his own estimation, unworthy of the status of a minor servant. The Baptist assures his audience that the younger relative (Jesus was in human relations a relative of John as His mother and John's were related.) was in fact “before” him, likely implying Jesus Preexistence as the Word and as the Uncreated Son of God.
16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.
Now speaking to his contemporary audience John (the evangelist) says to those who would hear that in seeing Christ they have received the fullness of God and more so, more “grace”, a gift given beyond what is due or could be expected that the grace they had already received by God's revelation in the Scripture of the Old Covenant.
17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
The Law was what made Jews, Jews, and what separated them from the gentiles. The chosen people were divided from the rest of the “Nations” by the Law which God had given them through Moses. Yet the fullness of God's grace and truth are given to all who receive Him through Jesus Christ. Here for the first time John makes clear that the person who he has been writing about, The “Word” and the “Light” and the “Only begotten Son” are in fact the man Jesus Christ. At the beginning I said that these ideas of Word and Light are not offensive to our natural minds if they are not attached to a living person. Yet John boldly claims that this person is in fact none other than Jesus of Nazareth who he calls the Christ, the Messiah or Anointed one. Jesus, is the dividing line between those who receive the gospel and those who are offended by it. In the end, we are told, it matters an eternity how we receive Him.
18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
For God to be more than an invisible mystery, or a philosophical abstraction, we must meet Him in the Person of Jesus Christ, for only in Him is the mystery explained.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
6 The Witness John
There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 The Word Made Flesh
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, ' He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'" 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
NASU
John 1:1-18 Exposition
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The gospel According to John the Evangelist (as distinguished from John the Baptist who is the second subject mentioned in the gospel) begins with an attention grabbing sentence. In the beginning was the Word, with God and in fact God. Taking a philosophical idea of the day of the Logos the divine Word or the self revelation of God. God remains a mystery apart from God's own revelation of Himself. At the same time the Word is a personal being existing both beside the one God, but also being at the same time THE one God. John also adds that this same Word was not a later creation of God but existed in “the beginning” archae, before there was anything or any time to be measured. This concept is not offensive to the idea of one God, yet it becomes an offense, unless true, when one attributes the identity of the Word to a particular human being as John is preparing to do. To begin his gospel, “In the beginning,” he is paralleling Genesis rather intentionally. One has to be certain that he is either right or foolish and he leaves no room for a middle ground. Jesus, He is prepared to assert is in fact the personal revelation of God and in fact God himself.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
This sentence reinforces the first and prepares for the next as it places the Word personally present outside of any measurable time and before anything else existed.
3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
The Word, the self revelation of God is present in and working to accomplish the creation of all that exists apart from God. There is no doubt, as Scripture elsewhere asserts, that creation reveals God in such a way as to make clear and evident what would otherwise be pure inscrutable mystery. Take for example Rom 1:20-21
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
NASU
In addition it is asserted that there is no shared creation by one or more gods or demi-gods. The Word who is God created all leaving nothing to any other mind or being. One cannot assert that anything is a creation of the devil or that the creator God is a lesser God answerable to a higher being. Again the Word is not a lesser being compared with some greater God.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.
Here if I may write what comes to my mind, I would say that genuine life is only possible when it is enlightened so that one knows and is in proper relationship to Jesus Christ. For in Him as the second person of the triune God and as the co-creator we not only first receive life as created beings but receive genuine and eternal life when we receive “in Him” that life which is the “Light of men”. In simpler terms. Life is only worth living when we have the life that Jesus offers as the one who turns on the light so we can stop fumbling around in the dark.
5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Often this word translated “comprehend” means to take hold of, of to receive. It is as though light is present yet somehow must be revealed in order to be visible. We know that certain bands of light such as infrared can be shined in darkness but are not visible to the naked eye. The Light shined by Christ was similar to this, it is made visible yet it was rejected, as we will see in verse 11. Also this is made apparent regarding the light of Creation in Rom 1:18-23
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
NASU
and again in John 3:19
19 "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
NASU
6There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.
John the Baptist is an important figure, needing to be distinguished from the Christ but nonetheless “sent from God”
7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.
His purpose in being sent was “as a witness” one to give sure testimony from God concerning this “Light” so that by his message all might believe. This all speaks of the general nature of Johns message which did not target or discriminate in its presentation of God's call to repentance. Certainly all are in need of repentance. It is also certain that although he was sent to proclaim to all, all did not receive his message as we shall soon see. Yet God is not to be accused of failing to offer the means of salvation to “all”. For our purposes it will become clear with verse 13 that to receive Christ requires a birth that is “of God” and not merely of the will of any person. It suffices that the witness to John the baptist published to all the need for repentance without care for who might receive or reject it. Likewise we are to publish the gospel indiscriminately so that no one may say “I have not heard” and because we cannot know who will believe.
8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
John is to be distinguished from the “Light” just as The lamp may transmit the light to a room but is not the energy which makes visible what was invisible in a darkened room. John, we are to be sure was not the Word, the Light, or more pointedly, the Christ.
9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.
Apart from John was the “true Light” which was the subject of John's witness, which was about to be made known, coming into the world, and who would enlighten “every man”. There is not other true light or source of genuine “enlightenment” apart from Christ. Prophets and teachers, religions and “spirituality” are merely witnesses, valuable only so far as they correctly point us to the Christ. Those that would steer us to some other source of light other than Jesus Christ are not the light and draw us away from the source of life. (recall verse 4)
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
Here the Light, we are reminded is the same as the Word, which created the world, yet we who are his creations did not know him to be our creator and God.
11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.
He even came to a special people who had been prepared through Covenant, Law, and Prophesy, God's chosen people Israel, or else and at the same time, human beings in general. He did not appear as an angel or bird or some other creature or being, but as an Israelite man whose life and actions fulfilled prophesies that pointed to his identity. Yet even coming as one of us and to a special people prepared to receive him, he was not received.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God,
Yet for those who did receive him,they were given the right to become children of God. Important words here for they teach us how to receive what Christ was sent to give. To receive here means to welcome near or to associate with. More than an intellectual understanding of a system of behavior or philosophy to receive Christ is to welcome Him as part of your life, to make a companion of Him, or more accurately to become his companion and follow Him. Second it speaks of Him “giving” the right to become children of God. The status of “child of God is not a natural “right” but it is given to us in and through Christ. The word here translated “right” can also be “power” or “privilege” or “capacity”, to be made able, Were we naturally “children of God” we would not need to be given this. Yet it is through Christ that it is given.
even to those who believe in His name,
To receive Him is also to believe in or as the King James Version states “on” His Name. It means more than understanding or accepting the idea of Him, but to trust in and to place your faith and confidence in Him and in His Name. His name is mentioned so that our faith is once again attached to a person and not an abstraction. Jesus is a person, the person, God the Son, in whom we place our faith.
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Those who put their faith in Christ are assured that this was not their own doing that they may doubt the adequacy of their faith or fear they may lose it by misstep or neglect. The are assured that it came not of their own will, or by inheritance, but by the supreme will of God alone. So, even as Christ came to his own particular people and was rejected by many, all who trust in Jesus Christ, whether Jew or Gentile may know that they will be gifted with the privilege to become what we were not before: Children of God.
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This thing which God purposed to accomplish happened when the Word of God, Jesus Christ, “The Light” became a human being, taking on human nature in every way possible and “dwelt”, more accurately “tented” or “camped”, giving the sense of the temporary nature of His earthly life and momentary placement in history, He did this so that those who saw him, even the evangelist who is writing, could say without doubt or hesitation that they saw with their eyes the Word of God, God Himself, in his Glory. His Glory is one and the same as the only begotten son of the Father. His resemblance to the Father is like that of an only natural son, like him without compare as there is no brother so we could say “the older looks more like his Father,” or “the Younger has more of his father's personality.” He is like the father, different only in his resemblance to his mother as well, being in human flesh (not a characteristic of the father), glorious, and filled with the Father's own grace and truth. John (the evangelist) beheld this glory uniquely (along with Peter and James) at the transfiguration of Jesus, yet this Glory that “we” (his contemporaries) all saw was enough that they could say they saw him resembling the Father and full of grace and truth. In fact the word rendered “saw” implies to see closely or examine or also as one might see someone closely when visiting. This was no mere glimpse of God as Moses saw, but a revelation of God in person.
15 John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, ' He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'"
Here the evangelist, distinguishes Jesus from the Baptist further by reminding us that John (the Baptist) himself pointed to Jesus as the one superior to him so far as to make him, in his own estimation, unworthy of the status of a minor servant. The Baptist assures his audience that the younger relative (Jesus was in human relations a relative of John as His mother and John's were related.) was in fact “before” him, likely implying Jesus Preexistence as the Word and as the Uncreated Son of God.
16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.
Now speaking to his contemporary audience John (the evangelist) says to those who would hear that in seeing Christ they have received the fullness of God and more so, more “grace”, a gift given beyond what is due or could be expected that the grace they had already received by God's revelation in the Scripture of the Old Covenant.
17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
The Law was what made Jews, Jews, and what separated them from the gentiles. The chosen people were divided from the rest of the “Nations” by the Law which God had given them through Moses. Yet the fullness of God's grace and truth are given to all who receive Him through Jesus Christ. Here for the first time John makes clear that the person who he has been writing about, The “Word” and the “Light” and the “Only begotten Son” are in fact the man Jesus Christ. At the beginning I said that these ideas of Word and Light are not offensive to our natural minds if they are not attached to a living person. Yet John boldly claims that this person is in fact none other than Jesus of Nazareth who he calls the Christ, the Messiah or Anointed one. Jesus, is the dividing line between those who receive the gospel and those who are offended by it. In the end, we are told, it matters an eternity how we receive Him.
18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
For God to be more than an invisible mystery, or a philosophical abstraction, we must meet Him in the Person of Jesus Christ, for only in Him is the mystery explained.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
Saturday, December 27, 2008
What did you get for Christmas
Eph 1:3-14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption ofGod's own possession, to the praise of His glory.
NASU
Eph 1:3-14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
We are often asked after Christmas “What did you get?” When you consider that the “Wondrous gift” given in Christ as He is called in the Carol O Little Town of Bethlehem, We should consider what gifts we have been given in Christ. The Apostle Paul here begins his letter with a word of praise to God as the Father of our Lord and draws our attention to the gift of God he calls “every Spiritual Blessing in the heavenly places” The Christian should be ever aware that our treasure in Christ is stored up in heaven. Any gifts or riches we may have here are resources to be used here for the glory of God for this is the purpose of our salvation as we are told in Eph 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. NASU
as well as in other places. Our real treasures which are ours to keep are those which are in heaven.
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,
Our first gift is that we are chosen. Not on our own merit or because of anything that we had done but before the foundation of the world for Gods own purposes and glory. Let those who are lost worry about what is is to be not chosen. If you are in Christ you have the assurance of God's own unimpeachable Word that you are chosen.
that we would be holy and blameless before Him.
The result of our having been chosen is that we are called by God “holy and blameless” this too is a status imputed to us by God's own decree, for if we are to examine our conduct we will not find that our actions merit such a title. We are in face holy and blameless “before him” that is, God the Father, as he has given us this status and see us us only as he calls us in that given quality of holiness. It is as though he has chosen to call his beloved “lovely” and she remains lovely in his sight regardless of how she appears to other men.
In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
It is no stretch to use the analogy of love as this next line says that it is in fact love which moves the almighty to predestine his church (that is the “us”), we believers, to adoption as sons. We have been adopted and are therefore doubly loved, for a child of birth is loved because it is our own, unless something is wrong with the parent, but an adopted child is not our own yet chosen to be loved when the parent is not compelled by any reason except love to do so. Women should not be offended at the phrase “as sons” for this is not an exclusion but a status. In the Apostle's time a daughter held a lesser place in the house than a son. So even women who are believers are afforded the same adoption as men and afforded the same benefits as would “sons”.
This adoption is accomplished through Jesus Christ so that we may be “sons” of the Father. We are not Children of God by nature as some have loved to proclaim. But only and at great cost, through Jesus Christ, or else this passage would be a lie and it give us no certain hope.
Finally again we are assured that it is the will of God, the “kind” will, or his “good pleasure,” which brought us all this. If we should ask God why this was done He would respond only that it pleased Him to do so.
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Knowing that it was His good pleasure and will drives us all the more to praise His grace. We do not merely praise his might or riches that He can generously reward the deserving like some philanthropist. But in His grace he chose to give such things to the undeserving. These things were given to us in “the Beloved” which is Christ. We know this because of what follows.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace8 which He lavished on us.
What else we have received includes our purchase and redemption by the blood of Jesus, for he did more than come in the flesh, but also died willingly for us. We also receive the forgiveness of those things which we have done which would lead us to fear that we cannot receive the very gifts we have just been told are ours in Christ. This too is out of the “riches of His Grace”, “lavished” on us as one who loves gives extravagantly to the beloved.
In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
Not content merely to do these things in secret, God made known to us what could otherwise remain unknown to us. His will and plan are revealed again out of the good pleasure of God's purpose for Jesus Christ. Even if all were to be saved how pitiable would be our lives if we were left to grope and grovel under the slavery to sin and the fear of punishment when it was God's intention that we would be saved. Instead we are gifted with the joy of knowing that we have been forgiven and adopted as God's beloved Children.
10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.
This is to say that it is God's will that all tings be “set right” and ordered from the chaotic state which sin and death have thrown them, separating heaven and earth, God and man, and even our relations to one another. In Christ “peace on earth” is show to be God's final will and purpose, not merely absence of conflict, but true order and justice and righteousness.
In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
As sons we also receive an inheritance again assured to us by the unbreakability of God's Word and will.
12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
All of this not merely for our benefit, but certainly to our benefit, but for “the praise of His glory.” that is to bring about the deserved worship of God. We are introduced to God rightly in Christ so that we may respond with praise.
13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Lest we should say all receive the benefits of this we are assured that only those who have heard the Word of this “gospel”, (such good news!) have assurance of our inclusion in this promise. Some may have it and not yet know and as I said before that is a pitiable state, but we have the sign and seal of this promise when we have heard and believed the gospel.
14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.
The gift of God the Holy Spirit which dwells in each believer individually and is evident in the church as a body is the token like a receipt reminding us that all of these promises are ours. The purpose of this is again, our redemption to be included in God's own people and family to the ultimate end of inciting praise of His Glory. Worship is the end result of all of the gifts that we have been given in Christ.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption ofGod's own possession, to the praise of His glory.
NASU
Eph 1:3-14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
We are often asked after Christmas “What did you get?” When you consider that the “Wondrous gift” given in Christ as He is called in the Carol O Little Town of Bethlehem, We should consider what gifts we have been given in Christ. The Apostle Paul here begins his letter with a word of praise to God as the Father of our Lord and draws our attention to the gift of God he calls “every Spiritual Blessing in the heavenly places” The Christian should be ever aware that our treasure in Christ is stored up in heaven. Any gifts or riches we may have here are resources to be used here for the glory of God for this is the purpose of our salvation as we are told in Eph 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. NASU
as well as in other places. Our real treasures which are ours to keep are those which are in heaven.
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world,
Our first gift is that we are chosen. Not on our own merit or because of anything that we had done but before the foundation of the world for Gods own purposes and glory. Let those who are lost worry about what is is to be not chosen. If you are in Christ you have the assurance of God's own unimpeachable Word that you are chosen.
that we would be holy and blameless before Him.
The result of our having been chosen is that we are called by God “holy and blameless” this too is a status imputed to us by God's own decree, for if we are to examine our conduct we will not find that our actions merit such a title. We are in face holy and blameless “before him” that is, God the Father, as he has given us this status and see us us only as he calls us in that given quality of holiness. It is as though he has chosen to call his beloved “lovely” and she remains lovely in his sight regardless of how she appears to other men.
In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
It is no stretch to use the analogy of love as this next line says that it is in fact love which moves the almighty to predestine his church (that is the “us”), we believers, to adoption as sons. We have been adopted and are therefore doubly loved, for a child of birth is loved because it is our own, unless something is wrong with the parent, but an adopted child is not our own yet chosen to be loved when the parent is not compelled by any reason except love to do so. Women should not be offended at the phrase “as sons” for this is not an exclusion but a status. In the Apostle's time a daughter held a lesser place in the house than a son. So even women who are believers are afforded the same adoption as men and afforded the same benefits as would “sons”.
This adoption is accomplished through Jesus Christ so that we may be “sons” of the Father. We are not Children of God by nature as some have loved to proclaim. But only and at great cost, through Jesus Christ, or else this passage would be a lie and it give us no certain hope.
Finally again we are assured that it is the will of God, the “kind” will, or his “good pleasure,” which brought us all this. If we should ask God why this was done He would respond only that it pleased Him to do so.
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Knowing that it was His good pleasure and will drives us all the more to praise His grace. We do not merely praise his might or riches that He can generously reward the deserving like some philanthropist. But in His grace he chose to give such things to the undeserving. These things were given to us in “the Beloved” which is Christ. We know this because of what follows.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace8 which He lavished on us.
What else we have received includes our purchase and redemption by the blood of Jesus, for he did more than come in the flesh, but also died willingly for us. We also receive the forgiveness of those things which we have done which would lead us to fear that we cannot receive the very gifts we have just been told are ours in Christ. This too is out of the “riches of His Grace”, “lavished” on us as one who loves gives extravagantly to the beloved.
In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
Not content merely to do these things in secret, God made known to us what could otherwise remain unknown to us. His will and plan are revealed again out of the good pleasure of God's purpose for Jesus Christ. Even if all were to be saved how pitiable would be our lives if we were left to grope and grovel under the slavery to sin and the fear of punishment when it was God's intention that we would be saved. Instead we are gifted with the joy of knowing that we have been forgiven and adopted as God's beloved Children.
10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.
This is to say that it is God's will that all tings be “set right” and ordered from the chaotic state which sin and death have thrown them, separating heaven and earth, God and man, and even our relations to one another. In Christ “peace on earth” is show to be God's final will and purpose, not merely absence of conflict, but true order and justice and righteousness.
In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
As sons we also receive an inheritance again assured to us by the unbreakability of God's Word and will.
12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
All of this not merely for our benefit, but certainly to our benefit, but for “the praise of His glory.” that is to bring about the deserved worship of God. We are introduced to God rightly in Christ so that we may respond with praise.
13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Lest we should say all receive the benefits of this we are assured that only those who have heard the Word of this “gospel”, (such good news!) have assurance of our inclusion in this promise. Some may have it and not yet know and as I said before that is a pitiable state, but we have the sign and seal of this promise when we have heard and believed the gospel.
14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.
The gift of God the Holy Spirit which dwells in each believer individually and is evident in the church as a body is the token like a receipt reminding us that all of these promises are ours. The purpose of this is again, our redemption to be included in God's own people and family to the ultimate end of inciting praise of His Glory. Worship is the end result of all of the gifts that we have been given in Christ.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A Season to Remember who you are...
It's right at that time that newsletter stuff is due again and I was looking for inspiration this morning. While checking my junk email box I stumbled on an ad for Deering Banjo's that provided me a bit of help. In what I realistically know to be a sales ad, Barry Hunn (who is the Worldwide Sales Manager for Deering wrote this gem.
“One of the most healing aspects of creating music is that it is a healthy vehicle to bring us closer to our inner self. It can put us in touch with the creative part of us, or perhaps, the most central part of us, that often gets diverted when the pressures of our daily lives lead our attention away from the core of who we are. Isn’t that wonderful? By merely sitting and strumming the banjo, playing songs or just improvising with a few chords or rolls, we focus our ears, our hands, our hearts and attitudes on that beautiful sparkling banjo sound, bringing us back to our creative self, the happiest part of being human.”
While I recognize the often exaggerated tendency of musicians and artists to spiritualize their work, I will say I agree with much of what he wrote. (The full article is at http://www.deeringbanjos.com/DeeringProductPages/Music_Beyond_Technique.html)
It really is all about the joy. I would add that being creative opens us up to realize the signature of the Creator upon us. Joy and an appreciation for beauty are what makes us human and separates us from the call of Satan and the world to be merely efficient animals.
Why am I inspired by this? Because last night I requested from session the opportunity to take a day of rest on Monday December 1, since, the day after Thanksgiving, on which I would be off, is already on my day off, and I discovered, it also falls on Light Up Night, when I'll be working at that event. Also this busy time of year is when I'm thinking about Budgets, giving, that I am told is down, Filling Leadership posts on Session, Deacon's and Trustees...and also the incredible opportunities for ministry we have even while trying to figure out how best to use our resources to do them. It is a time when it is tempting to think in terms of “human resources”, “economic realities” and “efficiency.” In short it is tempting to become the Devil's own efficient animal.
Yet at the same time we start a new season, with a pause in our schedule to give Thanks. To sit at the table with family and friends and enjoy food and remember that we are not just animals but people, who love one another, even with our imperfections, and give thanks too the God who created us, and gives to us gifts, that while they are resources, are also a joy to use. Leadership slots become Opportunities to worship through service. Giving becomes offerings of Thanks and a chance to enthusiastically imagine what God will allow us to do together in the coming year.
And all in all, I look to this season where, having given thanks, we prepare to celebrate that Christ came into the world to release us from slavery and make us the human creations God made us to be, no longer sin trapped “animals” but his own people. Wow! Don't forget this. Celebrate! These are Holy-Days to remember God's amazing gifts.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
“One of the most healing aspects of creating music is that it is a healthy vehicle to bring us closer to our inner self. It can put us in touch with the creative part of us, or perhaps, the most central part of us, that often gets diverted when the pressures of our daily lives lead our attention away from the core of who we are. Isn’t that wonderful? By merely sitting and strumming the banjo, playing songs or just improvising with a few chords or rolls, we focus our ears, our hands, our hearts and attitudes on that beautiful sparkling banjo sound, bringing us back to our creative self, the happiest part of being human.”
While I recognize the often exaggerated tendency of musicians and artists to spiritualize their work, I will say I agree with much of what he wrote. (The full article is at http://www.deeringbanjos.com/DeeringProductPages/Music_Beyond_Technique.html)
It really is all about the joy. I would add that being creative opens us up to realize the signature of the Creator upon us. Joy and an appreciation for beauty are what makes us human and separates us from the call of Satan and the world to be merely efficient animals.
Why am I inspired by this? Because last night I requested from session the opportunity to take a day of rest on Monday December 1, since, the day after Thanksgiving, on which I would be off, is already on my day off, and I discovered, it also falls on Light Up Night, when I'll be working at that event. Also this busy time of year is when I'm thinking about Budgets, giving, that I am told is down, Filling Leadership posts on Session, Deacon's and Trustees...and also the incredible opportunities for ministry we have even while trying to figure out how best to use our resources to do them. It is a time when it is tempting to think in terms of “human resources”, “economic realities” and “efficiency.” In short it is tempting to become the Devil's own efficient animal.
Yet at the same time we start a new season, with a pause in our schedule to give Thanks. To sit at the table with family and friends and enjoy food and remember that we are not just animals but people, who love one another, even with our imperfections, and give thanks too the God who created us, and gives to us gifts, that while they are resources, are also a joy to use. Leadership slots become Opportunities to worship through service. Giving becomes offerings of Thanks and a chance to enthusiastically imagine what God will allow us to do together in the coming year.
And all in all, I look to this season where, having given thanks, we prepare to celebrate that Christ came into the world to release us from slavery and make us the human creations God made us to be, no longer sin trapped “animals” but his own people. Wow! Don't forget this. Celebrate! These are Holy-Days to remember God's amazing gifts.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Sunday Nov 9, 2008
Acts 9:32-43
Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up. 35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. 37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." 39 So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, " Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
NASU
Acts 9:32-43 Exposition
Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
Turning from Saul to Peter we now see Peter traveling through those regions that were enjoying this new season of peace. It says he is going to the “saints” at Lydda. His visit is significant because he is beginning to do the work of strengthening the saints in the regions where the Church exists. Our role is to grow the church but it is also to equip and edify those who are in the church. Again we also see the reliance of the believers on one another, visiting groups of existing saints and using that place to do the work that they came to do. The church at large is connected to one another and we should receive with joy a brother or sister from another place who is a fellow “saint” in Christ.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed.
Most likely Aeneas is one of these “saints” at Lydda and if so it shows the care of the Apostle for the saints offering such aid as he was enabled to the man who was paralyzed.
34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up.
Our duty to the Saints is to offer them immediately and fully any aid we are able to give. Peter, having worked miracles before had no reason to doubt that he could, offer healing through Jesus Christ. Notice he says Jesus Christ heals you. It was not Peter but Christ who healed Aeneas. He also expected Aeneas to make his bed once standing, significant because he was not to expect a relapse and the need to lie on his sickbed again. We, not having worked miracles as regularly as Peter, may hesitate to b e so bold as to declare a sick brother or sister well, yet we should be bold to pray for their healing and expect that God has the power to do what we would ask. Otherwise why should we pray at all. Like Peter, we too should not hesitate to offer whatever help we can. If only prayer, then we should pray immediately and in faith. If friendship, love, comfort or help then freely and as much as we can.
35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Our treatment of one another in the church is significant for when it is done well it draws others toward Christ. Obviously this was more dramatic when a miracle is involved to confirm the supernatural power of Christ and to authenticate the ministry of the Apostles. Yet still it is significant that our light as we shine it draws attention to our Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.
Faussett's Bible dictionary tells us of Tabitha, “TABITHA, Aramaic, corresponding to Hebrew tsebiah, "a female gazelle," Dorcas (Acts 9:36), the emblem of beauty. The Christian woman at Joppa, "full of good works and alms deeds" (as making coats and garments for poor widows,”
(from Fausset's Bible Dictionary, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1998, 2003 by Biblesoft)
It is a reminder of the later command of Peter, in 1 Peter 3:3-4
And let not your adornment be merely external — braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. NASB
Tabitha's beauty is in her service to others.
37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room.
Her sickness and death occasions the sending of people to Peter, presuming he might do something for her.
38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." 39 So Peter arose and went with them.
The people at Joppa must have believed that Peter could do something for Tabitha since they implored him to come with such urgency. Peter likewise responds to their urgency by going with them. We as well should respond to requests with similar urgency. We should give all we can and if we seem to be unable to help, turn to God in immediate and urgent prayer and turn to our gifts, talents, and connections with others to seek help where it may be given.
When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.
Dorcas' (Tabitha's) character is shown by the love that the believers showed to her, that they spoke to Peter of all she had been doing. Their weeping was genuine as they mourned the loss to them of such a great woman of faith.
40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, " Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
This miracle was not public like others. Notice Peter sent them all away and turned to the Lord in Prayer. His response to do something was immediate. His action was not. He first sought the direction of the Lord. The request to make a difference for someone who was dead was perhaps overwhelming to Peter. Claiming no power of his own and without making any claims as to what he would do, he retreats from them for private prayer. Then as he was assuredly directed or freed by the Spirit to do, he spoke to the lifeless body as though she were alive telling her to get up. In God's almighty power, a demonstration that life and death belong in the realm of God's power, she returns to life. She is then presented alive to those who had sought Peter.
42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
The word spread that Tabitha had been healed and this led to others in the city coming to faith in Jesus Christ. It is significant that it led to faith in the Lord and not in Peter. The word had not only speread concerning her resurrection, but also that the miracle had been done in Jesus Name; thus it led to faith in Him. Faith is receiving Jesus Christ as Lord after hearing the word concerning Him. We likewise should trust all the more in Him whenever we hear the Word accurately proclaimed about him.
Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up. 35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. 37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." 39 So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, " Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
NASU
Acts 9:32-43 Exposition
Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
Turning from Saul to Peter we now see Peter traveling through those regions that were enjoying this new season of peace. It says he is going to the “saints” at Lydda. His visit is significant because he is beginning to do the work of strengthening the saints in the regions where the Church exists. Our role is to grow the church but it is also to equip and edify those who are in the church. Again we also see the reliance of the believers on one another, visiting groups of existing saints and using that place to do the work that they came to do. The church at large is connected to one another and we should receive with joy a brother or sister from another place who is a fellow “saint” in Christ.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed.
Most likely Aeneas is one of these “saints” at Lydda and if so it shows the care of the Apostle for the saints offering such aid as he was enabled to the man who was paralyzed.
34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up.
Our duty to the Saints is to offer them immediately and fully any aid we are able to give. Peter, having worked miracles before had no reason to doubt that he could, offer healing through Jesus Christ. Notice he says Jesus Christ heals you. It was not Peter but Christ who healed Aeneas. He also expected Aeneas to make his bed once standing, significant because he was not to expect a relapse and the need to lie on his sickbed again. We, not having worked miracles as regularly as Peter, may hesitate to b e so bold as to declare a sick brother or sister well, yet we should be bold to pray for their healing and expect that God has the power to do what we would ask. Otherwise why should we pray at all. Like Peter, we too should not hesitate to offer whatever help we can. If only prayer, then we should pray immediately and in faith. If friendship, love, comfort or help then freely and as much as we can.
35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Our treatment of one another in the church is significant for when it is done well it draws others toward Christ. Obviously this was more dramatic when a miracle is involved to confirm the supernatural power of Christ and to authenticate the ministry of the Apostles. Yet still it is significant that our light as we shine it draws attention to our Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.
Faussett's Bible dictionary tells us of Tabitha, “TABITHA, Aramaic, corresponding to Hebrew tsebiah, "a female gazelle," Dorcas (Acts 9:36), the emblem of beauty. The Christian woman at Joppa, "full of good works and alms deeds" (as making coats and garments for poor widows,”
(from Fausset's Bible Dictionary, Electronic Database Copyright (c)1998, 2003 by Biblesoft)
It is a reminder of the later command of Peter, in 1 Peter 3:3-4
And let not your adornment be merely external — braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. NASB
Tabitha's beauty is in her service to others.
37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room.
Her sickness and death occasions the sending of people to Peter, presuming he might do something for her.
38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." 39 So Peter arose and went with them.
The people at Joppa must have believed that Peter could do something for Tabitha since they implored him to come with such urgency. Peter likewise responds to their urgency by going with them. We as well should respond to requests with similar urgency. We should give all we can and if we seem to be unable to help, turn to God in immediate and urgent prayer and turn to our gifts, talents, and connections with others to seek help where it may be given.
When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.
Dorcas' (Tabitha's) character is shown by the love that the believers showed to her, that they spoke to Peter of all she had been doing. Their weeping was genuine as they mourned the loss to them of such a great woman of faith.
40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, " Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
This miracle was not public like others. Notice Peter sent them all away and turned to the Lord in Prayer. His response to do something was immediate. His action was not. He first sought the direction of the Lord. The request to make a difference for someone who was dead was perhaps overwhelming to Peter. Claiming no power of his own and without making any claims as to what he would do, he retreats from them for private prayer. Then as he was assuredly directed or freed by the Spirit to do, he spoke to the lifeless body as though she were alive telling her to get up. In God's almighty power, a demonstration that life and death belong in the realm of God's power, she returns to life. She is then presented alive to those who had sought Peter.
42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
The word spread that Tabitha had been healed and this led to others in the city coming to faith in Jesus Christ. It is significant that it led to faith in the Lord and not in Peter. The word had not only speread concerning her resurrection, but also that the miracle had been done in Jesus Name; thus it led to faith in Him. Faith is receiving Jesus Christ as Lord after hearing the word concerning Him. We likewise should trust all the more in Him whenever we hear the Word accurately proclaimed about him.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Stunned Silence
I have little to say this morning. God remains Good. While God has the power to answer our prayer, God also will give the people what they demand. May God empower the Church to boldly declare His Kingdom and His righteousness. May we lift the Name of Jesus High.
In Christ and as always on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
In Christ and as always on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Acts 9: 19-31
Acts 9:19-31
Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." 21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, "Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?" 22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. 30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
NASU
Acts 9:19-31 Exposition
Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus,
Saul, after his conversion remains with the disciples in the city of Damascus. He finds fellowship with the very people he was sent to arrest and accepted by those he had opposed.
20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."
Saul states about immediately sharing the good news that he has now embraced. The core of His message is that Jesus is the Son of God. What would have been anathema to him before is the heart of his message, so transformed by the Spirit is his heart toward Jesus. He goes immediately to his own people to persuade them of what he has come to know.
21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, "Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?"
His transformation astounds them as they see that he is the very one who so hated the name of Jesus and is now boldly proclaiming Him Conversion is seen when we who previously were either indifferent or hostile to Jesus are empowered to joyfully proclaim Him Lord and speak his name with adoration.
22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
The contrast grows as Saul grows in importance as one who teaches others as the the truth of Jesus Christ, “confounding” his fellow Jews with his teaching. His “proving” of Jesus is a word associated with teaching, showing and has the sense of bringing two things together, thus demonstrating the convincing and true argument to the Jews that Jesus was and is their Messiah.
23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him,
Like Jesus who was also rejected, and those who Saul persecuted before, Saul Himself finds himself the target of their rejection and plots of murder. There seems to be no answer by those who reject Christ that does not ultimately seek to fully silence the proclamation of Jesus' name. Death seems to be the chosen and convenient means the lost world chooses most frequently.
24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death;
As it was not in God's plan for Saul to die yet, he came to know of their plans.
25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
Saul again receives help by the hands of the church who protects him and sneaks him away.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
Saul's new reputation did not precede him to Jerusalem. He was still believed there to be Saul the great persecutor and they feared what he might be looking to do.
27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.
Barnabas' name means “Son of Encouragement” Perhaps a nickname unless just an extremely appropriate given name. He does in face receive Saul when others feared to do so. Barnabas takes him to the Apostles that his testimony of his conversion might be tested and perhaps he may be examined so as to be approved genuine by the Apostles . How necessary is a Christian brother or sister to the new believer who needs a recommendation to the church that they in their newness might be accepted and able to enjoy the nurture and fellowship of the church.
28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.
His place with the Apostles gave him the freedom, for a while, to speak in Jerusalem and proclaim the Name of Jesus there.
29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.
He set out to debate with the Hellenists, Jews who had adopted many gentile ways and accommodated much of the Greek and Roman culture. Yet even among these “Liberals” of their day he found no acceptance, and even more plots of murder. It shows that among those who oppose Christ, even the most tolerant and accommodating will not tolerate or accommodate Jesus as Lord or those who proclaim Him.
30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
Again Saul is protected by the church and spirited away by them. His value and calling must have been evident to them, even if simply as a brother in Christ, for them to work together for his protection.
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
For whatever reason God permitted that the Church would enjoy a time of freedom from persecution. Yet in this time and not as in our present day, this freedom was employed in the best way, to grow and strengthen the church. Today it is the church under persecution that is growing and the church at ease that is in decline. May we choose to use what freedom we have, while we have it to also grow and strengthen Christ's Church. Perhaps it was the recent nearness of persecution that inspired them to remain dilligent.
Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." 21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, "Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?" 22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. 30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
NASU
Acts 9:19-31 Exposition
Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus,
Saul, after his conversion remains with the disciples in the city of Damascus. He finds fellowship with the very people he was sent to arrest and accepted by those he had opposed.
20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."
Saul states about immediately sharing the good news that he has now embraced. The core of His message is that Jesus is the Son of God. What would have been anathema to him before is the heart of his message, so transformed by the Spirit is his heart toward Jesus. He goes immediately to his own people to persuade them of what he has come to know.
21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, "Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?"
His transformation astounds them as they see that he is the very one who so hated the name of Jesus and is now boldly proclaiming Him Conversion is seen when we who previously were either indifferent or hostile to Jesus are empowered to joyfully proclaim Him Lord and speak his name with adoration.
22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
The contrast grows as Saul grows in importance as one who teaches others as the the truth of Jesus Christ, “confounding” his fellow Jews with his teaching. His “proving” of Jesus is a word associated with teaching, showing and has the sense of bringing two things together, thus demonstrating the convincing and true argument to the Jews that Jesus was and is their Messiah.
23 When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him,
Like Jesus who was also rejected, and those who Saul persecuted before, Saul Himself finds himself the target of their rejection and plots of murder. There seems to be no answer by those who reject Christ that does not ultimately seek to fully silence the proclamation of Jesus' name. Death seems to be the chosen and convenient means the lost world chooses most frequently.
24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death;
As it was not in God's plan for Saul to die yet, he came to know of their plans.
25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
Saul again receives help by the hands of the church who protects him and sneaks him away.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
Saul's new reputation did not precede him to Jerusalem. He was still believed there to be Saul the great persecutor and they feared what he might be looking to do.
27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.
Barnabas' name means “Son of Encouragement” Perhaps a nickname unless just an extremely appropriate given name. He does in face receive Saul when others feared to do so. Barnabas takes him to the Apostles that his testimony of his conversion might be tested and perhaps he may be examined so as to be approved genuine by the Apostles . How necessary is a Christian brother or sister to the new believer who needs a recommendation to the church that they in their newness might be accepted and able to enjoy the nurture and fellowship of the church.
28 And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.
His place with the Apostles gave him the freedom, for a while, to speak in Jerusalem and proclaim the Name of Jesus there.
29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.
He set out to debate with the Hellenists, Jews who had adopted many gentile ways and accommodated much of the Greek and Roman culture. Yet even among these “Liberals” of their day he found no acceptance, and even more plots of murder. It shows that among those who oppose Christ, even the most tolerant and accommodating will not tolerate or accommodate Jesus as Lord or those who proclaim Him.
30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
Again Saul is protected by the church and spirited away by them. His value and calling must have been evident to them, even if simply as a brother in Christ, for them to work together for his protection.
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
For whatever reason God permitted that the Church would enjoy a time of freedom from persecution. Yet in this time and not as in our present day, this freedom was employed in the best way, to grow and strengthen the church. Today it is the church under persecution that is growing and the church at ease that is in decline. May we choose to use what freedom we have, while we have it to also grow and strengthen Christ's Church. Perhaps it was the recent nearness of persecution that inspired them to remain dilligent.
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