by David Scott Robertson
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV
Do you love God?
If so, then you have some great things to look forward to.
You are destined to see things you have not seen,
And hear things you have not heard,
And experience things that have never entered your mind in your wildest dreams!
The verse above talks about hidden “things” which God has prepared for those who love Him.
Since God Himself is preparing them,
We can have full assurance and confidence that these things are good things,
Perfect things,
Unimaginably wonderful things.
The mystery of these things might even be called “the deep things of God.”
So, are we destined to remain in the dark until these things be revealed?
Do we have to wait until we get to heaven to discover the wonder of it all?
Or do we, in fact, get glimpses of God’s glory like Moses did hidden in the cleft of the rock? (Exodus 33:22).
“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God” 1 Corinthians 2:10.
Who is more qualified to talk about the deep things of God than the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit, exclusively, is:
The Third Person of the Trinity…
The One who operates in perfect unity within the Godhead…
The One who totally knows the mind of Christ…
The One who absolutely understands the perfect will of the Father…
The One who was there and actively involved in the creation of the universe…
The One who was there and actively involved in the creation of the first man, Adam…
The One who was there and actively involved in forming you and I in our mother’s womb…
Consider the deep things of God:
1. It is God’s will for you to have been born.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13 KJV).
2. It is God’s will for you to have been born again
(2 Pet 3:9 KJV) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
3. It is God’s will for you to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower your life for service
(Acts 1:8 NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
4. It is God’s will for you to know the deep things of God.
(Jer 33:3 NIV) 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
So, when life’s circumstances force you to…
…search for the meaning of your suffering…
…search for understanding into your complex situation…
…search for knowledge of what your next move should be…
…search for insight into the trial…
…search for comprehension of the apparent paradoxes of life…
…search for an awareness of God’s will for your life…
…search for a perception of how to obtain a maximum impact life…
When you are in a “search mode” concerning the deep things of God,
I want to encourage you to spend time talking to the Holy Spirit of God --
For it pleased the Father to delegate revelation and illumination and inspiration to Him.
The Holy Spirit will lead and guide you into all truth
(John 16:13 KJV) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
(John 16:14 KJV) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.
And you will discover truth to be a Person (John 14:6).
(John 14:6 KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
(John 14:7 KJV) If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
And you will recognize that all truth flows out of and empties into Jesus Christ:
“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3 KJV).
And you will come to know by experience the mystery of the ages:
(Col 1:26 KJV) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
(Col 1:27 KJV) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Yes, many of the deep things of God can be known.
Not all of them, but some of them.
(1 Cor 13:9 NIV) For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
(1 Cor 13:10 NIV) but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
But God encourages us to search out the deep things:
(Prov 25:2 KJV) It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
I recommend to you that as you search out a the deep things of God
That you invite the Holy Spirit to be your Guide on this exciting adventure of exploration.
DSR
12/28/01
Friday, December 28, 2001
Thursday, December 27, 2001
Ninety Minutes Before
by David Scott Robertson
Right now,
As I write these words,
It’s exactly 90 minutes before the time I’m supposed to conduct a church service.
I will be leading the worship time,
Walking the congregation through communion,
Preaching a sermon,
And concluding the service with an altar call.
This is something that I don’t normally do.
For some I’m sure, this is not a big deal.
They do it all the time
And could do it far better than I.
But for me, it is a big deal.
I wonder, what “big deal” are you facing in your future?
At one time or another,
Haven’t we all been thrust into the uncomfortable but necessary situation
Of having to wait on some big event in our lives to come to pass?
And there comes a point in time
When it’s exactly 90 minutes before
The big deal,
The big event,
The huge occasion.
It’s the kind of event
That makes your palms sweat,
The spit in your mouth to dry up,
And all sorts of neat sensations to flare up in your stomach.
Is it just me, or does it seem like “the waiting part” is actually harder than “the doing part?”
Have you noticed that
As the final hour and a half counts down,
Depending upon the nature of the event,
Either the minutes tick by agonizingly slow or painfully fast.
A bride 90 minutes before her wedding.
A interviewee 90 minutes before appearing as a guest on Larry King Live.
A defendant 90 minutes before having to appear in court for sentencing.
An astronaut 90 minutes before takeoff.
A freshman at college 90 minutes before his first class.
A musician 90 minutes before her first concert.
A surgeon 90 minutes before his first operation.
A president-elect 90 minutes before his inauguration.
You and I could list a hundred different scenarios that are “big deals” to people.
And sooner or later,
It all comes down to 90 minutes before the event.
At that point, it’s crunch time.
So then, what can we, could we, should we do 90 minutes before the big event?
May I suggest four things that we as Christians might consider?
1. We should pray. We can do more AFTER we have prayed but we cannot do more UNTIL we have prayed. I recommend that you invite the Lord to help you speak and teach you what to say (Exodus 4:12). Confess any known sin and make sure your heart is right before God. Then we can and should ask the Lord for wisdom to think, speak, and act appropriately in the upcoming event. We can consecrate the situation totally to the Lord and trust Him to help us and He will.
2. We should worship. We need to express our faith in God by declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord of our situation. When we think of what Jesus accomplished on the cross of Calvary, everything else pales in comparison. No good thing will God withhold from them that walk uprightly before Him. And God knows exactly what you need when you need it. Come to Him in worship with a humble and contrite attitude. God inhabits the praises of His people and worship is a weapon that calms us and frustrates the enemy of our souls.
3. We should give thanks. While worship acknowledges who God is, giving thanks acknowledges His sovereignty and power to help us in our time of need. God’s credit is good. He can be trusted. We can express our confidence in Him by giving thanks on the front end of the situation. This is called faith. And faith excites God.
We can even do this in song. One time in the Bible, God ordered a king to send out singers in front of the soldiers into a battle chanting “praise the Lord for His mercy endures forever” (2 Chronicles21-22). As they began to sing and praise, the Bible records that the Lord sent ambushments against the enemy and victory was won without having to fire a shot. An attitude of gratitude packs incredible power!
4. We should enter God’s peace and rest. Once you have turned the situation over to God, you can relax. Pledge that with God’s help you’ll do your best and leave the results with Him. The Lord gave us a wonderful promise in Isaiah 26:3 that says: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Maintain a steady gaze on the Lord and like Peter walking on the water, God will help you do what may seem impossible to you.
Hebrews 4:1 contains another fantastic guarantee of God’s faithfulness to us: “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.” Knowing that God is for you and not against you will help usher you into a peaceful, restful place as you wait for the final minutes to elapse.
One of the greatest things about facing a difficult challenge in our life is what happens next.
While it is true that there is a point
When you are 90 minutes BEFORE the big event,
There is also a point
When it’s 90 minutes AFTER the big event!
Satisfaction, fulfillment, joy, celebration, victory…
These feelings are reserved for those who patiently endure and conquer life’s challenges.
And when you have done what you have done
Out of obedience to something God has told you to do,
All of these feelings are intensified and magnified a thousand fold!
DSR
12/27/01
Right now,
As I write these words,
It’s exactly 90 minutes before the time I’m supposed to conduct a church service.
I will be leading the worship time,
Walking the congregation through communion,
Preaching a sermon,
And concluding the service with an altar call.
This is something that I don’t normally do.
For some I’m sure, this is not a big deal.
They do it all the time
And could do it far better than I.
But for me, it is a big deal.
I wonder, what “big deal” are you facing in your future?
At one time or another,
Haven’t we all been thrust into the uncomfortable but necessary situation
Of having to wait on some big event in our lives to come to pass?
And there comes a point in time
When it’s exactly 90 minutes before
The big deal,
The big event,
The huge occasion.
It’s the kind of event
That makes your palms sweat,
The spit in your mouth to dry up,
And all sorts of neat sensations to flare up in your stomach.
Is it just me, or does it seem like “the waiting part” is actually harder than “the doing part?”
Have you noticed that
As the final hour and a half counts down,
Depending upon the nature of the event,
Either the minutes tick by agonizingly slow or painfully fast.
A bride 90 minutes before her wedding.
A interviewee 90 minutes before appearing as a guest on Larry King Live.
A defendant 90 minutes before having to appear in court for sentencing.
An astronaut 90 minutes before takeoff.
A freshman at college 90 minutes before his first class.
A musician 90 minutes before her first concert.
A surgeon 90 minutes before his first operation.
A president-elect 90 minutes before his inauguration.
You and I could list a hundred different scenarios that are “big deals” to people.
And sooner or later,
It all comes down to 90 minutes before the event.
At that point, it’s crunch time.
So then, what can we, could we, should we do 90 minutes before the big event?
May I suggest four things that we as Christians might consider?
1. We should pray. We can do more AFTER we have prayed but we cannot do more UNTIL we have prayed. I recommend that you invite the Lord to help you speak and teach you what to say (Exodus 4:12). Confess any known sin and make sure your heart is right before God. Then we can and should ask the Lord for wisdom to think, speak, and act appropriately in the upcoming event. We can consecrate the situation totally to the Lord and trust Him to help us and He will.
2. We should worship. We need to express our faith in God by declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord of our situation. When we think of what Jesus accomplished on the cross of Calvary, everything else pales in comparison. No good thing will God withhold from them that walk uprightly before Him. And God knows exactly what you need when you need it. Come to Him in worship with a humble and contrite attitude. God inhabits the praises of His people and worship is a weapon that calms us and frustrates the enemy of our souls.
3. We should give thanks. While worship acknowledges who God is, giving thanks acknowledges His sovereignty and power to help us in our time of need. God’s credit is good. He can be trusted. We can express our confidence in Him by giving thanks on the front end of the situation. This is called faith. And faith excites God.
We can even do this in song. One time in the Bible, God ordered a king to send out singers in front of the soldiers into a battle chanting “praise the Lord for His mercy endures forever” (2 Chronicles21-22). As they began to sing and praise, the Bible records that the Lord sent ambushments against the enemy and victory was won without having to fire a shot. An attitude of gratitude packs incredible power!
4. We should enter God’s peace and rest. Once you have turned the situation over to God, you can relax. Pledge that with God’s help you’ll do your best and leave the results with Him. The Lord gave us a wonderful promise in Isaiah 26:3 that says: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Maintain a steady gaze on the Lord and like Peter walking on the water, God will help you do what may seem impossible to you.
Hebrews 4:1 contains another fantastic guarantee of God’s faithfulness to us: “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.” Knowing that God is for you and not against you will help usher you into a peaceful, restful place as you wait for the final minutes to elapse.
One of the greatest things about facing a difficult challenge in our life is what happens next.
While it is true that there is a point
When you are 90 minutes BEFORE the big event,
There is also a point
When it’s 90 minutes AFTER the big event!
Satisfaction, fulfillment, joy, celebration, victory…
These feelings are reserved for those who patiently endure and conquer life’s challenges.
And when you have done what you have done
Out of obedience to something God has told you to do,
All of these feelings are intensified and magnified a thousand fold!
DSR
12/27/01
Saturday, December 15, 2001
The Greatest Military Assignment of All Time
by David Scott Robertson
“When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment” (Acts 27:1 NIV).
The life of a solider in any age of history is a difficult one.
Whether we’re talking about a medieval knight or a modern-day Green Beret,
They all experience incredible training,
Unprecedented dangers,
Unusual hardships,
And bizarre missions unique to each solider in their respective era.
But there was one solider,
In one army,
In one culture,
In one period of history,
That quite possibly received the greatest military assignment of all time.
The soldier’s name was Julius.
Julius served as a centurion in the Roman Army.
His unit was called the “Imperial Regiment.”
One day,
One fateful day,
Julius’ commanding officer issued him an order that was to change his life:
ASSIGNMENT: Deliver some prisoners to Rome to stand trial.
Sounds rather mundane, doesn’t it?
It is unless one of the prisoners happens to be the Apostle Paul.
Paul was no ordinary man and he would make no ordinary prisoner.
Unlike Julius who took orders from a man,
This prisoner, Paul, on occasion took orders directly from God:
“He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied.
"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." (Acts 9:4-6 NIV)
This prisoner had Jesus personally stand by his bedside and guarantee the success of Julius’ assignment:
“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome" (Acts 23:11 NIV).
This prisoner had angels visit him:
“Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me
“and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar…” (Acts 27:23-24a NIV).
This prisoner had the ability to foretell the future:
“Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned them,
"Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also" (Acts 27:9-10 NIV).
This prisoner had the ability to inspire hope when all hope of survival was gone:
“When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20 NIV).
“Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.
“After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.
“They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves” (Acts 27:34-36 NIV).
This prisoner’s intercessory prayers would result in 276 people surviving a hurricane:
“Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me
“and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you' (Acts 27:23-24 NIV).
“Altogether there were 276 of us on board” (Acts 27:37 NIV).
This prisoner would become so influential that even Julius himself would heed him:
“Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved."
“So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away” (Acts 27:31-32 NIV).
This prisoner would boldly demonstrate God’s loving care in front of pagans:
“After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat” (Acts 27:35 NIV).
This prisoner life would save his fellow prisoners from death at the hands of men:
“The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping.
“But the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land” (Acts 27:42-43 NIV).
This prisoner would seem invincible against death:
“Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.
“When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live."
“But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.
“The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god” (Acts 28:3-6 NIV).
This prisoner’s presence would result in the entire crew receiving royal treatment:
“There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably” (Acts 28:7 NIV).
This prisoner would perform supernatural healings in their midst:
“His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
“When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured” (Acts 28:8-9 NIV).
This prisoner would bring great honor to Julius and his companions:
“They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed” (Acts 28:10 NIV).
This prisoner would be accessible for three months to personally mentor Julius:
“After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux” (Acts 28:11 NIV).
This prisoner, remarkably, had friends and “brothers” in remote regions of the world:
“There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.
“The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged” (Acts 28:14-15 NIV).
To be sure, Paul was no ordinary man and he would make no ordinary prisoner.
And so it was that the greatest military assignment of all time came to an end:
“Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16 NKJV).
Julius had completed the assignment.
The time of his departure was now at hand.
Julius had fought a good fight,
He had finished his course,
He had kept the faith of his Roman duty.
Or was the greatest military assignment of all time really over?
You see, there was a solider that stayed with Paul for two more years
And lived with him and guarded him and protected him
In order to stand trial before Cesar.
This soldier, whether by Roman legal requirements or by choice,
Became Paul’s constant companion…
His protégé, I mean, his guard.
“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
“ Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:30-31 KJV).
I wonder,
If it were possible,
If Julius volunteered for the assignment.
DSR
12/15/01
“When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment” (Acts 27:1 NIV).
The life of a solider in any age of history is a difficult one.
Whether we’re talking about a medieval knight or a modern-day Green Beret,
They all experience incredible training,
Unprecedented dangers,
Unusual hardships,
And bizarre missions unique to each solider in their respective era.
But there was one solider,
In one army,
In one culture,
In one period of history,
That quite possibly received the greatest military assignment of all time.
The soldier’s name was Julius.
Julius served as a centurion in the Roman Army.
His unit was called the “Imperial Regiment.”
One day,
One fateful day,
Julius’ commanding officer issued him an order that was to change his life:
ASSIGNMENT: Deliver some prisoners to Rome to stand trial.
Sounds rather mundane, doesn’t it?
It is unless one of the prisoners happens to be the Apostle Paul.
Paul was no ordinary man and he would make no ordinary prisoner.
Unlike Julius who took orders from a man,
This prisoner, Paul, on occasion took orders directly from God:
“He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied.
"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." (Acts 9:4-6 NIV)
This prisoner had Jesus personally stand by his bedside and guarantee the success of Julius’ assignment:
“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome" (Acts 23:11 NIV).
This prisoner had angels visit him:
“Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me
“and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar…” (Acts 27:23-24a NIV).
This prisoner had the ability to foretell the future:
“Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned them,
"Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also" (Acts 27:9-10 NIV).
This prisoner had the ability to inspire hope when all hope of survival was gone:
“When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20 NIV).
“Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.
“After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.
“They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves” (Acts 27:34-36 NIV).
This prisoner’s intercessory prayers would result in 276 people surviving a hurricane:
“Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me
“and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you' (Acts 27:23-24 NIV).
“Altogether there were 276 of us on board” (Acts 27:37 NIV).
This prisoner would become so influential that even Julius himself would heed him:
“Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved."
“So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away” (Acts 27:31-32 NIV).
This prisoner would boldly demonstrate God’s loving care in front of pagans:
“After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat” (Acts 27:35 NIV).
This prisoner life would save his fellow prisoners from death at the hands of men:
“The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping.
“But the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land” (Acts 27:42-43 NIV).
This prisoner would seem invincible against death:
“Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.
“When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live."
“But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.
“The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god” (Acts 28:3-6 NIV).
This prisoner’s presence would result in the entire crew receiving royal treatment:
“There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably” (Acts 28:7 NIV).
This prisoner would perform supernatural healings in their midst:
“His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
“When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured” (Acts 28:8-9 NIV).
This prisoner would bring great honor to Julius and his companions:
“They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed” (Acts 28:10 NIV).
This prisoner would be accessible for three months to personally mentor Julius:
“After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux” (Acts 28:11 NIV).
This prisoner, remarkably, had friends and “brothers” in remote regions of the world:
“There we found some brothers who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome.
“The brothers there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these men Paul thanked God and was encouraged” (Acts 28:14-15 NIV).
To be sure, Paul was no ordinary man and he would make no ordinary prisoner.
And so it was that the greatest military assignment of all time came to an end:
“Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him” (Acts 28:16 NKJV).
Julius had completed the assignment.
The time of his departure was now at hand.
Julius had fought a good fight,
He had finished his course,
He had kept the faith of his Roman duty.
Or was the greatest military assignment of all time really over?
You see, there was a solider that stayed with Paul for two more years
And lived with him and guarded him and protected him
In order to stand trial before Cesar.
This soldier, whether by Roman legal requirements or by choice,
Became Paul’s constant companion…
His protégé, I mean, his guard.
“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
“ Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:30-31 KJV).
I wonder,
If it were possible,
If Julius volunteered for the assignment.
DSR
12/15/01
Sunday, December 2, 2001
The Four Trees
by David Scott Robertson
I just returned from walking on my “prayer path.”
I like to prayer walk a 30-minute path
That meanders through the streets of my suburban Tennessee home.
Each time I prayer-walked this summer on my special route,
I happened to pass by this one house that had four special trees in its yard --
Four pear trees to be exact.
I remember marveling at how many pears those four trees produced.
Bushels and bushels and bushels of beautiful pears.
This summer the limbs were literally bowing and bending over
Because they were so heavy laden with fruit.
Their beautiful green leaves spoke to me of life.
Their remarkable fruit production reminded me of thriving, flourishing, profitable orchards.
Today, my thoughts could easily traverse a variety of steep and deep trails
On the topic of the four trees.
I could describe to you in detail how neighborhood children
Would ride their bikes to the four trees
And frequently help themselves to a delicious and readily available snack.
I remember seeing one boy this past summer riding past me on his bike
With one hand on the handlebars
And the other tightly clutching his shirt filled to overflowing with freshly harvested pears
To no doubt proudly present to his mother.
I could write about the fact that the owner’s of the trees never seemed to harvest the pears.
For the most part, the bumper crop just hung on the branches until it ripened
And gravity forced it to the ground to rot and provide a lavish banquet for insects.
Today our thoughts could wander and ponder waste, stewardship, or squandered opportunity.
I could write about how many professional fruit growers
Might benefit from studying the soil composition and any other unique combination of conditions whose synergy stimulated a phenomenally prolific crop.
In that vein of thinking, we could talk about
Sharing knowledge, pooling resources to heighten quality, discipleship, mentoring, and so on.
But I don’t want to go there today.
This morning, what most noticeably caught my eye and attention
Was the fact that, today, the four trees looked practically dead.
It’s December in Tennessee and it’s cold.
As I walked in the early hours of the day I could see my breath with each act of respiration.
Another Tennessee winter is upon us,
And although they are relatively mild compared to most of the rest of the United States,
The frigid weather and frost nonetheless performs its amazing effect on deciduous trees.
The four trees that had all summer long seemed so alive now seemed so dead.
I stopped for a few moments to study them and noted that there were no leaves on them.
There was, of course, no fruit, nor even any remains of fruit on the ground.
The trees were gnarled and a bit twisted and rather ugly to the average passerby.
When the fruit was at its peak I had never noticed the flaws and blemishes the trees bore.
As I walked off, I began to consider how similar our lives are to the four trees.
King Solomon once wisely observed that
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” (Eccl 3:1)
God has woven into the fabric of our lives a series of seasons in our pilgrimage toward death.
Some seasons are lush and fruitful.
Others seem gnarled and a bit twisted and rather ugly.
Some are a growing seasons where progress is measured by leaps and bounds
While others offer microscopic gains measured in centimeters.
Other seasons provide us with times of sifting and separating
To purge and cleanse and burn away impurities in our lives.
Just like a surgeon requires clean instruments to safely operate,
So the Lord God prefers to operate with clean instruments to promote healthy relationships.
While some seasons are mercifully short
Others linger on for what seems an eternity.
Some seasons are like football teams who finish the season with a 11-0 record
While other teams shuffle back to the locker room with a 0-11 record.
It’s like the difference between receiving the long touchdown pass
And gracefully gliding into the end zone
Versus grinding your way to the goal posts one long, hard yard at a time
Getting knocked to the ground ever four yards before scoring.
Ah, but this crucible is where valor and courage and grit and patience are forged.
Unlike the four seasons spring, summer, fall, and winter that the four trees enjoy and endure,
Our lives are subject to many more seasons that these.
Yet, I am discovering that seasons are a natural part of a supernatural process at work in us.
I believe that not only does our Heavenly Father allow them,
But that He skillfully, lovingly, and to be sure unapologetically arranges them.
Just as each ripe, mature pear on the four trees is a wonderful product of an incredible process
God’s sovereignty masterfully helps us navigate
Through the ebb and flow of our own life development process.
But we’re not talking about spiritual fruit, we’re talking about pears.
Or are we?
For those that have an ear, a heart, and a mind to hear,
Can you receive the truth that the fruit of our lives is important to God?
Father God, unlike the owners of the four trees, is very interested in fruit.
Fruit is mentioned 208 times in 184 verses in the King James Version of the Bible.
“This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb 12:11 KJV).
Today, you may not feel like your life is producing a bumper crop of fruit for Jesus.
You may look at yourself in the mirror and determine that
Not only is your hair falling out but many (or most) of your leaves have fallen off.
You may have imagined yourself (like Abraham and Sarah)
To have surpassed your most abundant, most fruitful, maximum bumper crop season.
I find that difficult to accept.
The seed of fruit resident in you may be dormant for now,
But faith can cause it germinate rapidly and yield a thirty, sixty, or hundred-fold return.
I encourage you to avoid uprooting yourself from the good soil and other unique conditions like
A good church,
A strong friendship circle,
Good accountability from close advisors,
Along with a solid routine of prayer, Bible reading, worship, and service to others.
In due season you shall be reaped if you faint not.
DSR
12/2/01
I just returned from walking on my “prayer path.”
I like to prayer walk a 30-minute path
That meanders through the streets of my suburban Tennessee home.
Each time I prayer-walked this summer on my special route,
I happened to pass by this one house that had four special trees in its yard --
Four pear trees to be exact.
I remember marveling at how many pears those four trees produced.
Bushels and bushels and bushels of beautiful pears.
This summer the limbs were literally bowing and bending over
Because they were so heavy laden with fruit.
Their beautiful green leaves spoke to me of life.
Their remarkable fruit production reminded me of thriving, flourishing, profitable orchards.
Today, my thoughts could easily traverse a variety of steep and deep trails
On the topic of the four trees.
I could describe to you in detail how neighborhood children
Would ride their bikes to the four trees
And frequently help themselves to a delicious and readily available snack.
I remember seeing one boy this past summer riding past me on his bike
With one hand on the handlebars
And the other tightly clutching his shirt filled to overflowing with freshly harvested pears
To no doubt proudly present to his mother.
I could write about the fact that the owner’s of the trees never seemed to harvest the pears.
For the most part, the bumper crop just hung on the branches until it ripened
And gravity forced it to the ground to rot and provide a lavish banquet for insects.
Today our thoughts could wander and ponder waste, stewardship, or squandered opportunity.
I could write about how many professional fruit growers
Might benefit from studying the soil composition and any other unique combination of conditions whose synergy stimulated a phenomenally prolific crop.
In that vein of thinking, we could talk about
Sharing knowledge, pooling resources to heighten quality, discipleship, mentoring, and so on.
But I don’t want to go there today.
This morning, what most noticeably caught my eye and attention
Was the fact that, today, the four trees looked practically dead.
It’s December in Tennessee and it’s cold.
As I walked in the early hours of the day I could see my breath with each act of respiration.
Another Tennessee winter is upon us,
And although they are relatively mild compared to most of the rest of the United States,
The frigid weather and frost nonetheless performs its amazing effect on deciduous trees.
The four trees that had all summer long seemed so alive now seemed so dead.
I stopped for a few moments to study them and noted that there were no leaves on them.
There was, of course, no fruit, nor even any remains of fruit on the ground.
The trees were gnarled and a bit twisted and rather ugly to the average passerby.
When the fruit was at its peak I had never noticed the flaws and blemishes the trees bore.
As I walked off, I began to consider how similar our lives are to the four trees.
King Solomon once wisely observed that
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” (Eccl 3:1)
God has woven into the fabric of our lives a series of seasons in our pilgrimage toward death.
Some seasons are lush and fruitful.
Others seem gnarled and a bit twisted and rather ugly.
Some are a growing seasons where progress is measured by leaps and bounds
While others offer microscopic gains measured in centimeters.
Other seasons provide us with times of sifting and separating
To purge and cleanse and burn away impurities in our lives.
Just like a surgeon requires clean instruments to safely operate,
So the Lord God prefers to operate with clean instruments to promote healthy relationships.
While some seasons are mercifully short
Others linger on for what seems an eternity.
Some seasons are like football teams who finish the season with a 11-0 record
While other teams shuffle back to the locker room with a 0-11 record.
It’s like the difference between receiving the long touchdown pass
And gracefully gliding into the end zone
Versus grinding your way to the goal posts one long, hard yard at a time
Getting knocked to the ground ever four yards before scoring.
Ah, but this crucible is where valor and courage and grit and patience are forged.
Unlike the four seasons spring, summer, fall, and winter that the four trees enjoy and endure,
Our lives are subject to many more seasons that these.
Yet, I am discovering that seasons are a natural part of a supernatural process at work in us.
I believe that not only does our Heavenly Father allow them,
But that He skillfully, lovingly, and to be sure unapologetically arranges them.
Just as each ripe, mature pear on the four trees is a wonderful product of an incredible process
God’s sovereignty masterfully helps us navigate
Through the ebb and flow of our own life development process.
But we’re not talking about spiritual fruit, we’re talking about pears.
Or are we?
For those that have an ear, a heart, and a mind to hear,
Can you receive the truth that the fruit of our lives is important to God?
Father God, unlike the owners of the four trees, is very interested in fruit.
Fruit is mentioned 208 times in 184 verses in the King James Version of the Bible.
“This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb 12:11 KJV).
Today, you may not feel like your life is producing a bumper crop of fruit for Jesus.
You may look at yourself in the mirror and determine that
Not only is your hair falling out but many (or most) of your leaves have fallen off.
You may have imagined yourself (like Abraham and Sarah)
To have surpassed your most abundant, most fruitful, maximum bumper crop season.
I find that difficult to accept.
The seed of fruit resident in you may be dormant for now,
But faith can cause it germinate rapidly and yield a thirty, sixty, or hundred-fold return.
I encourage you to avoid uprooting yourself from the good soil and other unique conditions like
A good church,
A strong friendship circle,
Good accountability from close advisors,
Along with a solid routine of prayer, Bible reading, worship, and service to others.
In due season you shall be reaped if you faint not.
DSR
12/2/01
Wednesday, November 28, 2001
Joses
by David Scott Robertson
“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement, a Levite of the country of Cyprus…” Acts 4:36 NKJV
Everybody needs a Joses in their life.
Everybody needs a “Son of Encouragement”
To help spur them on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).
I have yet to meet the Christian worker who is so hyper-spiritual
That he or she does not, at times, need encouragement.
Encouragement is powerful.
It is potent.
It is a powerful and potent motivator.
Just a dash of it,
A touch of it,
A pinch of it,
A few careful but kind words
Can be the catalyst for explosive production,
Incredible bursts of productivity,
And change that is so positive it is staggering.
And blessed is the man or woman, boy or girl, through whom it comes.
Joses knew the potential of encouragement.
Joses obviously had discovered that
Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pitchers of silver (Proverbs 25:11).
Joses knew that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
Joses knew that if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.
Joses knew that sowing discord among the brethren made the list of the seven things God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Joses knew the power of the tongue.
The apostles whom Joses apparently spent regular time with
Recognized in this lay person a gift that they evidently did not possess themselves.
Instead of being nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” like the apostles James and John by Jesus,
Joses’ ability to encourage earned him the nickname Barnabas or “Son of Encouragement.”
And please note that Barnabas did not only encourage with words alone.
He put his money where his mouth was.
“…[Joses] having land sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet” Acts 4:37.
Barnabas encouraged the apostles
With a generous and intensely practical gift.
The spiritual math on this looks something like this:
GOOD WORDS
+ GOOD WORKS
--------------------
= GOOD REPUTATION
Now Abraham is known as the father of faith.
King David was a man after God’s own heart.
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived.
Enoch had the testimony that he pleased God and God took him to heaven alive.
Paul wrote much of the New Testament.
Peter’s shadow drew crowds of sick folk to be healed.
Elijah’s words stopped rain for three years.
These are all splendid examples of mighty men of God
Who we read about in the Bible and perhaps aspire to be like.
Unfortunately for some of us,
The sheer magnitude of their exploits can be intimidating
As often the perception is that these biblical figures
Possess characteristics about them that are hard to reproduce in these modern times.
But Barnabas is a guy that we can relate to.
He seems to be one of us.
He’s a fellow that probably had a firm handshake,
A positive attitude,
Quick to laugh,
Smiled a lot and was a good listener.
These are characteristics that I can wrap my mind around.
With the help of the Holy Spirit,
I can see myself imitating Barnabas.
We too can determine that we are going to allow the Lord to make us encouragers.
And we can start the moment we finish reading this today.
The next person we call, email, or meet face-to-face
Can be the first of many persons to whom we will endeavor to somehow encourage
Through uplifting words or practical works.
On our pathway towards being like Jesus Christ,
Practicing to be like Barnabas may be a good start.
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25 NIV).
DSR
11/28/01
“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement, a Levite of the country of Cyprus…” Acts 4:36 NKJV
Everybody needs a Joses in their life.
Everybody needs a “Son of Encouragement”
To help spur them on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).
I have yet to meet the Christian worker who is so hyper-spiritual
That he or she does not, at times, need encouragement.
Encouragement is powerful.
It is potent.
It is a powerful and potent motivator.
Just a dash of it,
A touch of it,
A pinch of it,
A few careful but kind words
Can be the catalyst for explosive production,
Incredible bursts of productivity,
And change that is so positive it is staggering.
And blessed is the man or woman, boy or girl, through whom it comes.
Joses knew the potential of encouragement.
Joses obviously had discovered that
Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pitchers of silver (Proverbs 25:11).
Joses knew that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
Joses knew that if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.
Joses knew that sowing discord among the brethren made the list of the seven things God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19).
Joses knew the power of the tongue.
The apostles whom Joses apparently spent regular time with
Recognized in this lay person a gift that they evidently did not possess themselves.
Instead of being nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” like the apostles James and John by Jesus,
Joses’ ability to encourage earned him the nickname Barnabas or “Son of Encouragement.”
And please note that Barnabas did not only encourage with words alone.
He put his money where his mouth was.
“…[Joses] having land sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet” Acts 4:37.
Barnabas encouraged the apostles
With a generous and intensely practical gift.
The spiritual math on this looks something like this:
GOOD WORDS
+ GOOD WORKS
--------------------
= GOOD REPUTATION
Now Abraham is known as the father of faith.
King David was a man after God’s own heart.
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived.
Enoch had the testimony that he pleased God and God took him to heaven alive.
Paul wrote much of the New Testament.
Peter’s shadow drew crowds of sick folk to be healed.
Elijah’s words stopped rain for three years.
These are all splendid examples of mighty men of God
Who we read about in the Bible and perhaps aspire to be like.
Unfortunately for some of us,
The sheer magnitude of their exploits can be intimidating
As often the perception is that these biblical figures
Possess characteristics about them that are hard to reproduce in these modern times.
But Barnabas is a guy that we can relate to.
He seems to be one of us.
He’s a fellow that probably had a firm handshake,
A positive attitude,
Quick to laugh,
Smiled a lot and was a good listener.
These are characteristics that I can wrap my mind around.
With the help of the Holy Spirit,
I can see myself imitating Barnabas.
We too can determine that we are going to allow the Lord to make us encouragers.
And we can start the moment we finish reading this today.
The next person we call, email, or meet face-to-face
Can be the first of many persons to whom we will endeavor to somehow encourage
Through uplifting words or practical works.
On our pathway towards being like Jesus Christ,
Practicing to be like Barnabas may be a good start.
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25 NIV).
DSR
11/28/01
Saturday, November 17, 2001
The Flaw of Familiarity
by David Scott Robertson
A very beautiful woman marries a very handsome man.
The perfect couple, so it seems.
A few years go by and they divorce.
Why?
The flaw of familiarity.
We see this phenomenon at work all the time in our society.
No degree of physical beauty,
No level of mutual attraction between two individuals,
However intense,
Can overcome the internal flaw of familiarity.
Time sees to that.
What is the “flaw of familiarity?”
It’s the force behind billions of dollars of annual sales of products and services in our economy.
It’s what makes the man sell the bass boat to get a bigger, faster, better equipped model.
It’s the influence behind trading a perfectly good car for one of another color.
It’s why the pontoon boat,
The cabin at the lake,
The 4-wheeler,
The Harley,
The pickup truck,
The wife,
Just does sparkle, glitter, and shine quite like it/she used to.
Even our beloved pets are not immune to it.
The kitten or puppy that once evoked such giddy delight from a child
Sooner or later succumbs to the flaw as the poor creature falls from grace in the eyes of the child
And is replaced in their hearts by the latest toy or doodad.
Why? How?
The flaw of familiarity.
The most dramatic and traumatic expression of this is in the arena of human relationships.
It’s in that context that the maximum amount of emotional fallout occurs.
The ultimate demonstration of the flaw among married people is a horror called divorce.
No matter who marries who,
Regardless of how pretty, attractive, sensuous, or appealing they are at the time,
The relationship is on an inevitable collision-course with the flaw of familiarity.
Whether or not I can adequately explore and explain the flaw,
I do know this to be a fact:
If you are a member of the human race,
Sooner or later you will discover the meaning of it.
I’m not implying that the flaw of familiarity is sin
Like the flaw of the fallen nature
That we inherited by virtue of being born
A son of Adam or daughter of Eve.
No it’s not a sin issue until it begins to manifest in
Deviant, rebellious, selfish, unlawful and/or anti-Biblical behavior.
Think about it.
We see it all the time.
A woman will violate her marriage covenant and sleep with a man who is not her husband.
A man will trade wives like he trades cars.
A couple will acquire unnecessary debt that erodes away their financial stability,
All because of the almost gravitational pull of desire to have, to possess, to“prosper.”
So what’s the antidote?
Jesus Christ.
“ Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Heb 13:5 NIV)
DSR
11/17/01
A very beautiful woman marries a very handsome man.
The perfect couple, so it seems.
A few years go by and they divorce.
Why?
The flaw of familiarity.
We see this phenomenon at work all the time in our society.
No degree of physical beauty,
No level of mutual attraction between two individuals,
However intense,
Can overcome the internal flaw of familiarity.
Time sees to that.
What is the “flaw of familiarity?”
It’s the force behind billions of dollars of annual sales of products and services in our economy.
It’s what makes the man sell the bass boat to get a bigger, faster, better equipped model.
It’s the influence behind trading a perfectly good car for one of another color.
It’s why the pontoon boat,
The cabin at the lake,
The 4-wheeler,
The Harley,
The pickup truck,
The wife,
Just does sparkle, glitter, and shine quite like it/she used to.
Even our beloved pets are not immune to it.
The kitten or puppy that once evoked such giddy delight from a child
Sooner or later succumbs to the flaw as the poor creature falls from grace in the eyes of the child
And is replaced in their hearts by the latest toy or doodad.
Why? How?
The flaw of familiarity.
The most dramatic and traumatic expression of this is in the arena of human relationships.
It’s in that context that the maximum amount of emotional fallout occurs.
The ultimate demonstration of the flaw among married people is a horror called divorce.
No matter who marries who,
Regardless of how pretty, attractive, sensuous, or appealing they are at the time,
The relationship is on an inevitable collision-course with the flaw of familiarity.
Whether or not I can adequately explore and explain the flaw,
I do know this to be a fact:
If you are a member of the human race,
Sooner or later you will discover the meaning of it.
I’m not implying that the flaw of familiarity is sin
Like the flaw of the fallen nature
That we inherited by virtue of being born
A son of Adam or daughter of Eve.
No it’s not a sin issue until it begins to manifest in
Deviant, rebellious, selfish, unlawful and/or anti-Biblical behavior.
Think about it.
We see it all the time.
A woman will violate her marriage covenant and sleep with a man who is not her husband.
A man will trade wives like he trades cars.
A couple will acquire unnecessary debt that erodes away their financial stability,
All because of the almost gravitational pull of desire to have, to possess, to“prosper.”
So what’s the antidote?
Jesus Christ.
“ Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Heb 13:5 NIV)
DSR
11/17/01
Thursday, October 25, 2001
The Lord Has Need of Him
by David Scott Robertson
(Luke 19:33 NIV) “But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, ‘Why are you loosing the colt?’ And they said, ‘The Lord has need of him.’ Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own garments on the colt, and they set Jesus on him.”
Can you imagine being in the enviable position where the Lord needs you;
Where He actually needs you to perform a task for Him and seemingly no one else will do?
You are His chosen vessel,
Pre-ordained from the foundation of the world to perform a service for Him!
Think of it!
That was the situation with the donkey that Jesus rode on His “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem.
How would you like to have been a fulfillment of Bible prophecy concerning the Messiah?
(Zec 9:9 NIV) “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
That’s exactly what happened to a little donkey
Who was to be God’s chosen instrument upon which His Son would sit and fulfill prophecy.
I want to point out ten observations about this familiar passage of scripture.
First, from the donkey’s point of view and then how it may relate to us.
1. The donkey had never been used before
“…where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat…” (Luke 19:30).
The colt had never been used before but now his first act of service to mankind
Was to carry the Inventor of donkeys and Creator of mankind.
Out of obscurity would rise an ignoble beast of burden
Who would bear the weight on his back
Of the One who bear the weight on His back of the sins of the world.
What about you?
Has the Lord raised you up from obscurity to be used for His glory?
Have you who was nothing been transformed into something by Him who is everything?
2. The Lord had him loosed.
“…Loose him and bring him here” (Luke 19:30).
The donkey was tethered, tied up, bound, a slave to his owner unable to move about freely.
Sounds like a lot of people I know.
What about you?
Were you bound by sin when Jesus sent His servant(s) to share the gospel with you?
Did the Good News set you free?
Were you loosed from the chains that had made you a slave to sin?
I will tell you that “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).
3. People questioned the Lord’s choice.
“…But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” (Luke 19:33).
Under normal circumstances,
A typical response to someone helping themselves to your personal property
Might have gone something like this:
“Hey, that’s our donkey there! You just hold on a minute! What do you think you’re doing?”
“We have fed him, watered him, cleaned up after him, providing a stable for him,
And you think you’re going to take him off just like that because you say
The Lord has need of him?”
Yep, that’s right.
What about you?
When the Lord called you out of sin and you got saved
Was there any resistance?
Did the enemies that had you in bondage put up a fight?
Was there a confrontation from the powers of darkness over letting you go?
Did you have some old “friends” say “his new faith will never last”?
Did any long-time church people ever say
“Who does he think he is anyway that the Lord should use a new convert like him?”
4. Coming in contact with Jesus transformed the donkey into a vessel of honor.
“.Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own garments on the colt, and they set Jesus on him” (Luke 19:35).
The colt that had never been ridden
Suddenly had as his first task to carry the “burden of the Lord.”
Literally.
The donkey was helpful, useful, needful in not only providing a practical need of transportation
For the King of Glory
But to fulfill Bible prophecy as well.
What about you?
Have you noticed that coming in contact with Jesus has changed everything?
Have you noticed that the old is gone and the new has come in your life (2 Corinthians 5:17)?
Because of Christ, many of us who were wild and untamed “beasts” from an unnamed village
Have [won] favor and a good name in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:4 NIV).
5. The colt’s way was paved with glory.
“And as He went, they spread their clothes on the road” (Luke 19:36).
Donkeys are used to walking in dirt and dust,
Trudging through puddles and grime and slime.
Here we see the donkey walking on fine, colorful, perhaps even embroidered clothing!
What a change of circumstances!
How did such an ordinary colt get to enjoy such an extraordinary pathway?
What about you?
As a follower of Christ
Have you walked in some wonderful places?
Have you sat under tremendous preaching and teaching and gospel singing?
Have you been exposed to the wonderful moving of the Holy Spirit in a prayer meeting?
Have you tasted and seen that the Lord is good
As He has had you walk in places of glorious blessing?
6. The donkey was in the presence of great praise.
“Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen…” (Luke 19:37).
This is quite a first assignment for a young colt!
Being loosed to carry the Messiah, walking on beautiful clothing, and now
Entering town to hear something he had never heard before in his entire life:
Cheering, applause, loud voices lifted in jubilant joy!
Could it be that all this commotion was for him, a lowly donkey?
What about you?
Have you ever been used of the Lord?
I hope so.
Have you ever been tempted to take some of the glory for yourself?
Probably.
When the people you have served in the Name of the Lord
Begin to thank you, to commend you, to honor you for ministering to them,
There can be a part of you that goes beyond receiving
Appropriate affirmation, encouragement and appreciation.
Sometimes, deep inside, we can subtly try to steal God’s glory.
Taking credit for something that only God can do
Is about as ridiculous
As the donkey on whom Jesus rode into Jerusalem that day thinking the applause was for him!
7. The colt brought the Word of God to a lost people group.
“.And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, ‘Teacher, rebuke Your disciples’” (Luke 19:40).
What apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers do figuratively
In carrying the Word of God to lost (or misguided religious) people
The donkey did literally that day.
The colt physically carried Jesus Christ, the Word of God.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14 NIV).
What about you?
How lovely are the feet of those who carry the gospel message to a lost person.
Whether the lost people group
Is in a factory, an office, a locker-room, a classroom, or a neighborhood,
People can and must hear the Word of God in order to be saved.
8. The donkey was there when Jesus wept.
“Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it…” (Luke 19:41).
Did a tear coming from the body of the Lord fall on the donkey’s head?
Was he “anointed” with the tears of Christ?
Did the colt’s ears hear the sound of crying from its holy rider?
What about you?
Have you, as it were, in prayer leaned your head on Jesus’ breast and heard His heartbeat?
Have you walked closely with the Lord and discovered the things that make His emotions flare?
Can you identify with what makes Him angry, sad, and joyful?
9. The colt was exposed to revelation knowledge.
“[Jesus] saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side” (Luke 19:42-43).
As Jesus entering into Jerusalem, weeping, He began to prophesy.
And this is not the point at all but the little colt had the faculties to hear Christ’s prophetic words.
And this is the point.
When you spend time serving Christ,
Faithfully doing His work,
He will often times allow you hear things in your spirit
That are a revelation to you simply because you are close to Him.
It reminds me of when the Lord appeared to Abraham
On His way to investigate Sodom and Gommorah:
(Gen 18:17 NIV) “Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?”
10. The colt was never heard of again.
Scripture does not mention the young donkey again from this point on.
I imagine that the colt was returned to its owner.
It would have been like Jesus to send the same two disciples back with the animal to return it…
And probably along with it a personal message of thanks.
Now this is where the difference between animals and man is most evident.
Both are God’s creation but only man was made in God’s image.
As such, he is an eternal being whose spirit will spend forever somewhere.
And if God had His way, it would be with Him (2 Peter 3:9).
May I suggest today that the Lord has need of you?
He has a plan and a work that only you can do.
The self-existent God who has no needs
Has relegated and delegated the Great Commission to preach the gospel to you and I and us.
Imagine that.
The Lord does, in fact, have need of you.
DSR
10/25/01
(Luke 19:33 NIV) “But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, ‘Why are you loosing the colt?’ And they said, ‘The Lord has need of him.’ Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own garments on the colt, and they set Jesus on him.”
Can you imagine being in the enviable position where the Lord needs you;
Where He actually needs you to perform a task for Him and seemingly no one else will do?
You are His chosen vessel,
Pre-ordained from the foundation of the world to perform a service for Him!
Think of it!
That was the situation with the donkey that Jesus rode on His “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem.
How would you like to have been a fulfillment of Bible prophecy concerning the Messiah?
(Zec 9:9 NIV) “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
That’s exactly what happened to a little donkey
Who was to be God’s chosen instrument upon which His Son would sit and fulfill prophecy.
I want to point out ten observations about this familiar passage of scripture.
First, from the donkey’s point of view and then how it may relate to us.
1. The donkey had never been used before
“…where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat…” (Luke 19:30).
The colt had never been used before but now his first act of service to mankind
Was to carry the Inventor of donkeys and Creator of mankind.
Out of obscurity would rise an ignoble beast of burden
Who would bear the weight on his back
Of the One who bear the weight on His back of the sins of the world.
What about you?
Has the Lord raised you up from obscurity to be used for His glory?
Have you who was nothing been transformed into something by Him who is everything?
2. The Lord had him loosed.
“…Loose him and bring him here” (Luke 19:30).
The donkey was tethered, tied up, bound, a slave to his owner unable to move about freely.
Sounds like a lot of people I know.
What about you?
Were you bound by sin when Jesus sent His servant(s) to share the gospel with you?
Did the Good News set you free?
Were you loosed from the chains that had made you a slave to sin?
I will tell you that “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).
3. People questioned the Lord’s choice.
“…But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” (Luke 19:33).
Under normal circumstances,
A typical response to someone helping themselves to your personal property
Might have gone something like this:
“Hey, that’s our donkey there! You just hold on a minute! What do you think you’re doing?”
“We have fed him, watered him, cleaned up after him, providing a stable for him,
And you think you’re going to take him off just like that because you say
The Lord has need of him?”
Yep, that’s right.
What about you?
When the Lord called you out of sin and you got saved
Was there any resistance?
Did the enemies that had you in bondage put up a fight?
Was there a confrontation from the powers of darkness over letting you go?
Did you have some old “friends” say “his new faith will never last”?
Did any long-time church people ever say
“Who does he think he is anyway that the Lord should use a new convert like him?”
4. Coming in contact with Jesus transformed the donkey into a vessel of honor.
“.Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own garments on the colt, and they set Jesus on him” (Luke 19:35).
The colt that had never been ridden
Suddenly had as his first task to carry the “burden of the Lord.”
Literally.
The donkey was helpful, useful, needful in not only providing a practical need of transportation
For the King of Glory
But to fulfill Bible prophecy as well.
What about you?
Have you noticed that coming in contact with Jesus has changed everything?
Have you noticed that the old is gone and the new has come in your life (2 Corinthians 5:17)?
Because of Christ, many of us who were wild and untamed “beasts” from an unnamed village
Have [won] favor and a good name in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:4 NIV).
5. The colt’s way was paved with glory.
“And as He went, they spread their clothes on the road” (Luke 19:36).
Donkeys are used to walking in dirt and dust,
Trudging through puddles and grime and slime.
Here we see the donkey walking on fine, colorful, perhaps even embroidered clothing!
What a change of circumstances!
How did such an ordinary colt get to enjoy such an extraordinary pathway?
What about you?
As a follower of Christ
Have you walked in some wonderful places?
Have you sat under tremendous preaching and teaching and gospel singing?
Have you been exposed to the wonderful moving of the Holy Spirit in a prayer meeting?
Have you tasted and seen that the Lord is good
As He has had you walk in places of glorious blessing?
6. The donkey was in the presence of great praise.
“Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen…” (Luke 19:37).
This is quite a first assignment for a young colt!
Being loosed to carry the Messiah, walking on beautiful clothing, and now
Entering town to hear something he had never heard before in his entire life:
Cheering, applause, loud voices lifted in jubilant joy!
Could it be that all this commotion was for him, a lowly donkey?
What about you?
Have you ever been used of the Lord?
I hope so.
Have you ever been tempted to take some of the glory for yourself?
Probably.
When the people you have served in the Name of the Lord
Begin to thank you, to commend you, to honor you for ministering to them,
There can be a part of you that goes beyond receiving
Appropriate affirmation, encouragement and appreciation.
Sometimes, deep inside, we can subtly try to steal God’s glory.
Taking credit for something that only God can do
Is about as ridiculous
As the donkey on whom Jesus rode into Jerusalem that day thinking the applause was for him!
7. The colt brought the Word of God to a lost people group.
“.And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, ‘Teacher, rebuke Your disciples’” (Luke 19:40).
What apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers do figuratively
In carrying the Word of God to lost (or misguided religious) people
The donkey did literally that day.
The colt physically carried Jesus Christ, the Word of God.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14 NIV).
What about you?
How lovely are the feet of those who carry the gospel message to a lost person.
Whether the lost people group
Is in a factory, an office, a locker-room, a classroom, or a neighborhood,
People can and must hear the Word of God in order to be saved.
8. The donkey was there when Jesus wept.
“Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it…” (Luke 19:41).
Did a tear coming from the body of the Lord fall on the donkey’s head?
Was he “anointed” with the tears of Christ?
Did the colt’s ears hear the sound of crying from its holy rider?
What about you?
Have you, as it were, in prayer leaned your head on Jesus’ breast and heard His heartbeat?
Have you walked closely with the Lord and discovered the things that make His emotions flare?
Can you identify with what makes Him angry, sad, and joyful?
9. The colt was exposed to revelation knowledge.
“[Jesus] saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side” (Luke 19:42-43).
As Jesus entering into Jerusalem, weeping, He began to prophesy.
And this is not the point at all but the little colt had the faculties to hear Christ’s prophetic words.
And this is the point.
When you spend time serving Christ,
Faithfully doing His work,
He will often times allow you hear things in your spirit
That are a revelation to you simply because you are close to Him.
It reminds me of when the Lord appeared to Abraham
On His way to investigate Sodom and Gommorah:
(Gen 18:17 NIV) “Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?”
10. The colt was never heard of again.
Scripture does not mention the young donkey again from this point on.
I imagine that the colt was returned to its owner.
It would have been like Jesus to send the same two disciples back with the animal to return it…
And probably along with it a personal message of thanks.
Now this is where the difference between animals and man is most evident.
Both are God’s creation but only man was made in God’s image.
As such, he is an eternal being whose spirit will spend forever somewhere.
And if God had His way, it would be with Him (2 Peter 3:9).
May I suggest today that the Lord has need of you?
He has a plan and a work that only you can do.
The self-existent God who has no needs
Has relegated and delegated the Great Commission to preach the gospel to you and I and us.
Imagine that.
The Lord does, in fact, have need of you.
DSR
10/25/01
Tuesday, October 9, 2001
A Question of Doubt
by David Scott Robertson
(Luke 7:20 NIV) “When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'"
John the Baptist.
The official forerunner of Christ.
The authorized, God-sanctioned voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord.
The prophesied one who would announce that the Prophesied One would come.
John was born of supernatural means to aged, barren parents.
No doubt John’s mother, Elizabeth, had weaned him on stories of conceiving him in her old age
And perhaps even recounted how he had lept in her womb when she met her cousin, Mary,
Who was pregnant with the Lord Jesus Christ at the time (Luke 1:36).
John got the confirmation from God that Jesus was, in fact, the very Son of God:
(John 1:32 NIV) Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.
(John 1:33 NIV) I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
(John 1:34 NIV) I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."
The day after Jesus’ baptism, John publicly declared:
(John 1:29 NIV) “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John was filled with joy as his ministry transitioned to an inferior one compared to Jesus’ ministry:
(John 3:29 NIV) “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
(John 3:30 NIV) He must become greater; I must become less.”
John had revelation knowledge concerning the greatness of Jesus’ powerful ministry:
(Mat 3:11 NIV) "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
So you see, John knew,
Without a shadow of doubt,
That this one, Jesus, was the literal, historical, actual and scriptural
Only begotten Son of God.
So, why do you think John posed this incredible question?
(Luke 7:20 NIV) “When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'"
Think about it!
What was going on in John’s head and heart?
Was he depressed? Confused? Discouraged? Doubtful?
Did he really question the identity of Jesus of Nazareth and all its ramifications to the world?
I don’t think so.
I don’t think so at all.
Could it be that John had strategically sent his followers to Jesus to ask this specific question -
Not for his sake but for theirs?
John had the matter of the identity of Messiah thoroughly settled,
But could John’s disciples say the same thing?
Why were they still his followers when Jesus was now on the scene?
I think it important to note that
When Jesus was asked the question,
He did not immediately respond.
(Luke 7:21 NIV) “At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.
(Luke 7:22 NIV) So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
(Luke 7:23 NIV) Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
John knew that every good Jewish boy would be very familiar
With the classic Messianic promises found in Isaiah:
(Isa 61:1 NIV) “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…”
I think the Lord was helping John’s disciples to connect the dots,
To link prophecy with reality,
And to settle certain things in their hearts to help them once John was dead and gone.
Jesus and John both knew that John’s time on earth was very short.
It is very possible since John knew that the time of his departure was drawing near,
That he was preparing his followers the best way he knew to follow Christ.
Perhaps John thought back to the time
When some of his disciples began becoming Jesus’ disciples:
(John 1:35 NIV) “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.
(John 1:36 NIV) When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
(John 1:37 NIV) When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.
(John 1:38 NIV) Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"
(John 1:39 NIV) "Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.”
In conclusion,
The question of doubt
That seemed so uncharacteristic coming from the lips of John ,
May not have been a matter of doubt at all
Rather a carefully crafted matter of hope
To speak into the lives of the remaining disciples of John.
Note also that Jesus did not react negatively to this most unusual question from John.
The Lord’s typical response to the faithlessness of His followers went something like this:
(Mat 17:16 NIV) “ I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him."
(Mat 17:17 NIV) "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me."”
But although John’s question sent through his followers to Christ appeared to be faithless,
Once they departed to report the Lord’s answer to John
Notice particularly what Jesus says about John:
(Mat 11:11 NIV) “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
There was no question of doubt
What Jesus thought of His faithful friend, John the Baptist.
DSR
10/9/01
(Luke 7:20 NIV) “When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'"
John the Baptist.
The official forerunner of Christ.
The authorized, God-sanctioned voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord.
The prophesied one who would announce that the Prophesied One would come.
John was born of supernatural means to aged, barren parents.
No doubt John’s mother, Elizabeth, had weaned him on stories of conceiving him in her old age
And perhaps even recounted how he had lept in her womb when she met her cousin, Mary,
Who was pregnant with the Lord Jesus Christ at the time (Luke 1:36).
John got the confirmation from God that Jesus was, in fact, the very Son of God:
(John 1:32 NIV) Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.
(John 1:33 NIV) I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
(John 1:34 NIV) I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."
The day after Jesus’ baptism, John publicly declared:
(John 1:29 NIV) “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John was filled with joy as his ministry transitioned to an inferior one compared to Jesus’ ministry:
(John 3:29 NIV) “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
(John 3:30 NIV) He must become greater; I must become less.”
John had revelation knowledge concerning the greatness of Jesus’ powerful ministry:
(Mat 3:11 NIV) "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
So you see, John knew,
Without a shadow of doubt,
That this one, Jesus, was the literal, historical, actual and scriptural
Only begotten Son of God.
So, why do you think John posed this incredible question?
(Luke 7:20 NIV) “When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'"
Think about it!
What was going on in John’s head and heart?
Was he depressed? Confused? Discouraged? Doubtful?
Did he really question the identity of Jesus of Nazareth and all its ramifications to the world?
I don’t think so.
I don’t think so at all.
Could it be that John had strategically sent his followers to Jesus to ask this specific question -
Not for his sake but for theirs?
John had the matter of the identity of Messiah thoroughly settled,
But could John’s disciples say the same thing?
Why were they still his followers when Jesus was now on the scene?
I think it important to note that
When Jesus was asked the question,
He did not immediately respond.
(Luke 7:21 NIV) “At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.
(Luke 7:22 NIV) So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
(Luke 7:23 NIV) Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
John knew that every good Jewish boy would be very familiar
With the classic Messianic promises found in Isaiah:
(Isa 61:1 NIV) “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…”
I think the Lord was helping John’s disciples to connect the dots,
To link prophecy with reality,
And to settle certain things in their hearts to help them once John was dead and gone.
Jesus and John both knew that John’s time on earth was very short.
It is very possible since John knew that the time of his departure was drawing near,
That he was preparing his followers the best way he knew to follow Christ.
Perhaps John thought back to the time
When some of his disciples began becoming Jesus’ disciples:
(John 1:35 NIV) “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.
(John 1:36 NIV) When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
(John 1:37 NIV) When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.
(John 1:38 NIV) Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"
(John 1:39 NIV) "Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.”
In conclusion,
The question of doubt
That seemed so uncharacteristic coming from the lips of John ,
May not have been a matter of doubt at all
Rather a carefully crafted matter of hope
To speak into the lives of the remaining disciples of John.
Note also that Jesus did not react negatively to this most unusual question from John.
The Lord’s typical response to the faithlessness of His followers went something like this:
(Mat 17:16 NIV) “ I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him."
(Mat 17:17 NIV) "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me."”
But although John’s question sent through his followers to Christ appeared to be faithless,
Once they departed to report the Lord’s answer to John
Notice particularly what Jesus says about John:
(Mat 11:11 NIV) “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
There was no question of doubt
What Jesus thought of His faithful friend, John the Baptist.
DSR
10/9/01
Thursday, October 4, 2001
Jesus Went His Way
by David Scott Robertson
(Luke 4:28 NIV) “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
(Luke 4:29 NIV) They got up, drove him [Jesus] out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.
(Luke 4:30 NIV) But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.”
Can you imagine the drama of this scene in the Bible?
Think about what was going on behind the scene between the angels and demons!
Were there any words spoken by Christ that persuaded the enraged crowd to change their mind?
Did He do something spectacular or miraculous that -
Suddenly, dramatically, amazingly -
Transformed a bloodthirsty mob into a passive crowd of spectators
Who cleared the way as Jesus walked (casually I’m sure) through the crowd?
Let’s quickly recreate the scene.
Jesus was in His hometown of Nazareth.
He was in church as usual (Luke 4:16) among His family and friends that He had grown up with.
Jesus was handed the scroll of Isaiah and He began to read:
(Isa 61:1 NIV) “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
(Isa 61:2 NIV) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor….”
Jesus stopped in mid-sentence on the last verse and sat down.
Everybody was staring at Him when He said:
(Luke 4:21 NIV) “…’Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’"
What was their reaction?
(Luke 4:22 NIV) “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. ‘Isn't this Joseph's son?’ they asked.”
First, be careful when all speak well of you.
Mankind is so fickle.
They can bless you one minute and curse you the next.
It comes so, so natural to us.
Secondly, it seems that this last part of the people’s statement is what got Jesus explicit attention.
Their question absolutely demanded a response from the Messiah.
Whether He heard their whispers with His ears
Or He received the revelation by the Spirit as a word of knowledge,
The Lord discerned their question:
“Is this not Joseph’s son?”
(No as a matter of fact,
Jesus was not merely a man’s son with a little “s”
But God’s Son with a capital “S.”)
It was Jesus’ response to that question that tipped the scales against Him in their eyes.
When their wonder turned to
Religious fervor,
Righteous indignation,
And murderous rage.
Jesus spoke 100% truth when He replied:
(Luke 4:23 NIV) “Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'"
(Luke 4:24 NIV) "I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown.”
Then He began to cite two examples,
One a Sidonian widow who Elijah ministered to
And next a Syrian leper whom Elisha healed
Of how Jehovah had mercy
On foreigners who accepted Him
Over His elect people who rejected Him.
Well, with that, the congregation of the local synagogue determined
That Jesus Christ of Nazareth was not fit to live.
(Luke 4:28 NIV) “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
(Luke 4:29 NIV) They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.”
What?
They “drove him out of town?”
They “took him to the brow of the hill?”
They desired to “throw him down the cliff?”
Part of what amazes me is that Jesus allowed them to do this.
It reminds me of when He allowed Satan to led him to the pinnacle of the temple
To tempt Him to jump off (Luke 4:9).
Another thing that intrigues me is that if this was His home synagogue where He had grown up,
Where was His family?
If Jesus were speaking at church that Sabbath, surely they would be there.
So where were His earthly brothers, sisters, and mother?
Were they in the press of the crowd screaming in His defense?
Were they fighting for Him?
Were they struggling against the mob to try and pacify them to leave their loved One alone?
Now comes the climax of this incredible scene
Where they are actually at the brow of the cliff
Ready to physically and forcibly toss Jesus over the side.
Then the most awesome thing happens.
(Luke 4:30 NIV) “But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.”
Now I want to return to my original questions:
Were there any words spoken by Christ that persuaded the enraged crowd to change their mind?
Did He do something spectacular or miraculous that -
Suddenly, dramatically, amazingly -
Transformed a bloodthirsty mob into a passive crowd of spectators
Who cleared the way as Jesus walked (casually I’m sure) through the crowd?
My answer?
I don’t know!
Only God knows.
One thing I do know
Is that according to the scriptures,
The Lamb of God was born to die nailed to a cross to atone for the sins of the world.
He could die in no other way,
At no other time,
For no other reason.
The scriptures could not (and cannot and will not) be broken.
That is the answer for “why” Jesus did not get tossed over the cliff that day.
But as for the “how” He turned around and walked through the crowd…
I’ll guess we’ll just have to wait until we get to heaven
And watch the instant replay – in slow motion, I hope!
DSR
10/4/01
(Luke 4:28 NIV) “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
(Luke 4:29 NIV) They got up, drove him [Jesus] out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.
(Luke 4:30 NIV) But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.”
Can you imagine the drama of this scene in the Bible?
Think about what was going on behind the scene between the angels and demons!
Were there any words spoken by Christ that persuaded the enraged crowd to change their mind?
Did He do something spectacular or miraculous that -
Suddenly, dramatically, amazingly -
Transformed a bloodthirsty mob into a passive crowd of spectators
Who cleared the way as Jesus walked (casually I’m sure) through the crowd?
Let’s quickly recreate the scene.
Jesus was in His hometown of Nazareth.
He was in church as usual (Luke 4:16) among His family and friends that He had grown up with.
Jesus was handed the scroll of Isaiah and He began to read:
(Isa 61:1 NIV) “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
(Isa 61:2 NIV) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor….”
Jesus stopped in mid-sentence on the last verse and sat down.
Everybody was staring at Him when He said:
(Luke 4:21 NIV) “…’Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’"
What was their reaction?
(Luke 4:22 NIV) “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. ‘Isn't this Joseph's son?’ they asked.”
First, be careful when all speak well of you.
Mankind is so fickle.
They can bless you one minute and curse you the next.
It comes so, so natural to us.
Secondly, it seems that this last part of the people’s statement is what got Jesus explicit attention.
Their question absolutely demanded a response from the Messiah.
Whether He heard their whispers with His ears
Or He received the revelation by the Spirit as a word of knowledge,
The Lord discerned their question:
“Is this not Joseph’s son?”
(No as a matter of fact,
Jesus was not merely a man’s son with a little “s”
But God’s Son with a capital “S.”)
It was Jesus’ response to that question that tipped the scales against Him in their eyes.
When their wonder turned to
Religious fervor,
Righteous indignation,
And murderous rage.
Jesus spoke 100% truth when He replied:
(Luke 4:23 NIV) “Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'"
(Luke 4:24 NIV) "I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown.”
Then He began to cite two examples,
One a Sidonian widow who Elijah ministered to
And next a Syrian leper whom Elisha healed
Of how Jehovah had mercy
On foreigners who accepted Him
Over His elect people who rejected Him.
Well, with that, the congregation of the local synagogue determined
That Jesus Christ of Nazareth was not fit to live.
(Luke 4:28 NIV) “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
(Luke 4:29 NIV) They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.”
What?
They “drove him out of town?”
They “took him to the brow of the hill?”
They desired to “throw him down the cliff?”
Part of what amazes me is that Jesus allowed them to do this.
It reminds me of when He allowed Satan to led him to the pinnacle of the temple
To tempt Him to jump off (Luke 4:9).
Another thing that intrigues me is that if this was His home synagogue where He had grown up,
Where was His family?
If Jesus were speaking at church that Sabbath, surely they would be there.
So where were His earthly brothers, sisters, and mother?
Were they in the press of the crowd screaming in His defense?
Were they fighting for Him?
Were they struggling against the mob to try and pacify them to leave their loved One alone?
Now comes the climax of this incredible scene
Where they are actually at the brow of the cliff
Ready to physically and forcibly toss Jesus over the side.
Then the most awesome thing happens.
(Luke 4:30 NIV) “But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.”
Now I want to return to my original questions:
Were there any words spoken by Christ that persuaded the enraged crowd to change their mind?
Did He do something spectacular or miraculous that -
Suddenly, dramatically, amazingly -
Transformed a bloodthirsty mob into a passive crowd of spectators
Who cleared the way as Jesus walked (casually I’m sure) through the crowd?
My answer?
I don’t know!
Only God knows.
One thing I do know
Is that according to the scriptures,
The Lamb of God was born to die nailed to a cross to atone for the sins of the world.
He could die in no other way,
At no other time,
For no other reason.
The scriptures could not (and cannot and will not) be broken.
That is the answer for “why” Jesus did not get tossed over the cliff that day.
But as for the “how” He turned around and walked through the crowd…
I’ll guess we’ll just have to wait until we get to heaven
And watch the instant replay – in slow motion, I hope!
DSR
10/4/01
Monday, September 24, 2001
The Man Who Hit Jesus
by David Scott Robertson
(Mat 26:66 NIV) What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.
(Mat 26:67 NIV) Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him
(Mat 26:68 NIV) and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"
“Who hit You?”
Jesus knew him.
Jesus knew him well.
The God-Man had the power and capacity to respond to this question.
The Messiah could have wheeled around and replied:
“Who hit Me?”
I’ll tell you…”
“His name is Bildad, son of Hoshea, the son of Matthias, the son of…
(He could have correctly listed the genealogy all the way back to Adam.)
Bildad is from the west side of Galilee and lives next to Aholiab the Tanner.
Bildad has a wife, three sons and a daughter
Whose names are (in the order of their birth…)
Bildad by trade is a perfumer
And his net profit – not counting all the business he’s done under the table this year – is exactly….
Bildad has precisely 976,143,119 hairs on his body.”
The incarnate God, Jesus Christ,
Literally had access to this kind of information by the power of the Holy Spirit
That was in Him without measure.
Why didn’t He do it?
Two reasons, I think.
Reason #1: It wouldn’t have done any good.
These men surrounding him like a pack of wolves closing in on the kill
Weren’t interested in knowing the truth --
They just spat and slapped Truth in the face.
Instead of asking Jesus
“… in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Col 2:2-3 NIV),
They relied on their own flawed wisdom.
(Mat 26:66 NIV) What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.”
Who cares what man thinks?
What does Yahweh think of Jesus of Nazareth?
Reason #2: The scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning the Christ.
Jesus not only had at His dispatch unlimited spiritual gifts,
He also had unlimited angelic military resources.
(Mat 26:53 NIV) Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
(Mat 26:54 NIV) But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"
Our Lord and Savior suppressed every natural, carnal, sinful desire
To retaliate in order for prophecy and the will of the Father to be fulfilled.
(Mat 26:56 NIV) But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.”
So, back to the original question…could He have answered it?
(Mat 26:68 NIV) “…’Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?’"
Yes.
But before my (and perhaps your) righteous indignation rises up
And, like Peter, I want to take a sword (my tongue)
To begin to assassinate the character of these religious leaders…
I must admit,
Shamefully,
That it was MY sin that hit Him too.
I had my share in the nailing of the Son of God to the cross at Calvary.
So did you.
But Jesus endured it obediently, courageously, valiantly and voluntarily,
Walking out “not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42)
To fulfill that which was spoken of by the prophets centuries prior.
True to form,
Jesus did this so that one more prophecy could be fulfilled in the future tense:
(John 14:1 NIV) "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
(John 14:2 NIV) In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
(John 14:3 NIV) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
(John 14:4 NIV) You know the way to the place where I am going."
DSR
9/24/01
(Mat 26:66 NIV) What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.
(Mat 26:67 NIV) Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him
(Mat 26:68 NIV) and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"
“Who hit You?”
Jesus knew him.
Jesus knew him well.
The God-Man had the power and capacity to respond to this question.
The Messiah could have wheeled around and replied:
“Who hit Me?”
I’ll tell you…”
“His name is Bildad, son of Hoshea, the son of Matthias, the son of…
(He could have correctly listed the genealogy all the way back to Adam.)
Bildad is from the west side of Galilee and lives next to Aholiab the Tanner.
Bildad has a wife, three sons and a daughter
Whose names are (in the order of their birth…)
Bildad by trade is a perfumer
And his net profit – not counting all the business he’s done under the table this year – is exactly….
Bildad has precisely 976,143,119 hairs on his body.”
The incarnate God, Jesus Christ,
Literally had access to this kind of information by the power of the Holy Spirit
That was in Him without measure.
Why didn’t He do it?
Two reasons, I think.
Reason #1: It wouldn’t have done any good.
These men surrounding him like a pack of wolves closing in on the kill
Weren’t interested in knowing the truth --
They just spat and slapped Truth in the face.
Instead of asking Jesus
“… in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Col 2:2-3 NIV),
They relied on their own flawed wisdom.
(Mat 26:66 NIV) What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.”
Who cares what man thinks?
What does Yahweh think of Jesus of Nazareth?
Reason #2: The scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning the Christ.
Jesus not only had at His dispatch unlimited spiritual gifts,
He also had unlimited angelic military resources.
(Mat 26:53 NIV) Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
(Mat 26:54 NIV) But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"
Our Lord and Savior suppressed every natural, carnal, sinful desire
To retaliate in order for prophecy and the will of the Father to be fulfilled.
(Mat 26:56 NIV) But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.”
So, back to the original question…could He have answered it?
(Mat 26:68 NIV) “…’Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?’"
Yes.
But before my (and perhaps your) righteous indignation rises up
And, like Peter, I want to take a sword (my tongue)
To begin to assassinate the character of these religious leaders…
I must admit,
Shamefully,
That it was MY sin that hit Him too.
I had my share in the nailing of the Son of God to the cross at Calvary.
So did you.
But Jesus endured it obediently, courageously, valiantly and voluntarily,
Walking out “not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42)
To fulfill that which was spoken of by the prophets centuries prior.
True to form,
Jesus did this so that one more prophecy could be fulfilled in the future tense:
(John 14:1 NIV) "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
(John 14:2 NIV) In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
(John 14:3 NIV) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
(John 14:4 NIV) You know the way to the place where I am going."
DSR
9/24/01
Friday, September 21, 2001
The Boy Who Touched God
by David Scott Robertson
(Mark 9:36 NIV) He [Jesus] took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them,
(Mark 9:37 NIV) "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
I’m intrigued by this short encounter that Jesus has with an unnamed child.
We don’t know the little boy’s name,
But we know that the child was quite literally touched by God.
Can you imagine what it must have been like
To be taken in the arms of Christ Jesus and physically held?
As I read my Bible,
One quick, light touch of the Master’s hand cured any and every disease.
I like to think that Jesus smiled tenderly at the lad.
Jesus must have been a warm and inviting Person to the child as He made eye contact with him
That caused the child to willingly come to Jesus and let Him hold him.
You know how kids can be if they are intimidated by an adult.
Jesus sure intimidated his share of adults so much so that they wanted to rid the earth of Him.
But this little boy was not intimidated in the least
And came to Christ freely, fearlessly, joyfully.
I also wonder what long-term impact this encounter with the Lord had on the young man.
I wonder if the child,
Then or later in his life,
Realized that God has used him as an object lesson to teach the world
About how God wants people to come to Him.
I’m curious what his parent(s) might have told him about being held by Jesus.
I wonder what friends or neighbors who were on the scene told the boy
As each described how the very Son of God scooped him up in His arms for a few minutes.
I can’t help but think that the child’s destiny was altered by this one brief encounter.
Whether or not Jesus verbally “blessed” the little one before He let him go is not known.
But just being lovingly held in the arms of Christ,
I should think,
Would allow for a transfer of a measure of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Do you think the little boy grew up to be a man of God?
Do you think He might have joined Messiah’s Band?
Did he become a follower of The Way?
Did the nameless child grow up to be mentioned by name in scripture later on?
Only God knows.
I have an idea that this little boy’s life on earth and eternal destiny
Was forever changed by this one brief encounter with Christ.
DSR
9/21/01
(Mark 9:36 NIV) He [Jesus] took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them,
(Mark 9:37 NIV) "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
I’m intrigued by this short encounter that Jesus has with an unnamed child.
We don’t know the little boy’s name,
But we know that the child was quite literally touched by God.
Can you imagine what it must have been like
To be taken in the arms of Christ Jesus and physically held?
As I read my Bible,
One quick, light touch of the Master’s hand cured any and every disease.
I like to think that Jesus smiled tenderly at the lad.
Jesus must have been a warm and inviting Person to the child as He made eye contact with him
That caused the child to willingly come to Jesus and let Him hold him.
You know how kids can be if they are intimidated by an adult.
Jesus sure intimidated his share of adults so much so that they wanted to rid the earth of Him.
But this little boy was not intimidated in the least
And came to Christ freely, fearlessly, joyfully.
I also wonder what long-term impact this encounter with the Lord had on the young man.
I wonder if the child,
Then or later in his life,
Realized that God has used him as an object lesson to teach the world
About how God wants people to come to Him.
I’m curious what his parent(s) might have told him about being held by Jesus.
I wonder what friends or neighbors who were on the scene told the boy
As each described how the very Son of God scooped him up in His arms for a few minutes.
I can’t help but think that the child’s destiny was altered by this one brief encounter.
Whether or not Jesus verbally “blessed” the little one before He let him go is not known.
But just being lovingly held in the arms of Christ,
I should think,
Would allow for a transfer of a measure of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Do you think the little boy grew up to be a man of God?
Do you think He might have joined Messiah’s Band?
Did he become a follower of The Way?
Did the nameless child grow up to be mentioned by name in scripture later on?
Only God knows.
I have an idea that this little boy’s life on earth and eternal destiny
Was forever changed by this one brief encounter with Christ.
DSR
9/21/01
Monday, September 3, 2001
Judas Iscariot: Remorse Without Repentance
by David Scott Robertson
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.
"I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." (Mat 27:3-4 NIV)
Judas Iscariot, the disciple of Jesus Christ.
One of the Twelve.
A follower of the Messiah of Israel.
A man privileged to hear words directly from the lips of the Master Himself.
Words that prophets long dead yearned to hear in person.
Judas witnessed first-hand
What tens of millions of Christians today would have loved to have seen with their own eyes.
Judas was there, real-time, on-site, up-close-and-personal with the only begotten Son of God.
Could it be possible that Judas Iscariot,
In the early days of following Jesus of Nazareth,
Was out there destroying the works of the devil?
One thing we know for sure,
Somewhere along the way Judas left a door open to his heart.
He allowed a window to remain open just a crack.
Satan didn’t need a mile-wide channel to enter --
Just an inch…
A tiny lowering of the barrier of Judas’ free will
To gain legal access and control.
Judas began his descent into compromise little by little.
He began to the downward spiral subtlety.
He helped himself to a portion of the offering plate.
He allowed greet, the love of money, to take a toe-hold.
On God the Father knows all the moral violations that Judas permitted
To seep into his soul and the degree to which corruption had its work in him.
Judas began practicing betraying Christ is a dozen discrete ways.
He became good at it.
He became proficient at suppressing his guilty conscience,
Ignoring profound truth spoken in his hearing by Jesus.
“Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, ‘Rabbi, is it I?’ He said to him, ‘You have said it.’” (Matthew 26:25 NKJV – emphasis mine.)
The word “betraying” here indicates that it wasn’t a future event.
You see, Judas had been practicing.
As I read along in the biblical account of this tragedy,
I observe that the thing that really seemed to push Judas over the edge,
As I read it “the straw that broke the camel’s back,”
Was when the woman broke the alabaster box of perfume over Jesus’ feet,
Prophetically anointing Him for burial (Matthew 26:6-7).
(Mat 26:13 NIV) I [Jesus] tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
(Mat 26:14 NIV) Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests
(Mat 26:15 NIV) and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.
(Mat 26:16 NIV) From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” (emphasis mine).
Bible history tells the sorrowful story of how Judas Iscariot
(Who has rightly become the icon of betrayal)
Opened himself up for the devil personally to enter him
(Note that Satan didn’t delegate this important assignment to a subordinate demon).
Under the influence of the Prince of Darkness,
The pawn Judas played his part to betray Jesus of Nazareth to be condemned to death,
Yes, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).
Jesus commented on this earlier at His last meal with His disciples:
(Mat 26:24 NIV) The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
Now I want you to notice something:
Even at the intense climax of the betrayal,
The very moment before Judas is about to “officially” betray him “into the hands of sinners”
By the ironic signal of a kiss,
Jesus reaches out to Judas in a staggering show of love and mercy:
“But Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, why have you come?” (Matthew 26:50 NKJV)
Judas should have broke right then and there.
He could have stopped his part of the betrayal transaction.
He could have fallen at Jesus’ feet and said:
“Lord, I can’t go through with it! I just can’t betray you!”
I personally believe that even if Judas had a sudden burst of repentance before the Christ,
The momentum of the evil forces behind the chief priests and elders
Would have proceeded with the plot and plan
To murder Jesus with or without Judas.
It was past the point of no return.
Had Judas allowed his heart to be melted instead of hardened,
We might be reading today in scripture
Of one of God’s most massive objects of grace.
Some of us Christians may have even identified with Judas
Since we have all betrayed the Son of God to one extent on another.
Judas’ personal history and eternal destination,
In this one climactic moment,
Might (it was possible) have been altered forever in this,
His very last chance,
To gain an audience with the King of the Jews.
(Talk about your divine appointments!)
But he didn’t.
In a flash of time,
A moment of visitation in the very presence of God,
Choices were offered and available to Judas Iscariot:
To betray or not betray?
To repent or not repent?
Heaven or hell?
Join the ranks of one more repentant sinner who has come home or become the eternal betrayer?
Without “inquiring of the Lord” Judas made his split-second decision
In response to Jesus’ incredible question: “‘Friend, why have you come?’” (Matthew 26:50 NKJV)
Judas didn’t seal Jesus’ fate with a kiss but he did seal his own.
(Mat 26:50b KJV) “…Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.”
Now the horror story of Judas’ downward spiral begins to close.
(Mat 27:1 NIV) Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death.
(Mat 27:2 NIV) They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
(Mat 27:3 NIV) When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.
(Mat 27:4 NIV) "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."
Apparently, at some incredible moment during the night,
Judas had experienced an exorcism!
It seems apparent that a mighty deliverance had taken place in his life
And the Demon of all demons – Lucifer, Satan, vacated Judas’ body.
(John 13:27 NIV) As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him…”
The above scripture confirms that Judas had indeed been possessed of THE devil,
And now - consider the paradox – Judas is “seized with remorse”! (Matthew 27:3)
Do you really think if Judas was still possessed by Satan
That he would have any remorse?
I should think that Lucifer would have taken the opportunity
To manipulate his human host into boasting and bragging and parading around
In his trademark of pride and arrogance.
But no!
We see Judas remorseful!
Could it be that Judas is like so many unfortunate souls today
That are just worthless refuse to Satan
And the only reason the devil has anything dealing with them at all
Is for the purpose of manipulation, persuasion and intimidation?
He uses human puppets – like Judas - to do his bidding to hurt God the Father.
Once they have outlived their usefulness
They are good for nothing but self-destruction and death.
What about you?
Are you facing a moment of truth?
Have you “done messed up royally” and feel like it’s too late to change?
No! A thousand times no!
(Psa 2:11 NIV) Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.
(Psa 2:12 NIV) Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
The kind of kiss that Jesus is looking for
Is a kiss of submission not a kiss of betrayal.
DSR
9/3/01
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.
"I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." (Mat 27:3-4 NIV)
Judas Iscariot, the disciple of Jesus Christ.
One of the Twelve.
A follower of the Messiah of Israel.
A man privileged to hear words directly from the lips of the Master Himself.
Words that prophets long dead yearned to hear in person.
Judas witnessed first-hand
What tens of millions of Christians today would have loved to have seen with their own eyes.
Judas was there, real-time, on-site, up-close-and-personal with the only begotten Son of God.
Could it be possible that Judas Iscariot,
In the early days of following Jesus of Nazareth,
Was out there destroying the works of the devil?
One thing we know for sure,
Somewhere along the way Judas left a door open to his heart.
He allowed a window to remain open just a crack.
Satan didn’t need a mile-wide channel to enter --
Just an inch…
A tiny lowering of the barrier of Judas’ free will
To gain legal access and control.
Judas began his descent into compromise little by little.
He began to the downward spiral subtlety.
He helped himself to a portion of the offering plate.
He allowed greet, the love of money, to take a toe-hold.
On God the Father knows all the moral violations that Judas permitted
To seep into his soul and the degree to which corruption had its work in him.
Judas began practicing betraying Christ is a dozen discrete ways.
He became good at it.
He became proficient at suppressing his guilty conscience,
Ignoring profound truth spoken in his hearing by Jesus.
“Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, ‘Rabbi, is it I?’ He said to him, ‘You have said it.’” (Matthew 26:25 NKJV – emphasis mine.)
The word “betraying” here indicates that it wasn’t a future event.
You see, Judas had been practicing.
As I read along in the biblical account of this tragedy,
I observe that the thing that really seemed to push Judas over the edge,
As I read it “the straw that broke the camel’s back,”
Was when the woman broke the alabaster box of perfume over Jesus’ feet,
Prophetically anointing Him for burial (Matthew 26:6-7).
(Mat 26:13 NIV) I [Jesus] tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
(Mat 26:14 NIV) Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests
(Mat 26:15 NIV) and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.
(Mat 26:16 NIV) From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.” (emphasis mine).
Bible history tells the sorrowful story of how Judas Iscariot
(Who has rightly become the icon of betrayal)
Opened himself up for the devil personally to enter him
(Note that Satan didn’t delegate this important assignment to a subordinate demon).
Under the influence of the Prince of Darkness,
The pawn Judas played his part to betray Jesus of Nazareth to be condemned to death,
Yes, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).
Jesus commented on this earlier at His last meal with His disciples:
(Mat 26:24 NIV) The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
Now I want you to notice something:
Even at the intense climax of the betrayal,
The very moment before Judas is about to “officially” betray him “into the hands of sinners”
By the ironic signal of a kiss,
Jesus reaches out to Judas in a staggering show of love and mercy:
“But Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, why have you come?” (Matthew 26:50 NKJV)
Judas should have broke right then and there.
He could have stopped his part of the betrayal transaction.
He could have fallen at Jesus’ feet and said:
“Lord, I can’t go through with it! I just can’t betray you!”
I personally believe that even if Judas had a sudden burst of repentance before the Christ,
The momentum of the evil forces behind the chief priests and elders
Would have proceeded with the plot and plan
To murder Jesus with or without Judas.
It was past the point of no return.
Had Judas allowed his heart to be melted instead of hardened,
We might be reading today in scripture
Of one of God’s most massive objects of grace.
Some of us Christians may have even identified with Judas
Since we have all betrayed the Son of God to one extent on another.
Judas’ personal history and eternal destination,
In this one climactic moment,
Might (it was possible) have been altered forever in this,
His very last chance,
To gain an audience with the King of the Jews.
(Talk about your divine appointments!)
But he didn’t.
In a flash of time,
A moment of visitation in the very presence of God,
Choices were offered and available to Judas Iscariot:
To betray or not betray?
To repent or not repent?
Heaven or hell?
Join the ranks of one more repentant sinner who has come home or become the eternal betrayer?
Without “inquiring of the Lord” Judas made his split-second decision
In response to Jesus’ incredible question: “‘Friend, why have you come?’” (Matthew 26:50 NKJV)
Judas didn’t seal Jesus’ fate with a kiss but he did seal his own.
(Mat 26:50b KJV) “…Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.”
Now the horror story of Judas’ downward spiral begins to close.
(Mat 27:1 NIV) Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death.
(Mat 27:2 NIV) They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.
(Mat 27:3 NIV) When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders.
(Mat 27:4 NIV) "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."
Apparently, at some incredible moment during the night,
Judas had experienced an exorcism!
It seems apparent that a mighty deliverance had taken place in his life
And the Demon of all demons – Lucifer, Satan, vacated Judas’ body.
(John 13:27 NIV) As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him…”
The above scripture confirms that Judas had indeed been possessed of THE devil,
And now - consider the paradox – Judas is “seized with remorse”! (Matthew 27:3)
Do you really think if Judas was still possessed by Satan
That he would have any remorse?
I should think that Lucifer would have taken the opportunity
To manipulate his human host into boasting and bragging and parading around
In his trademark of pride and arrogance.
But no!
We see Judas remorseful!
Could it be that Judas is like so many unfortunate souls today
That are just worthless refuse to Satan
And the only reason the devil has anything dealing with them at all
Is for the purpose of manipulation, persuasion and intimidation?
He uses human puppets – like Judas - to do his bidding to hurt God the Father.
Once they have outlived their usefulness
They are good for nothing but self-destruction and death.
What about you?
Are you facing a moment of truth?
Have you “done messed up royally” and feel like it’s too late to change?
No! A thousand times no!
(Psa 2:11 NIV) Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.
(Psa 2:12 NIV) Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
The kind of kiss that Jesus is looking for
Is a kiss of submission not a kiss of betrayal.
DSR
9/3/01
Verily I Say Unto You...
by David Scott Robertson
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Mat 5:18 KJV – emphasis mine).
Fifty-two times (52) in the gospels Jesus used the term “Verily I say unto you…” (King James Version)
Twenty-five times (25) in the gospels Jesus used the term, “Verily, verily, I say to you [or unto thee]…”
Seventy-seven (77) total times the Christ used this important phrase.
When Christ says something once it is of paramount importance.
When He repeats a phrase it’s for emphasis.
Even the way He says it has purpose and meaning.
Anything that is recorded in the canon of scripture
That is repeated seventy-seven different times
Must have a deeper meaning that the Holy Spirit intends for us to explore.
I challenge you, dear reader,
To meditate for a few moments right now on why did Jesus Christ say this so often,
And what did the Holy Spirit mean for us to know since
All scripture is “God-breathed” and inspired of God and is profitable– 2 Timothy 3:16.
(1) Mat 5:18; (2) Mat 5:26; (3) Mat 6:2; (4) Mat 6:5; (5) Mat 6:16; (6) Mat 8:10; (7) Mat 10:15; (8) Mat 10:23; (9) Mat 10:42; (10) Mat 11:11; (11) Mat 13:17; (12) Mat 16:28; (13) Mat 17:20; (14) Mat 18:3; (15) Mat 18:13; (16) Mat 18:18; (17) Mat 19:23; (18) Mat 19:28; (19) Mat 21:21; (20) Mat 21:31; (21) Mat 23:36; (22) Mat 24:2; (23.) Mat 24:34; (24) Mat 24:47; (25) Mat 25:12; (26) Mat 25:40; (27) Mat 25:45; (28) Mat 26:13; (29 ) Mat 26:21; (30) Mat 26:34; (31) Mark 3:28; (32) Mark 6:11; (33) Mark 8:12; (34) Mark 9:1; (35) Mark 9:41; (36) Mark 10:15; (37) Mark 10:29; (38) Mark 11:23; (39) Mark 12:43; (40) Mark 13:30; (41) Mark 14:9; (42) Mark 14:18; (43) Mark 14:25; (44) Mark 14:30; (45) Luke 4:24; (46) Luke 11:51; (47) Luke 12:37; (48) Luke 13:35; (49) Luke 18:17; (50) Luke 18:29; (51) Luke 21:32; (52) Luke 23:43; (53) John 1:51; (54) John 3:3; (55) John 3:5; (56) John 3:11; (57) John 5:19; (58) John 5:24; (59) John 5:25; (60) John 6:26; (61) John 6:32; (62) John 6:47; (63) John 6:53; (64) John 8:34; (65) John 8:51; (66) John 8:58; (67) John 10:1; (68) John 10:7; (69) John 12:24; (70) John 13:16; (71) John 13:20; (72) John 13:21; (73) John 13:38; (74) John 14:12; (75) John 16:20; (76) John 16:23; (77) John 21:18.
DSR
9/3/01
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Mat 5:18 KJV – emphasis mine).
Fifty-two times (52) in the gospels Jesus used the term “Verily I say unto you…” (King James Version)
Twenty-five times (25) in the gospels Jesus used the term, “Verily, verily, I say to you [or unto thee]…”
Seventy-seven (77) total times the Christ used this important phrase.
When Christ says something once it is of paramount importance.
When He repeats a phrase it’s for emphasis.
Even the way He says it has purpose and meaning.
Anything that is recorded in the canon of scripture
That is repeated seventy-seven different times
Must have a deeper meaning that the Holy Spirit intends for us to explore.
I challenge you, dear reader,
To meditate for a few moments right now on why did Jesus Christ say this so often,
And what did the Holy Spirit mean for us to know since
All scripture is “God-breathed” and inspired of God and is profitable– 2 Timothy 3:16.
(1) Mat 5:18; (2) Mat 5:26; (3) Mat 6:2; (4) Mat 6:5; (5) Mat 6:16; (6) Mat 8:10; (7) Mat 10:15; (8) Mat 10:23; (9) Mat 10:42; (10) Mat 11:11; (11) Mat 13:17; (12) Mat 16:28; (13) Mat 17:20; (14) Mat 18:3; (15) Mat 18:13; (16) Mat 18:18; (17) Mat 19:23; (18) Mat 19:28; (19) Mat 21:21; (20) Mat 21:31; (21) Mat 23:36; (22) Mat 24:2; (23.) Mat 24:34; (24) Mat 24:47; (25) Mat 25:12; (26) Mat 25:40; (27) Mat 25:45; (28) Mat 26:13; (29 ) Mat 26:21; (30) Mat 26:34; (31) Mark 3:28; (32) Mark 6:11; (33) Mark 8:12; (34) Mark 9:1; (35) Mark 9:41; (36) Mark 10:15; (37) Mark 10:29; (38) Mark 11:23; (39) Mark 12:43; (40) Mark 13:30; (41) Mark 14:9; (42) Mark 14:18; (43) Mark 14:25; (44) Mark 14:30; (45) Luke 4:24; (46) Luke 11:51; (47) Luke 12:37; (48) Luke 13:35; (49) Luke 18:17; (50) Luke 18:29; (51) Luke 21:32; (52) Luke 23:43; (53) John 1:51; (54) John 3:3; (55) John 3:5; (56) John 3:11; (57) John 5:19; (58) John 5:24; (59) John 5:25; (60) John 6:26; (61) John 6:32; (62) John 6:47; (63) John 6:53; (64) John 8:34; (65) John 8:51; (66) John 8:58; (67) John 10:1; (68) John 10:7; (69) John 12:24; (70) John 13:16; (71) John 13:20; (72) John 13:21; (73) John 13:38; (74) John 14:12; (75) John 16:20; (76) John 16:23; (77) John 21:18.
DSR
9/3/01
Thursday, August 30, 2001
Oh That It Could Be Said Of Me
by David Scott Robertson
“And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11 NIV)
Wouldn’t you like to insert your name in the scripture above?
How about it?
Wouldn’t it be great if God’s audible voice from heaven spoke this out:
“You [insert your name here] are my Son [or son or daughter], whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
There are certain statements quoted in the Bible,
Like this scripture found in the gospel of Mark,
That I can’t help but desiring with an earnest desire
That they could be said of me.
Now I know theologically that obedience pleases the Lord
And causes us to find favor with God.
But contained in the text of scriptures are remarkable comments
That the Lord God makes about particular individuals in certain circumstances.
Somehow, someday, some way,
Under the right circumstances,
I pray that my obedience to His explicit commands
Will position me to please Him and likewise cause Him to make remarkable comments.
I’m not pushing for power
Grappling for glory
Or foraging for fame –
I just plain want to please God.
I want to give Him “bragging rights.”
I want Jesus to be glad He made me.
I want the Holy Spirit to be able to comment “now this guy cooperates with Us.”
As I live,
And when I stop living at the God-appointed time,
I want it to be said of me what Jesus said in John 17:4:
“I glorified you [talking to His Father] on earth, having finished the work which you gave me to do.”
Oh that I would finish the work!
Oh that I would please the Lord!
Oh that it could be said of me such incredible statements found in the Bible like:
(1 Ki 21:29 NIV) "Have you noticed how [David Robertson] Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day…”
(Job 1:8 NIV) Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant [David Robertson] Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
(Gen 18:17 NIV) “Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from [David Robertson] Abraham what I am about to do?”
(1 Ki 3:5 NIV) At Gibeon the LORD appeared to [David Robertson] Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
(1 Ki 3:9 NIV) [Oh that I would make wise requests like Solomon did here!] So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
(1 Ki 3:10 NIV) The Lord was pleased that [David Robertson] Solomon had asked for this.”
(Acts 7:55 NIV) But [David Robertson] Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
(Acts 7:56 NIV) "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
(Stephen provokes Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of His Father, to actually stand up!)
(Gen 6:8 NIV) “But [David Robertson] Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
(Heb 11:5 NIV) “By faith [David Robertson] Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”
(John 13:23 NIV) “One of them, [David Robertson] the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.”
(Rev 1:10 NIV) “On the Lord's Day [David Robertson] I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,”
(Acts 5:15 NIV) “As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least [David Robertson’s] Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.”
(Acts 4:13 NIV) “When they saw the courage of [David Robertson] Peter and John and realized that [he] they [was an] were unschooled, ordinary [man] men, they were astonished and they took note that [David] these men had been with Jesus.”
(Rom 4:20 NIV) “Yet [David Robertson] he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
(Rom 4:21 NIV) being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
(2 Ki 10:16 NIV) “[David Robertson] Jehu said, "Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD." Then he had him ride along in his [red Buick Reatta) chariot.”
(1 Chr 11:24 NIV) “Such were the exploits of [David Robertson] Benaiah son of [Bill Robertson] Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men.”
Oh that my name could be included anywhere in God’s catalog of faithful people
Like that found in the New Testament’s “Hall of Fame” in Hebrews chapter 11!
Oh that I could do exploits for God by His power!
Oh that it could be said of me that I have the testimony that I pleased God.
As it is written:
(2 Cor 10:18 NIV) “For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
I can’t help it…
I want to bring glory to His magnificent Name!
I want to be about my Father’s business (Luke 2:49 KJV).
It is not wrong for me to want these things.
As a matter of fact,
I think it pleases the Lord for me to want such things.
It has nothing to do with self-promotion,
On the contrary it requires dying to self that Christ might live in and through me.
It is through Christ alone that anything of eternal, lasting value happens.
I can do NO things WITHOUT Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
In Him I live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28).
I am dead and my life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).
If for some reason I don’t do great things for God
At least I can do small things in a great way for my Master!
Oh that it could be said of me:
“At least David Robertson tried…”
“David never gave up…”
“David gave it his all…”
“David ran the race, finished the course, kept the faith.”
One day,
You and I have an appointment to appear before the Judge of all the earth.
Our record will be reviewed.
Our account will be settled.
Our reward (or punishment) will be dispensed.
If you are saved, then you will appear HERE:
(2 Cor 5:10 NIV) “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
If you are not saved you will appear HERE:
(Rev 20:11 NIV) Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
(Rev 20:12 NIV) And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
By God’s grace,
I’m going to begin now preparing for that interview at the Judgment Seat of Christ!
Oh that it could be said of me at that time:
(Mat 25:21 NIV) "His master replied, 'Well done, [David Robertson] good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'”
DSR
8/30/01
“And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11 NIV)
Wouldn’t you like to insert your name in the scripture above?
How about it?
Wouldn’t it be great if God’s audible voice from heaven spoke this out:
“You [insert your name here] are my Son [or son or daughter], whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
There are certain statements quoted in the Bible,
Like this scripture found in the gospel of Mark,
That I can’t help but desiring with an earnest desire
That they could be said of me.
Now I know theologically that obedience pleases the Lord
And causes us to find favor with God.
But contained in the text of scriptures are remarkable comments
That the Lord God makes about particular individuals in certain circumstances.
Somehow, someday, some way,
Under the right circumstances,
I pray that my obedience to His explicit commands
Will position me to please Him and likewise cause Him to make remarkable comments.
I’m not pushing for power
Grappling for glory
Or foraging for fame –
I just plain want to please God.
I want to give Him “bragging rights.”
I want Jesus to be glad He made me.
I want the Holy Spirit to be able to comment “now this guy cooperates with Us.”
As I live,
And when I stop living at the God-appointed time,
I want it to be said of me what Jesus said in John 17:4:
“I glorified you [talking to His Father] on earth, having finished the work which you gave me to do.”
Oh that I would finish the work!
Oh that I would please the Lord!
Oh that it could be said of me such incredible statements found in the Bible like:
(1 Ki 21:29 NIV) "Have you noticed how [David Robertson] Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day…”
(Job 1:8 NIV) Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant [David Robertson] Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."
(Gen 18:17 NIV) “Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from [David Robertson] Abraham what I am about to do?”
(1 Ki 3:5 NIV) At Gibeon the LORD appeared to [David Robertson] Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
(1 Ki 3:9 NIV) [Oh that I would make wise requests like Solomon did here!] So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
(1 Ki 3:10 NIV) The Lord was pleased that [David Robertson] Solomon had asked for this.”
(Acts 7:55 NIV) But [David Robertson] Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
(Acts 7:56 NIV) "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
(Stephen provokes Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of His Father, to actually stand up!)
(Gen 6:8 NIV) “But [David Robertson] Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
(Heb 11:5 NIV) “By faith [David Robertson] Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”
(John 13:23 NIV) “One of them, [David Robertson] the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.”
(Rev 1:10 NIV) “On the Lord's Day [David Robertson] I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,”
(Acts 5:15 NIV) “As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least [David Robertson’s] Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.”
(Acts 4:13 NIV) “When they saw the courage of [David Robertson] Peter and John and realized that [he] they [was an] were unschooled, ordinary [man] men, they were astonished and they took note that [David] these men had been with Jesus.”
(Rom 4:20 NIV) “Yet [David Robertson] he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
(Rom 4:21 NIV) being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
(2 Ki 10:16 NIV) “[David Robertson] Jehu said, "Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD." Then he had him ride along in his [red Buick Reatta) chariot.”
(1 Chr 11:24 NIV) “Such were the exploits of [David Robertson] Benaiah son of [Bill Robertson] Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men.”
Oh that my name could be included anywhere in God’s catalog of faithful people
Like that found in the New Testament’s “Hall of Fame” in Hebrews chapter 11!
Oh that I could do exploits for God by His power!
Oh that it could be said of me that I have the testimony that I pleased God.
As it is written:
(2 Cor 10:18 NIV) “For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
I can’t help it…
I want to bring glory to His magnificent Name!
I want to be about my Father’s business (Luke 2:49 KJV).
It is not wrong for me to want these things.
As a matter of fact,
I think it pleases the Lord for me to want such things.
It has nothing to do with self-promotion,
On the contrary it requires dying to self that Christ might live in and through me.
It is through Christ alone that anything of eternal, lasting value happens.
I can do NO things WITHOUT Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
In Him I live and move and have my being (Acts 17:28).
I am dead and my life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).
If for some reason I don’t do great things for God
At least I can do small things in a great way for my Master!
Oh that it could be said of me:
“At least David Robertson tried…”
“David never gave up…”
“David gave it his all…”
“David ran the race, finished the course, kept the faith.”
One day,
You and I have an appointment to appear before the Judge of all the earth.
Our record will be reviewed.
Our account will be settled.
Our reward (or punishment) will be dispensed.
If you are saved, then you will appear HERE:
(2 Cor 5:10 NIV) “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
If you are not saved you will appear HERE:
(Rev 20:11 NIV) Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
(Rev 20:12 NIV) And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
By God’s grace,
I’m going to begin now preparing for that interview at the Judgment Seat of Christ!
Oh that it could be said of me at that time:
(Mat 25:21 NIV) "His master replied, 'Well done, [David Robertson] good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'”
DSR
8/30/01
Wednesday, August 29, 2001
Walk by Faith Not by Sight
by David Scott Robertson
(Mat 28:16 NIV) Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
(Mat 28:17 NIV) When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
“…but some doubted.”
But some doubted?
What? How? Why?
The Twelve (minus Judas)
Had obeyed Jesus’ first command to them since His resurrection from the dead
Given through the two Mary’s and Salome (Mark 16:1):
(Mat 28:10 NIV) Then Jesus said to them [the women at the tomb], "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Jesus had plainly told them before His crucifixion:
(Mat 26:32 NIV) But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
Never mind the fact that all eleven disciples weren’t in Caiaphas’ courtyard to support Jesus
During the darkest hours of His life.
They weren’t at the foot of the cross weeping at Golgotha.
They weren’t at the tomb.
At least they could have headed for Galilee after the crucifixion based on Jesus’
Without having to have the Lord’s order come through three women.
What? How? Why?
“…but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17)
At this point we pick up with Jesus actually appearing in bodily form to the disciples.
And still, go figure, still some doubted!
I don’t get it.
What’s wrong with this picture?
But is that not what the text of the scriptures says?
(Mat 28:17 NIV) When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
They had not believed the report of Mary Magdalene
To whom Jesus had appeared first (Mark 16:9).
(Mark 16:11 NIV) When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.”
Then they didn’t believe two additional witnesses of the resurrection.
(Mark 16:12 NIV) Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.
(Mark 16:13 NIV) These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.”
Is it any wonder that Jesus’ first reunion with His beloved disciples
Was to deliver a message of rebuke?
(Mark 16:14 NIV) Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.”
No wonder Jesus instructed them:
(Luke 24:49 NIV) I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
(Acts 1:8 NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
So it seems apparent that faith is far superior than sight.
(2 Cor 5:7 NIV) We live by faith, not by sight.”
Seeing isn’t always believing.
It wasn’t just “Doubting Thomas” who proved that.
(John 20:27 NIV) Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas bears the bad reputation but please note that he had company…
“…but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17)
The Apostle Paul sums it all up well for me
In His excellent observation found in Galatians 2:20:
(Gal 2:20 NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Paul [then Saul] saw Christ on the road to Damascus
And was from that point forth faithful to the heavenly vision.
Let’s resolve to walk by faith.
Let’s believe the word of the Lord regardless
Of what we see or don’t see.
(James 1:6 NIV) But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
(James 1:7 NIV) That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord…”
DSR
8/29/01
(Mat 28:16 NIV) Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
(Mat 28:17 NIV) When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
“…but some doubted.”
But some doubted?
What? How? Why?
The Twelve (minus Judas)
Had obeyed Jesus’ first command to them since His resurrection from the dead
Given through the two Mary’s and Salome (Mark 16:1):
(Mat 28:10 NIV) Then Jesus said to them [the women at the tomb], "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Jesus had plainly told them before His crucifixion:
(Mat 26:32 NIV) But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."
Never mind the fact that all eleven disciples weren’t in Caiaphas’ courtyard to support Jesus
During the darkest hours of His life.
They weren’t at the foot of the cross weeping at Golgotha.
They weren’t at the tomb.
At least they could have headed for Galilee after the crucifixion based on Jesus’
Without having to have the Lord’s order come through three women.
What? How? Why?
“…but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17)
At this point we pick up with Jesus actually appearing in bodily form to the disciples.
And still, go figure, still some doubted!
I don’t get it.
What’s wrong with this picture?
But is that not what the text of the scriptures says?
(Mat 28:17 NIV) When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
They had not believed the report of Mary Magdalene
To whom Jesus had appeared first (Mark 16:9).
(Mark 16:11 NIV) When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.”
Then they didn’t believe two additional witnesses of the resurrection.
(Mark 16:12 NIV) Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.
(Mark 16:13 NIV) These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.”
Is it any wonder that Jesus’ first reunion with His beloved disciples
Was to deliver a message of rebuke?
(Mark 16:14 NIV) Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.”
No wonder Jesus instructed them:
(Luke 24:49 NIV) I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
(Acts 1:8 NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
So it seems apparent that faith is far superior than sight.
(2 Cor 5:7 NIV) We live by faith, not by sight.”
Seeing isn’t always believing.
It wasn’t just “Doubting Thomas” who proved that.
(John 20:27 NIV) Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas bears the bad reputation but please note that he had company…
“…but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17)
The Apostle Paul sums it all up well for me
In His excellent observation found in Galatians 2:20:
(Gal 2:20 NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Paul [then Saul] saw Christ on the road to Damascus
And was from that point forth faithful to the heavenly vision.
Let’s resolve to walk by faith.
Let’s believe the word of the Lord regardless
Of what we see or don’t see.
(James 1:6 NIV) But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
(James 1:7 NIV) That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord…”
DSR
8/29/01
Monday, August 27, 2001
The Word Answered Not a Word
by David Scott Robertson
(Rev 19:13 NIV) He [Jesus] is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”
Jesus did not just speak the words of God.
He WAS the Word of God.
(John 1:1 NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:14 NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…”
When the Word spoke words,
They carried weight, authority, and revelation.
His words also inspire awe, wonder, and utter amazement.
(John 7:45 KJV) Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
(John 7:46 KJV) The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.”
(Luke 4:36 KJV) And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
Now here’s a twist.
Jesus had the unusual ability to inspire awe, astonishment, and amazement
Not only by the words He spoke,
But by the words He did not speak!
(Mat 27:11 NIV) Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
(Mat 27:12 NIV) When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.
(Mat 27:13 NIV) Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?"
(Mat 27:14 NIV) But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.”
Jesus could literally just stand there
Not “doing anything,”
Not “saying anything”
And provoke “great marvel and astonishment” (v. 14, NKJV).
Why is that so significant?
The context tells the story.
There are situations where questions DEMAND a response:
(Mat 27:11 NIV) Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
Then, there are circumstances where questions do not DESERVE a response:
(Mat 27:12 NIV) When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.”
(Mat 27:13 NIV) Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?"
So what can we learn from our Master Mentor?
Here are “Eight Principles of Effective Communication”
Gleaned from this passage of scripture:
1. In speech, timing is important.
(Eccl 3:1 NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
(Eccl 3:7 NIV) a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak…”
2. You don’t have to be super-intelligent to benefit from shutting your mouth.
(Prov 17:28 NIV) Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”
3. It’s never too late to stop talking.
(Job 40:4 NIV) "I [Job] am unworthy--how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.
(Job 40:5 NIV) I spoke once, but I have no answer-- twice, but I will say no more."
4. Like a professional boxer, you need to wear a mouth-guard.
(Psa 141:3 NIV) Set a guard over my [King David’s] mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
5. You need a heart transplant to speak well.
(Mat 12:34 NIV) You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
6. God richly rewards good speech.
(James 3:2 NIV) We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
7. Listen twice as much as you speak (you have two ears and one mouth for a purpose!)
(James 1:19 NIV) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”
8. The ability to keep silent is a fruit of the Spirit.
(Gal 5:22 NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
(Gal 5:23 NIV) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – emphasis mine
One of Jesus’ most impressive works,
At least to me,
Was the unnatural and uncanny ability to NOT speak!
When He was violated and blasphemed…
When He was despised and rejected of men…
When He was lied about and profoundly misunderstood…
When He was mocked and crucified…
Jesus, the Christ, remained silent.
When He did speak during traumatic experiences,
Out of the abundance of His heart His mouth spoke:
(Luke 23:34 NIV) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Let’s determine, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to do the works of the Jesus,
Even the greater works…
Speaking the truth in love
Or keep our mouths shut.
My mother was right after all –
“David, if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.”
DSR
8/27/01
(Rev 19:13 NIV) He [Jesus] is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”
Jesus did not just speak the words of God.
He WAS the Word of God.
(John 1:1 NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:14 NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…”
When the Word spoke words,
They carried weight, authority, and revelation.
His words also inspire awe, wonder, and utter amazement.
(John 7:45 KJV) Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
(John 7:46 KJV) The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.”
(Luke 4:36 KJV) And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
Now here’s a twist.
Jesus had the unusual ability to inspire awe, astonishment, and amazement
Not only by the words He spoke,
But by the words He did not speak!
(Mat 27:11 NIV) Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
(Mat 27:12 NIV) When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.
(Mat 27:13 NIV) Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?"
(Mat 27:14 NIV) But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor.”
Jesus could literally just stand there
Not “doing anything,”
Not “saying anything”
And provoke “great marvel and astonishment” (v. 14, NKJV).
Why is that so significant?
The context tells the story.
There are situations where questions DEMAND a response:
(Mat 27:11 NIV) Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
Then, there are circumstances where questions do not DESERVE a response:
(Mat 27:12 NIV) When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.”
(Mat 27:13 NIV) Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?"
So what can we learn from our Master Mentor?
Here are “Eight Principles of Effective Communication”
Gleaned from this passage of scripture:
1. In speech, timing is important.
(Eccl 3:1 NIV) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
(Eccl 3:7 NIV) a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak…”
2. You don’t have to be super-intelligent to benefit from shutting your mouth.
(Prov 17:28 NIV) Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”
3. It’s never too late to stop talking.
(Job 40:4 NIV) "I [Job] am unworthy--how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.
(Job 40:5 NIV) I spoke once, but I have no answer-- twice, but I will say no more."
4. Like a professional boxer, you need to wear a mouth-guard.
(Psa 141:3 NIV) Set a guard over my [King David’s] mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
5. You need a heart transplant to speak well.
(Mat 12:34 NIV) You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
6. God richly rewards good speech.
(James 3:2 NIV) We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
7. Listen twice as much as you speak (you have two ears and one mouth for a purpose!)
(James 1:19 NIV) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”
8. The ability to keep silent is a fruit of the Spirit.
(Gal 5:22 NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
(Gal 5:23 NIV) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – emphasis mine
One of Jesus’ most impressive works,
At least to me,
Was the unnatural and uncanny ability to NOT speak!
When He was violated and blasphemed…
When He was despised and rejected of men…
When He was lied about and profoundly misunderstood…
When He was mocked and crucified…
Jesus, the Christ, remained silent.
When He did speak during traumatic experiences,
Out of the abundance of His heart His mouth spoke:
(Luke 23:34 NIV) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Let’s determine, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to do the works of the Jesus,
Even the greater works…
Speaking the truth in love
Or keep our mouths shut.
My mother was right after all –
“David, if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all.”
DSR
8/27/01
Friday, August 24, 2001
Biblical Extravagance
by David Scott Robertson
(Mat 26:6 NIV) While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper,
(Mat 26:7 NIV) a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
(Mat 26:8 NIV) When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked.
(Mat 26:9 NIV) "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
“Why this waste?”
That’s the carnal, worldly, shortsighted, uneducated, and thoroughly unspiritual response
Of many people who are confronted with biblical extravagance.
What God values
And what man values
Are often world’s apart.
I can imagine this indignant attitude cropping up repeatedly throughout scripture:
(1 Chr 22:14 NIV) "I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the LORD a hundred thousand talents of gold, a million talents of silver, quantities of bronze and iron too great to be weighed, and wood and stone. And you may add to them.”
“Why this waste? "This treasure could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor!"
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 3:4 NIV) The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.”
“Why this waste? "These thousand animals could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor!"
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 19:21 NIV) So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.”
“Why this waste? "These two strong oxen could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
Biblical extravagance.
(Ezra 8:25 NIV) and I weighed out to them the offering of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his advisers, his officials and all Israel present there had donated for the house of our God.
(Ezra 8:26 NIV) I weighed out to them 650 talents of silver, silver articles weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,
(Ezra 8:27 NIV) 20 bowls of gold valued at 1,000 darics, and two fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.
(Ezra 8:28 NIV) I said to them, "You as well as these articles are consecrated to the LORD. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.
“Why this waste? "These incredibly valuable articles could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 17:10 NIV) So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?"
(1 Ki 17:11 NIV) As she was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread."
(1 Ki 17:12 NIV) "As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--and die."
(1 Ki 17:13 NIV) Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.
“Why this waste? Isn’t that just like a preacher? Down to your last meal and the preacher wants you to give part of it to him!”
Biblical extravagance.
(Mark 12:42 NIV) But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
(Mark 12:43 NIV) Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
(Mark 12:44 NIV) They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."
“Why this waste? Down to her last two coins and she gives it away!”
Biblical extravagance.
(Gen 22:9 NIV) When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
(Gen 22:10 NIV) Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
“Why this wasted life? Why proceed to offer your own son? Your only son?”
Biblical extravagance.
There have always been,
And I suppose always will be
Those who have no stomach, patience, or heart for biblical extravagance.
The god of this world has blinded the eyes of their understanding
So that their value system gets skewed and out of alignment with God’s Word.
What is trivial, meaningless, senseless and even “wasteful” to them
Is in fact of great value and worth to the Lord.
God’s response is spelled out plainly in scripture:
(Mat 16:26 NIV) What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
(Luke 12:15 NIV) Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
(1 Tim 6:10 NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
(1 Tim 6:6 NIV) But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
(Prov 22:1 NIV) A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
(1 Sam 15:22 NIV) But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
Our Heavenly Father knows all about biblical extravagance.
He invented it and constantly practices it:
From the inexpressible extravagances of creation spelled out in the book of Genesis (1:1-31).
To the indescribable extravagances of the New Jerusalem spelled out in the book of Revelation (21:18-21).
But the ultimate example of biblical extravagance would doubtless be this:
(John 3:16 NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
“What a waste! The life of the very Son of God in exchange for my life!
It’s too high a price for me!”
This may be true but the value that God placed on the redemption and reconciliation of a race
Exceeded His infinite love for His own Son, Jesus Christ.
Biblical extravagance is difficult for servants, slaves, and hirelings
But it is easy for lovers of the Bridegroom.
DSR
8/24/01
(Mat 26:6 NIV) While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper,
(Mat 26:7 NIV) a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
(Mat 26:8 NIV) When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked.
(Mat 26:9 NIV) "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
“Why this waste?”
That’s the carnal, worldly, shortsighted, uneducated, and thoroughly unspiritual response
Of many people who are confronted with biblical extravagance.
What God values
And what man values
Are often world’s apart.
I can imagine this indignant attitude cropping up repeatedly throughout scripture:
(1 Chr 22:14 NIV) "I have taken great pains to provide for the temple of the LORD a hundred thousand talents of gold, a million talents of silver, quantities of bronze and iron too great to be weighed, and wood and stone. And you may add to them.”
“Why this waste? "This treasure could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor!"
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 3:4 NIV) The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.”
“Why this waste? "These thousand animals could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor!"
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 19:21 NIV) So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.”
“Why this waste? "These two strong oxen could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
Biblical extravagance.
(Ezra 8:25 NIV) and I weighed out to them the offering of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his advisers, his officials and all Israel present there had donated for the house of our God.
(Ezra 8:26 NIV) I weighed out to them 650 talents of silver, silver articles weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,
(Ezra 8:27 NIV) 20 bowls of gold valued at 1,000 darics, and two fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.
(Ezra 8:28 NIV) I said to them, "You as well as these articles are consecrated to the LORD. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.
“Why this waste? "These incredibly valuable articles could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
Biblical extravagance.
(1 Ki 17:10 NIV) So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?"
(1 Ki 17:11 NIV) As she was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread."
(1 Ki 17:12 NIV) "As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it--and die."
(1 Ki 17:13 NIV) Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.
“Why this waste? Isn’t that just like a preacher? Down to your last meal and the preacher wants you to give part of it to him!”
Biblical extravagance.
(Mark 12:42 NIV) But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
(Mark 12:43 NIV) Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
(Mark 12:44 NIV) They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."
“Why this waste? Down to her last two coins and she gives it away!”
Biblical extravagance.
(Gen 22:9 NIV) When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
(Gen 22:10 NIV) Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
“Why this wasted life? Why proceed to offer your own son? Your only son?”
Biblical extravagance.
There have always been,
And I suppose always will be
Those who have no stomach, patience, or heart for biblical extravagance.
The god of this world has blinded the eyes of their understanding
So that their value system gets skewed and out of alignment with God’s Word.
What is trivial, meaningless, senseless and even “wasteful” to them
Is in fact of great value and worth to the Lord.
God’s response is spelled out plainly in scripture:
(Mat 16:26 NIV) What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
(Luke 12:15 NIV) Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
(1 Tim 6:10 NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
(1 Tim 6:6 NIV) But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
(Prov 22:1 NIV) A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
(1 Sam 15:22 NIV) But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
Our Heavenly Father knows all about biblical extravagance.
He invented it and constantly practices it:
From the inexpressible extravagances of creation spelled out in the book of Genesis (1:1-31).
To the indescribable extravagances of the New Jerusalem spelled out in the book of Revelation (21:18-21).
But the ultimate example of biblical extravagance would doubtless be this:
(John 3:16 NIV) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
“What a waste! The life of the very Son of God in exchange for my life!
It’s too high a price for me!”
This may be true but the value that God placed on the redemption and reconciliation of a race
Exceeded His infinite love for His own Son, Jesus Christ.
Biblical extravagance is difficult for servants, slaves, and hirelings
But it is easy for lovers of the Bridegroom.
DSR
8/24/01
Tuesday, August 21, 2001
Love at First Sight
by David Scott Robertson
(Mat 20:30 NIV) Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
(Mat 20:31 NIV) The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
(Mat 20:32 NIV) Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
(Mat 20:33 NIV) "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."
(Mat 20:34 NIV) Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Can you imagine what it must have been like to be blind all your life –
Not knowing, really, what anything at all looks like?
And the first sight,
The very first sight you see by a miraculous hand of God,
Is the face of Jesus Christ!
Can you stretch your imagination to consider this thought?
Can you at least attempt to fathom the unparalleled wonder,
The inexpressible amazement,
The sheer joy of it all?
Think of it!
To have your eyes, brain, and senses
Begin to function in a way that is unprecedented in your life experience
And, and, and
Being initiated into that experience
By seeing the beautiful face of Jesus of Nazareth,
The very Son of God!
The face the prophets longed to see but never did.
The face that modern-day followers of The Way longed to see but rarely have.
The face that agnostics and atheists would have their false paradigms dashed in one steady gaze.
What a rare and unusual privilege
These two obscure and extremely blessed ex-blind men had!
Can you meditate on the implications?
How many people on planet Earth in all it history and culture
Can testify of this experience?
Out of the personal tragedy these two blind men had endured in their lifetimes…
The heart-breaking disappointment their parents must have experienced
Realizing at some point that their precious new sons were born blind…
The hardships this must have created in trying to raise these handicapped children…
The inability to function properly in society,
The absence of a normal childhood,
The teasing of unkind teenagers,
The inability to work and make a living but consigned to beg to sustain themselves,
The impossible thought of marrying and having a family…
Who among us that has the gift of sight to read these words can even begin to understand?
(John 9:2 NIV) His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
(John 9:3 NIV) "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
God had a plan from the foundation of the world for these two blind boys.
God knew them,
He loved them from the beginning,
He orchestrated time, space, events, culture, schedules, traffic flows, and other minute details
To get these two blind men to the place where
Destiny would intersect the timing and power of God.
Their blindness had been,
In a sense,
Their “school of hard-knocks.”
It had in fact uniquely prepared them,
Groomed them,
Trained them to be released to an unqualified ministry.
(Mat 20:34 NIV) “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” [emphasis mine]
And they followed Him.
Hundreds, thousands saw the face of Jesus of Nazareth
When the Son of God literally and physically walked the dusty roads of the ancient Middle East.
The multitudes saw His face but never knew Him
In the way these two healed blind men had come to know Him.
Who knows what this one encounter with Jesus
Did for these two men beyond restoring their sight?
Perhaps they on to live fruitful, productive lives in society.
Perhaps they had the delight and pleasure of learning a trade,
Using a newly acquired skill to “earn” a living and make a contribution to their family’s income.
Wouldn’t you like to have been at the dinner table with their parents
Describing story after story of how things used to be compared to how things are?
Maybe these men even went on to meet woman,
Fall in love,
Get married and raise a family.
What bedtime stories these men could tell their own sons and daughters
About the time the Messiah came to town and changed everything.
For all we do not know about the lives of these two former blind men
This one thing we do know…
…they followed him (Matthew 20:34).
Here’s where I’m going with this thought today:
To be born blind is not the worst thing that could ever happen to a person.
To see Jesus Christ
And not become His follower,
I should think,
Is a far greater tragedy than blindness.
DSR
8/21/01
(Mat 20:30 NIV) Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
(Mat 20:31 NIV) The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
(Mat 20:32 NIV) Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
(Mat 20:33 NIV) "Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."
(Mat 20:34 NIV) Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Can you imagine what it must have been like to be blind all your life –
Not knowing, really, what anything at all looks like?
And the first sight,
The very first sight you see by a miraculous hand of God,
Is the face of Jesus Christ!
Can you stretch your imagination to consider this thought?
Can you at least attempt to fathom the unparalleled wonder,
The inexpressible amazement,
The sheer joy of it all?
Think of it!
To have your eyes, brain, and senses
Begin to function in a way that is unprecedented in your life experience
And, and, and
Being initiated into that experience
By seeing the beautiful face of Jesus of Nazareth,
The very Son of God!
The face the prophets longed to see but never did.
The face that modern-day followers of The Way longed to see but rarely have.
The face that agnostics and atheists would have their false paradigms dashed in one steady gaze.
What a rare and unusual privilege
These two obscure and extremely blessed ex-blind men had!
Can you meditate on the implications?
How many people on planet Earth in all it history and culture
Can testify of this experience?
Out of the personal tragedy these two blind men had endured in their lifetimes…
The heart-breaking disappointment their parents must have experienced
Realizing at some point that their precious new sons were born blind…
The hardships this must have created in trying to raise these handicapped children…
The inability to function properly in society,
The absence of a normal childhood,
The teasing of unkind teenagers,
The inability to work and make a living but consigned to beg to sustain themselves,
The impossible thought of marrying and having a family…
Who among us that has the gift of sight to read these words can even begin to understand?
(John 9:2 NIV) His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
(John 9:3 NIV) "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
God had a plan from the foundation of the world for these two blind boys.
God knew them,
He loved them from the beginning,
He orchestrated time, space, events, culture, schedules, traffic flows, and other minute details
To get these two blind men to the place where
Destiny would intersect the timing and power of God.
Their blindness had been,
In a sense,
Their “school of hard-knocks.”
It had in fact uniquely prepared them,
Groomed them,
Trained them to be released to an unqualified ministry.
(Mat 20:34 NIV) “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” [emphasis mine]
And they followed Him.
Hundreds, thousands saw the face of Jesus of Nazareth
When the Son of God literally and physically walked the dusty roads of the ancient Middle East.
The multitudes saw His face but never knew Him
In the way these two healed blind men had come to know Him.
Who knows what this one encounter with Jesus
Did for these two men beyond restoring their sight?
Perhaps they on to live fruitful, productive lives in society.
Perhaps they had the delight and pleasure of learning a trade,
Using a newly acquired skill to “earn” a living and make a contribution to their family’s income.
Wouldn’t you like to have been at the dinner table with their parents
Describing story after story of how things used to be compared to how things are?
Maybe these men even went on to meet woman,
Fall in love,
Get married and raise a family.
What bedtime stories these men could tell their own sons and daughters
About the time the Messiah came to town and changed everything.
For all we do not know about the lives of these two former blind men
This one thing we do know…
…they followed him (Matthew 20:34).
Here’s where I’m going with this thought today:
To be born blind is not the worst thing that could ever happen to a person.
To see Jesus Christ
And not become His follower,
I should think,
Is a far greater tragedy than blindness.
DSR
8/21/01
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