Take Two: Luke 7, Proverbs 29

Luke 7 begins with an incredible story of healing. A Centurion requests that Jesus heal his slave. The Centurion, a Roman official and military leader, has acted with kindness toward the Jewish people; therefore, he has garnered support from the Jewish elders in his town (vv.1-6).

Jesus agrees to go to the sick slave but the Centurion sends word of his FAITH in Jesus. He simply asks Jesus to pronounce the healing. Since Jesus is a man of authority, he knows that Jesus can simply order the slave heaved without even visiting (vv.7-8). vv.9-10 note that Jesus was amazed at the man’s faith and states that it is greater than any He has seen in Israel.

NOTE: The Centurion did not set out to display AMAZING Faith…he just did. If you did a word search on the times that Jesus was amazed, you would see that it was only when people acted in such abandoned ways that they simply believed Jesus at His word. They believed in His ability without question. They trusted in Him without reservation…and He demonstrated great power in response to their faith. If you want to see Jesus move in AMAZING ways…trust Him with AMAZING faith.

In vv.11-17 we find the raising of a dead man to life. This was accomplished in response to Jesus’ perception of the grief of the widow mother (v.13). This son was likely the only means of support for his mother since she was a widow. Her life was effectively over. Yet, Jesus was compassionate toward her…and changed two lives in one act.

VV.18-23 have always struck me in a curious way. John is in prison and sends two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the Messiah. I have wondered…was John’s faith suspect at this point? I have questioned if the deputation was for the disciple’s benefit? I think the answer is YES. John was discouraged and was also soon to be executed. he wanted the disciples to know who Jesus was and to believe in Him based on an authority higher than his own words. So, he sent them to Jesus. Jesus did not simply say yes…but He performed many SIGNS in their midst so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled. Now the source of authentication was not Jesus’ words…or John’s words…but the Word of God.

NOTE: Perhaps, what is missing in many of our evangelistic encounters is the authority by which we proclaim Jesus. We tell people to trust in the Jesus who changes lives…yet many who claim to be His disciples live unchanged lives. Those believers who have been changed…then fail to point out the obvious lack of transformation in those who are simply…how should I say…faking it. I say, let the ministry of Jesus stand on its own. He still changes lives but we must have enough faith to believe that and we must have enough integrity to point it out when we see it…and when we don’t.

VV.29-30 are powerful. At the words of Jesus…those who acknowledged God’s justice were baptized for repentance according to the baptism of John. Those who REJECTED GOD’S PURPOSE for themselves, refused to be baptized (an acknowledgment of God’s justice.) Notice that it is God’s purpose that all people acknowledge Him as God and yield to Him in repentance. God is not willing that any would perish….( 2 Peter 3:9).

The final story in the chapter is that of the sinful woman and the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisee, Simon. Those who have realized the magnitude of their forgiveness, worship Jesus is unreserved ways. Those who feel that He had little to forgive…are more reserved in their appreciation of Him. The issue is not forgiveness…which occurs in both cases…but in our appreciation of it. How much do you APPRECIATE Jesus’ forgiveness? Can someone tell it…by looking at how you live your life?

Proverbs 29:27 is the takeaway today. “An unjust man is abominable to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is abominable to the wicked.” (Read that about 5 times slowly. Then think about every conflict you have ever been part of or observed. Things will become quite clear. The question is…were/are you wicked…or upright in your position?)

Take Two: Luke 6, Proverbs 28

As we explore chapter six, like the other chapters, we see that it is full of information. The first thing discussed is that Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. He points out that the Sabbath was not made for God’s benefit, but for man’s. The Pharisees had turned the Sabbath into a legally required observance…and had so codified what it meant to observe the Sabbath, that they would not approve of even healing a man on the Sabbath. Jesus assaults the underlying premise of their convictions.

In vv.12-19, Luke records the names of the 12 that Jesus called.

In vv.20-38, Jesus again addresses the underlying assumptions of the Pharisees and, by implication, the culture as a whole. He tells His hearers to live for the eternal…not the temporal. Whether we live for the “now” or the “future,” or actions affect the other.

VV.39 ff speak of being sincere and how one can determine who a man is at the core. Each man bears fruit consistent with heart condition. This being the case, each of us should focus on our heart and allow the fruit to manifest, as opposed to focusing on the fruit itself. The fruit is the easiest to evaluate and the easiest to manipulate. The heart though…is the standard that God measures.

Proverbs 28:1 is the takeaway today. “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” True boldness rises up from knowing you are living righteously and that God is ones defender.

Take Two: Luke 5, Proverbs 27

Luke 5 details calling of 5 disciples and performing some miracles. In vv.1-11, we find Jesus teaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Genneseret). He borrow SImon’s boat to push back from the shore a bit. (This allowed for better accoustics). Then Jesus tells Simon to let down the nets for a catch.

NOTE: Now it is one thing for Jesus to corner the “God angle,” but for Him to tell Simon (a commercial fisherman) how to fish…well, that might be a bit much. Many times we rationalize that what Jesus says to do doesn’t apply to us because our circumstances are different. After all, we know our circumstances better than Him right? Who is He to give instructions that we know are ridiculous and irrational…unnecessary and illogical. Well, He is Jesus. So, Simon obeys (v.5) and the catch was more than two boats could handle. At that point, Simon and the others confessed their sinfulness, responded to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, left their boats and nets, and pursued Jesus without reservation. Do you ever wonder how many people told them they were nuts…even Simon’s wife?

The story of the leper in vv.12-14 is a great picture of Jesus’ character. The leper came to Him and stated that he had faith that Jesus could heal him if He was willing. Jesus stated that He was willing and then did the unimaginable…He touched this unclean man. Immediately, the man was healed. This is exactly how we relate to a Holy God. We are unclean in our sins, but Jesus is willing that we would be cleansed…so He touches us and makes us clean. He then sent the former leper to the priest according to the Mosaic Law as a “testimony” to them.

The next story is of Jesus healing the paralytic who was lowered through a roof to him. Jeuss saw the faith of those who brought the paralyzed man (v.20) and He pronounced forgiveness and healed the man. It was their faith that prompted this encounter. NOTE: I wonder what would be possible if Jesus saw “our faith” in bringing those who were ingnorant or unable to get to Him…what might He do even today? What if we claimed a community for Christ…or a people group in Africa or Asia….would Jesus see our faith and heal them?

In vv.27-32, we find the discussion of the calling of Levi. He was an outcast in the Jewish culture, yet Jesus called him. Levi threw a party with all of his lost friends. He was now saved and wanted to celebrate it. The Pharisees, of course, rejected this…but Jesus stated that He came to win the sick, not those who did not have need for a healer (v.32).

In vv.33-39, Jesus alludes to why He is not a “reformer” of Judaism, but is the inauguration of a new era in history. No one ruins a new garment to put a patch on an old garment (v.36), and no one puts something new (wine) into something old (wineskin)…otherwise both are lost. New wine goes into new winskin…and this new era is for those who can receive it. FOr some though…the old is good enough…and they reject the new out of hand (v.39), because they are intoxicated by the old.

Proverbs 27:22 is the takeaway today. “Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.” Foolishness runs deep. You cannot crush it out of a man. He is foolish to the core. His only (and best) hope is a life transforming experience with Jesus.

Take Two: Luke 4, Proverbs 26

The chapter opens with the temptation of Jesus. Some claim that they cannot live as Christ lived…because, after all, He was God. Well…while this is true, it is also inaccurate. He is God…and He was also man. Jesus was as much man as you and I…and at the same time…He was as much God as He had always been.

This chapter reminds us that our faithful High Priest was faithful in all things. He endured all things. He experienced every temptation that we do…yet without sin. As such, The Father has bestowed on Him the Name above every name.

Jesus was tempted to usurp God’s plan and provision…and create food for Himself. His response was to trust God (v.4). He was tempted with power, prestige, and dominion in the world…if He would only forsake God and serve the god of this world. He responded by declaring allegiance to God the Father. He was tempted to test God and force God to demonstrate His faithfulness…to which Jesus responded that One should never test God (v.12).

Having completed these temptations, the devil left Jesus until an opportune time (v.13).

Notice then that Jesus’ public ministry began. He preached the Kingdom and He demonstrated the reality that the Kingdon was in “their midst” by healing many and taking dominion over evil spirits. The people responded positively to the message that salvation had come and to the miracles of healing in their midst. (After all…who wouldn’t?)

But there is an allusion that Jesus makes. The Kingdom is about responding to God and trusting Him. It is about worshipping God through obedience…not simply living life and counting on our pedigrees or ethnicity (vv.22-30).

Jesus exercised great authority in His ministry of preaching and healing. He exercised a keen understanding of God’s Word, authority over sickness, death, and demons…and with such great results…that the people urged Jesus to stay with them and continue to teach them and show them great things; but, He told them that His calling was to preach the Kingdom…so He went on to the other cities who had not yet heard (v.43-44).

Often times, we become complacent and comfortable. We experience blessing and desire to stay put and fill up on it for a while; however, if we are Christ followers…we are called to continue preaching the message. Doing so nearly always results in hardships, trials, and struggles…but then a disciple is never above his teacher.

Proverbs 26:16 is the takeaway today. “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes, than seven men who can give a discreet answer.” I have found that the ungodly/lazy/foolish people I have met…have no trouble justifying their particular philosophy of living. Even in the face of wisdom, they have no trouble discounting it for their own counsel.

Take Two: Luke 3, Proverbs 25

Luke 3 gives information about the ministry of John the baptizer and briefly touches on the start of Jesus’ ministry.

In v.2 we see that John was int he wilderness when the word of the Lord came to him. From that point, he began preaching a message of baptism and repentance. This baptism and repentance was NECESSARY for forgiveness of sin (v.3).

His message was pretty straight forward. If you desire forgiveness, you must change your ways and repent because God demands it (vv.7-9). In vv.10-14 there were some specific instructions listed. Try to put these in perspective.

Suppose the message today was: If you wish to be saved…show fruit of repentance. If you have two cars, give one to a man with no car. If you have 5 outfits in your closet, give everything beyond that to those who have need. If you have food in your pantry and there are hungry people around you, give them your extra. One who does not do this…should not think he has any hope in God. (Let that soak for a second and then read it again).

Most people would want to argue against it. Many would tell me 12 reasons why instruction like this doesn’t apply today. Fine. But, what does it mean to be a Christ-follower today then?

Can one claim Jesus as Lord and live in drunkenness? Tell lies? Hate others? Dishonor his parents?

Can one claim Jesus as Lord while living with a person while not married? Can one claim with confidence that they are Christ-followers while refusing to fellowship with other believers or serving through a local church ministry…without giving God a tithe of one’s income? (Now for those who say they cannot…but they have internet, cable, tv’s, go out to eat at restaurants or other luxuries…you are probably fooling yourself).

The point of John’s message is this: Conversion equals transformation. If you have not changed, you have not been changed. Don’t claim to know God and live like the devil. It doesn’t make sense. In the same way he chastised the Jews for claiming a relationship based on ethnicity, I would chastise those who claim a confidence in Christ based on a prayer once prayed yet without fruits of transformed lives.

In vv.15-20, John clears up that he is not the Messiah, but the forerunner. His ministry is also summarized and v.20 tells of his imprisonment.

Luke tells us that Jesus was also baptized by John (v.21-22). Then, the lineage of Jesus is detailed, going all the way back through Seth to Adam. Luke’s inclusion here (as a Gentile writer) is simply an acceptance that Jesus fulfills the Davidic prophesies (v.31). In other words, having examined the claim that Jesus was a lawful descendant, Luke affirms it.

Proverbs 25:16 is the takeaway today. “Have you found honey?” Eat only what you need, that you not have it in excess and vomit it.” Makes you wonder if we are people who are satisfied only with what we need…or are we consumed with a desire for far more than we need…and that becomes our demise. (In the backdrop of my thoughts are my trips overseas with people who live on pennies compared to our thousands).

Take Two: Luke 2, Proverbs 24

Chapter 2 requires one to intentionally slow down and read carefully. It is another one of those chapters that is read every year and with our “ADD” Culture…we are tempted to just speed through it claiming that “we know that already.”

In v.4 we see again the lineage of Jesus through Joseph which gives him a direct link to the throne of David. Consequently, through Mary, who was a relative of Elizabeth (one of the daughters of Aaron…we find the lineage fo the Priesthood of Jesus…since the Aaronic line is consecrated forever as priests before God (Ex 40).

God arranged for a government census at just the right time for Mary and Joseph to have to journey to Bethlehem for the birth (fulfilling the Micah 5:2 prophesy), and at the same time for Him to be from Nazareth so that he would be called a Nazarene.

V.11 is the birth announcement to the shepherds. As I reflected on this, I was impressed that the child would be in the animal pens in the cave/manger. It would have been difficult for a bunch of shepherds to get past hotel security in the middle of the night, but nobody was guarding the manger.

v.17 says that the shepherd gave glory to God having seen Jesus. It struck me that Jesus had done nothing for them. Many today would be led to praise God when/if they felt blessed…but these guys praised God after merely seeing the child. It was enough for them to simply see the Salvation of God in their midst.

The testimony of Simeon is powerful as is the prophesy of Anna. All of these things…Mary treasured in her heart. She soaked them in.

Imagine what it must have been like for her. The rumors about her and her conception out of wedlock. The way people looked at her on one hand; and then on the other…the praises to God for the birth of her child. I imagine that she was a conflicted woman.

There is a 12 year break between vv.40 and 41. Why 12? Not sure but it does correspond to the approximate timeframe that a boy would come under the Law (bar-mitzva).

After the temple incident where Jesus was about “His father’s Business” (v.49), we find another 18 year break (v.52). The story resumes with in Chapter 3 at the beginning of His public ministry (age 30).

So, if Luke takes 80 verses (Ch 1) to discuss the six months before the birth of Jesus…and then covers only scarce detail for the next 30 years…then we must know that what detail he provides is extremely important. Every prophesy is critical. Every encounter is essential. They all point to the uniqueness of Jesus as the One and only Son of God.

Proverbs 24:13-14 is the takeaway today. “My son, eat honey, for it is good, yes, the honey form the comb is sweet to your taste; know that wisdom is thus for your soul; if you find it, then there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” To understand this requires an analogy. I get a craving for something sweet soon after a meal. I go on a search to find some chocolate or a fig newton (ok 5 newtons)…or something to satisfy my sweet tooth. If I don’t find something (because my wife loves me)…then I try substitutes until I find something that satisfies. The writer is affirming that we are to pursue and eat honey because it is sweet. However, the real issue is the analogy of honey (sweet tooth craving) to our desire for wisdom. We should desire and seek out wisdom for our soul since it satisfies us.

Interesting Article on “The Joy of Giving”

Here is an article by a Medical Doctor who was the son of Sir John Templeton, world-renowned philanthropist. As I have read about the father, I can not discern if he was a believer, but he obviously impressed some of his thoughts on his son. (Again, the article is by the son). I thought it interesting….

This week, we start a new series called “Give it All Away!” and we will spend 4 weeks discussing the subjects of giving, generosity, and the benefits thereof.

This is one of the articles I found in my research. Thought you might like to read it directly. You can access it HERE. Please drop back by and share your thoughts….ALSO, please share, if you are comfortable doing so, a brief testimony of your attitude and practice toward giving.

For me, my discipline has evolved through the years. I have not always been a disciplined “giver.” I have, however, been a committed giver and supporter of my church and its mission and ministry for well over a decade and can say that the axiom is true, “You cannot out give God.”

I would love to hear your stories….

Take Two: Luke 1, Proverbs 23

By way of introduction as we begin this study of the Gospel of Luke, a couple of observations are pretty important. First, it is likely that this gospel as well as the Book of Acts were written around the same time. Most people think of them correctly as a two-volume type of work. They were likely written during Paul’s Roman imprisonment, around AD 60-61 Based on there being no mention of James’ martyrdom (circa AD 62) or the persecution under Nero which began around AD 64. 

Luke is the only Gentile writer in the NT. He is historically believed to be from Antioch and was not an eyewitness to most of these events…but was a compiler of information (vv.1-4). While he was not an eyewitness…this does not preclude the belief in the Inspiration of these two works (Luke/Acts). Never does the doctrine of Inspiration assert that the writer must be an eyewitness.

This first chapter contains 80 verses and offers details that are not available in the other gospels. One of the things that stuck out to me was the reactions of Zacharias vs. Mary. Both saw an Angel. Zacharias was a priest and was married to Elizabeth who also came from the priestly line of Aaron (v.5). They lived good and righteous lives before God (v.6). Zacharias drew the lot to burn incense in the Temple (which was a once in a lifetime opportunity). When he was ministering before the Lord, the angel Gabriel spoke to him and told him that his prayers were answered and he would have a son, John, who would be the forerunner to the Messiah. Please don’t miss the fact that he is a priest ministering before God…sees an angel and is told of answered prayer (vv.8-17). His response was one of skepticism and unbelief (v.18).

The angel’s only proof…I am an angel and was sent here from God to proclaim this to you. By the way…you are now going to be mute so that you will know that I am telling the truth (vv.19-20). [Apparently, Zacharias was pretty convincing in his demeanor following his time inside the Temple...since everyone knew he had seen a vision. (vv.21-23).]

In comparison, Mary receives a visit from the angel and is told she will have a son and He will be the Son of God and will be the awaited Messiah (vv.26-33). She responds with a question as well, but there must have been something different in her response, since she is told of proof (Elizabeth’s pregnancy) and is not chastised for her unbelief (vv.34-37). She responds with submission to God’s will.

WHat I find interesting (being a pastor-type guy) is the faith exercised by both the priest and the virgin. She believed God while the priest was skeptical. [NOTE: I recognize a degree of skepticism in my own life since I meet a lot of people with some pretty incredible stories. I wonder how I would respond if an Angel showed up in my study and spoke to me? Hey...how might you respond? Your answer speaks to your faith too.]

The birth narrative of John is given and after Zacharias names him according tot he angel’s instructions, he can now speak…and speak he did! (vv.57-66). Zacharias spoke a word of prophesy about God’s promised Salvation and the ministry of John (vv.67-80). This is not just the bragging of a “proud papa’ but is a confirmation of God’s unfolding plan of redemption. Notice finally.. v.68. The accomplishment of salvation is spoken of in past tense. In other words, this prophesy looked forward at what would be accomplished in the decades ahead…and spoke of it as if it were already accomplished. Praise God who knows all things!

So, how is your faith? How do you see God and how much do you trust God? Do you see that He can do and has done all things that are necessary and good? What should you surrender to Him today?

Proverbs 23:24 is the takeaway today. “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who sires a wise son will be glad in him.” As I read this today…I am impressed that one fo the greatest accomplishments that parents can have…is to know that they have raised up children who are wise. Children who know and fear God…which is the beginning of wisdom. If you want to know how and where to invest in the Kingdom in a way that brings maximum return on investment…invest in developing your children into disciples of Christ.

Take Two: Exodus 40, Proverbs 22

The chapter begins by telling us that on the first day of the first month, the Tabernacle was erected according to God’s instructions. Just to put it into context…Exodus 12 tells us that the Passover was celebrated in Egypt and that this would become the first month for the Israelites. So, on the anniversary of this event…the Tabernacle was erected.

Consider the magnitude of this. If you take away the time Moses spent on the Mountain receiving instructions…all that was accomplished to build the Tabernacle (including the contributions, fashioning of the ministering furniture, and the preparing fo the garments…was accomplished in about 9 months.

God instructed that the Tabernacle be erected and that Moses consecrate/anoint it and all of its furnishings and the Priests who would minister (vv.1-16). Moses did all that the Lord had commanded. This phrase becomes a familiar refrain throughout this chapter (see vv.16,19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). Thus Moses finished all of the work (v.33).

That is an amazing statement in itself. How well does that describe your life. __________ finished all the work that God had commanded, just as He commanded. Is your life typified by what you have been purposed for and how you accomplished that purpose?

In v.34, we see the Glory of God descend and dwell in the Tabernacle. When the Tabernacle was prepared and consecrated, God set up residence. By the way…that is no different today. Notice also, that the people decided where to go and when to move according to the manifest presence of God. WHen God dwelt in the Tabernacle…the people stayed. When God moved to another place, the people pursued Him (vv.36-38).

What would it be like if we ordered the steps of our lives, throughout our journeys according to our desire to join God in His presence? Some might argue that since God is omnipresent…then He is wherever we are…so we don’t need to chase after Him. Not to press the question too far…but the point is about being where God would have us to be…doing what God would have us to do. When the Israelites were in the presence of God…there was a physical manifestation of His presence. When they lingered behind…His glory (and presence) was obviously missing.) Question: Is it OBVIOUS that the glory of God rests on you and in your life; or, is it something that you talk about in the past tense?

Proverbs 22:9 is the takeaway today. “He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.” When we read this verse, it should be obvious to us that there is a blessing in being generous by being sacrificial in our giving. Many today, I fear, miss this blessing…because they are not willing to sacrifice and to give of their own supply to simply care for others.

 CONGRATS! You have finished Exodus! Let’s go back to the NT tomorrow and begin the Gospel of Luke together! See you there!

Take Two: Exodus 39, Proverbs 21

The first part of the chapter lists in detail the making of the priest’s garments. As with the construction of the Tabernacle, every instruction was carefully followed.

V.32 is a summary statement that everything was completed and brought before Moses. Moses saw all that was done and approved of it and blessed the people (v.43).

He blessed the people because they had done all that God had commanded. In essence, this is the ultimate key to success in every area of life. If one simply determines what it is God has instructed them to do and does it, they experience the blessing of God.

Success is obedience. Worship is obedience.

One thing in the priest’s garments stuck out to me. The people had to beat the gold to a paper thin size and then cut the gold into thread like pieces so that it could be woven into the priest’s robe. Even this detail was adhered to (v.3). Considering the conditions, this is amazing to me and speaks of the attention to detail. Nothing was spared or overlooked when it came to preparing to enter into God’s presence.

Proverbs 21:5 is the takeaway today. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.”