"And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
Luke 23:38
Pilate had ordered the sign which was a public posting of Jesus' "crime." It may have been meant as ridicule. After all, what king would reign from a cross naked, bloody, and black and blue? But the accusation was indeed the truth. Jesus was and is King. Throughout history, followers of Jesus have been called names. The early disciples were first called Christian in Antioch (Acts 11:26). It was meant as derision, but it was true. They were Christ's people. What names might I bear as a follower of Christ? Fool? Fanatic? Nut? So be it. It's true!! I confess, I am!!!
Today's Thought: Names meant as ridicule can become badges of honor.
Have an honorable day. Love you.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Easy Way Out
"And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, 'He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.' The soldiers also mocked Him...saying, 'If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.' "
Luke 23:35-37
The fact is, Jesus, the Creator of the Universe, could have saved Himself just by speaking a word. Remember when He was arrested, the soldiers all fell to the ground when He simply said, "I am" (John 18:6). Or He could have called 12 legions of angels to His rescue (Matthew 26:53). Just by one word, He could have annihilated the whole bunch of them. That would have been the easy way out. But it would have bypassed the Father's greater plan – our salvation. I am always looking for the easy way out, and in the process miss what God really wants to accomplish in me and through me. It takes a lot of grace to endure suffering when I could take the easy way out.
Today's Thought: The easy way is not always God's way.
Have an enduring day. Love you.
Luke 23:35-37
The fact is, Jesus, the Creator of the Universe, could have saved Himself just by speaking a word. Remember when He was arrested, the soldiers all fell to the ground when He simply said, "I am" (John 18:6). Or He could have called 12 legions of angels to His rescue (Matthew 26:53). Just by one word, He could have annihilated the whole bunch of them. That would have been the easy way out. But it would have bypassed the Father's greater plan – our salvation. I am always looking for the easy way out, and in the process miss what God really wants to accomplish in me and through me. It takes a lot of grace to endure suffering when I could take the easy way out.
Today's Thought: The easy way is not always God's way.
Have an enduring day. Love you.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Forgiveness
"Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.' "
Luke 23:34
When Jesus said these words, there was no ulterior motive. The very heart of Jesus was unfeigned forgiveness. The natural human response to misuse and abuse is to hold the offender hostage in the prison of our hearts with chains of bitterness, anger, grudge, and a "get-even" attitude. But not Jesus. His was pure forgiveness with no strings attached. It is one thing to speak forgiveness; it is another thing to release the offender. The Scriptures say that there was no guile in His mouth (Isaiah 53:9; I Peter 2:22). The Greek word has the sense of catching with bait, to lure, snare and hence to speak deceptively. Peter brings this point home when He wrote,
"Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten ["I'll get even with you; you'll pay for this"], but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (I Peter 2:23).
This is the key to releasing offense – giving ourselves (and the offense) to God. That's what Jesus did, and He is our example (I Peter 2:21).
Today's Thought: Giving offenses to God is the key to living without bitterness.
Have a "free" day. Love you.
Luke 23:34
When Jesus said these words, there was no ulterior motive. The very heart of Jesus was unfeigned forgiveness. The natural human response to misuse and abuse is to hold the offender hostage in the prison of our hearts with chains of bitterness, anger, grudge, and a "get-even" attitude. But not Jesus. His was pure forgiveness with no strings attached. It is one thing to speak forgiveness; it is another thing to release the offender. The Scriptures say that there was no guile in His mouth (Isaiah 53:9; I Peter 2:22). The Greek word has the sense of catching with bait, to lure, snare and hence to speak deceptively. Peter brings this point home when He wrote,
"Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten ["I'll get even with you; you'll pay for this"], but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (I Peter 2:23).
This is the key to releasing offense – giving ourselves (and the offense) to God. That's what Jesus did, and He is our example (I Peter 2:21).
Today's Thought: Giving offenses to God is the key to living without bitterness.
Have a "free" day. Love you.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Dad's Rambling -- Enduring Shame
"There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left."
Luke 23:32-33
We hear a lot about "death with dignity." But Jesus' death was ignominious – characterized by disgrace or shame, dishonorable, humiliating, degrading (Webster). No only was he beaten, stripped naked, paraded through the streets, and displayed for all to mock and ridicule, but he was counted as a common criminal in fulfillment of the prophecy, "He was numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). No wonder Paul wrote, "He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, EVEN the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8) – not just death, but the death of the cross. The cross was reserved for mal-doers. Jesus didn't just die in a quiet, dignified passing. He died a violent, shameful death – the death of the cross – as one being punished for wrongdoing. He "endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2) – counting it as nothing. Shame on me for getting so concerned about my honor and my good reputation!
Today's Thought: Jesus endured the shame of being executed with criminals as a criminal.
Have a ignominious day for Jesus. Love you.
Luke 23:32-33
We hear a lot about "death with dignity." But Jesus' death was ignominious – characterized by disgrace or shame, dishonorable, humiliating, degrading (Webster). No only was he beaten, stripped naked, paraded through the streets, and displayed for all to mock and ridicule, but he was counted as a common criminal in fulfillment of the prophecy, "He was numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12). No wonder Paul wrote, "He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, EVEN the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8) – not just death, but the death of the cross. The cross was reserved for mal-doers. Jesus didn't just die in a quiet, dignified passing. He died a violent, shameful death – the death of the cross – as one being punished for wrongdoing. He "endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2) – counting it as nothing. Shame on me for getting so concerned about my honor and my good reputation!
Today's Thought: Jesus endured the shame of being executed with criminals as a criminal.
Have a ignominious day for Jesus. Love you.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Looking Beyond
"But Jesus, turning to them, said, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For indeed the days are coming...' "
Luke 23:28-29a
Beaten and broken, in the midst of His own pain, Jesus looked beyond Himself at the big picture – at the suffering these women would endure in just a few years (vss. 29-31). When I am suffering, it is difficult to turn my eyes beyond my own pain to the needs of others. All I can think about is how much I hurt. Lord, help me to look beyond myself – to not just concentrate on the trees but see the forest.
Today's Thought: Spiritual greatness is looking beyond myself to the needs of others.
Have a "looking beyond" day. Love you.
Luke 23:28-29a
Beaten and broken, in the midst of His own pain, Jesus looked beyond Himself at the big picture – at the suffering these women would endure in just a few years (vss. 29-31). When I am suffering, it is difficult to turn my eyes beyond my own pain to the needs of others. All I can think about is how much I hurt. Lord, help me to look beyond myself – to not just concentrate on the trees but see the forest.
Today's Thought: Spiritual greatness is looking beyond myself to the needs of others.
Have a "looking beyond" day. Love you.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Where Are The Men?
"And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him."
Luke 23:27
So where are the men? It does seem that women are more spiritually sensitive than men. (Eve takes a lot of flack but she was the one who Satan tempted because of her spiritual desire to be godly – albeit in a wrong way.) Only the women had the guts to be counted with Jesus in His passion. Of the eleven disciples, only John is seen at the cross. Thank goodness for spiritual women. But come on, men. Let's not leave it to the women. "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" (I Cor. 16:13).
Today's Thought: Men should not leave all the spiritual things to the women.
Have a "strong and brave" day. Love you all.
Luke 23:27
So where are the men? It does seem that women are more spiritually sensitive than men. (Eve takes a lot of flack but she was the one who Satan tempted because of her spiritual desire to be godly – albeit in a wrong way.) Only the women had the guts to be counted with Jesus in His passion. Of the eleven disciples, only John is seen at the cross. Thank goodness for spiritual women. But come on, men. Let's not leave it to the women. "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" (I Cor. 16:13).
Today's Thought: Men should not leave all the spiritual things to the women.
Have a "strong and brave" day. Love you all.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Dad's Rambling -- Carrying The Cross
"Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus."
Luke 23:26
Simon was just an observer on the sidelines. He was a foreigner in Jerusalem on other business when he was attracted by the crowd and he went to see what was happening. He wasn't "for" or "against" Jesus. He was just a bystander. But suddenly he was "laid hold of" by the soldiers and became a participant in the drama, carrying Jesus' cross behind Him. There are scads of people who stand on the sidelines in the crowd. They are not against Jesus but not really committed to following Him either. They really don't want to be identified too closely with Jesus. But Jesus said that there is a cross to bear in order to follow Him (Matthew 16:24; Mark 3:34, 10:27; Luke 9:23, 14:27). This is a figurative cross but it can be just as heavy as the literal one Simon bore. I am "laid hold of" to carry a cross.
Today's Thought: We are called to get off the sidelines and carry the cross.
Have a "carrying" day. Love you.
Luke 23:26
Simon was just an observer on the sidelines. He was a foreigner in Jerusalem on other business when he was attracted by the crowd and he went to see what was happening. He wasn't "for" or "against" Jesus. He was just a bystander. But suddenly he was "laid hold of" by the soldiers and became a participant in the drama, carrying Jesus' cross behind Him. There are scads of people who stand on the sidelines in the crowd. They are not against Jesus but not really committed to following Him either. They really don't want to be identified too closely with Jesus. But Jesus said that there is a cross to bear in order to follow Him (Matthew 16:24; Mark 3:34, 10:27; Luke 9:23, 14:27). This is a figurative cross but it can be just as heavy as the literal one Simon bore. I am "laid hold of" to carry a cross.
Today's Thought: We are called to get off the sidelines and carry the cross.
Have a "carrying" day. Love you.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- The Big Choice
"And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will."
Luke 23:25
This is an illustration of the human condition under the control of Satan. "The carnal mind is enmity against God" –so says Romans 8:7. People do not want Jesus because they don't want righteousness. They would rather crucify the righteous than admit to their own sin. But, as the old song goes, "I'd rather have Jesus." What a wonderful Savior!
Today's Thought: The sinful mind chooses sin over righteousness.
Have a righteous day. Love you.
Luke 23:25
This is an illustration of the human condition under the control of Satan. "The carnal mind is enmity against God" –so says Romans 8:7. People do not want Jesus because they don't want righteousness. They would rather crucify the righteous than admit to their own sin. But, as the old song goes, "I'd rather have Jesus." What a wonderful Savior!
Today's Thought: The sinful mind chooses sin over righteousness.
Have a righteous day. Love you.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- One Against the Mob
"Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them. But they shouted, saying, 'Crucify Him, crucify Him!' Then he said to them a third time, 'Why? What evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.' But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested."
Luke 23:20-24
There was a T.V. game show called "1 Against 100." The lone contestant stood against "The Mob," as they were called. It is hard to stand against the Mob. Pilate found that true and caved in. The mob mentality does not listen to reason. Those with the loudest voices control the masses. I avoid any group that is incited by people yelling into bull-horns or chanting slogans, even if I agree with what they stand for. The majority is not always right and it is hard to stand alone for truth.
Today's Thought: The mob does not usually listen to reason.
Have a "stand-alone" day. Love you.
Luke 23:20-24
There was a T.V. game show called "1 Against 100." The lone contestant stood against "The Mob," as they were called. It is hard to stand against the Mob. Pilate found that true and caved in. The mob mentality does not listen to reason. Those with the loudest voices control the masses. I avoid any group that is incited by people yelling into bull-horns or chanting slogans, even if I agree with what they stand for. The majority is not always right and it is hard to stand alone for truth.
Today's Thought: The mob does not usually listen to reason.
Have a "stand-alone" day. Love you.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Choosing Evil for Good
"Then Pilate ... said to them... 'Nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. I will therefore chastise Him and release Him.' And they all cried out all at once, saying, 'Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas' -- who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder."
Luke 23:13-19
It is a sad day when people choose evil over righteousness. The Bible speaks of those who call bad "good." "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 50:20). The majority of American culture calls evil good, rejecting God's righteousness. We are facing God's woe. May God help us.
Today's Thought: Calling evil good will incur God's wrath.
Have a righteous day. Love you.
Luke 23:13-19
It is a sad day when people choose evil over righteousness. The Bible speaks of those who call bad "good." "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 50:20). The majority of American culture calls evil good, rejecting God's righteousness. We are facing God's woe. May God help us.
Today's Thought: Calling evil good will incur God's wrath.
Have a righteous day. Love you.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Friendship
"That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other."
Luke 23:12
No doubt Pilate and Herod were enemies because of the goverment issue. Who would govern Israel -- Herod or Rome? But there was a greater issue -- a threat to both of them. This common problem -- Jesus -- made them strange bedfellows. The castrophe of 9/11 caused a unity in the U.S. not seen since WWII. And a coalitions of nations was formed for the Gulf War, not because they liked America but they feared Sadam more. But relationships built on that kind of foundation do not endure. When the enemy or common goal is gone, so is the unity. A stronger bond for relationships is love and respect -- whether in a nation, a church, or a family.
Today's Thought: Friendships build on anything but love and respect do not endure.
Have a friendship day. Love you.
Luke 23:12
No doubt Pilate and Herod were enemies because of the goverment issue. Who would govern Israel -- Herod or Rome? But there was a greater issue -- a threat to both of them. This common problem -- Jesus -- made them strange bedfellows. The castrophe of 9/11 caused a unity in the U.S. not seen since WWII. And a coalitions of nations was formed for the Gulf War, not because they liked America but they feared Sadam more. But relationships built on that kind of foundation do not endure. When the enemy or common goal is gone, so is the unity. A stronger bond for relationships is love and respect -- whether in a nation, a church, or a family.
Today's Thought: Friendships build on anything but love and respect do not endure.
Have a friendship day. Love you.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Expectations
"Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and hoped to see some miracles done by Him. Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him notiong...Then Herod... treated Him with contempt and mocked Him..."
Luke 23:8-9, 11a
Here's a twist. Herod was "exceedingly glad" to see Jesus, the same Jesus that his father had sought to kill as a baby (Matthew 2:16). However, his was not the "exceeding great joy" of the worshiping wise men (Matt. 2:10-11). Rather Herod treated Jesus as a sideshow, expecting that Jesus would at His command perform some magic trick. When Jesus didn't "perform," Herod turned on Him and treated Him with contempt, just like many people today. How often have I heard someone say, "I tried Jesus and it didn't work." They become disillusioned and bitter because Jesus isn't their servant to do their bidding. Jesus did not come to satisfy our own fleshly desire. He is above that and is worthy of our worship.
Today's Thought: Jesus is not a commodity to be used; He is God to be worshiped.
Have a worshiping day. Love you.
Luke 23:8-9, 11a
Here's a twist. Herod was "exceedingly glad" to see Jesus, the same Jesus that his father had sought to kill as a baby (Matthew 2:16). However, his was not the "exceeding great joy" of the worshiping wise men (Matt. 2:10-11). Rather Herod treated Jesus as a sideshow, expecting that Jesus would at His command perform some magic trick. When Jesus didn't "perform," Herod turned on Him and treated Him with contempt, just like many people today. How often have I heard someone say, "I tried Jesus and it didn't work." They become disillusioned and bitter because Jesus isn't their servant to do their bidding. Jesus did not come to satisfy our own fleshly desire. He is above that and is worthy of our worship.
Today's Thought: Jesus is not a commodity to be used; He is God to be worshiped.
Have a worshiping day. Love you.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Stirred Up
"But they were the more fierce, saying, 'He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.' When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time."
Luke 23:5-7
Jesus certainly did stir up many people – either to hate Him or to love Him. But still, I'm sure there were many people in Israel who were apathetic – who couldn't have cared less about this itinerant preacher. Oh, that people in America would be stirred up by the Gospel. Yes, may my heart be stirred afresh today!
My heart is stirred whene'er I think of Jesus –
That blessed name that sets the captive free.
The only name through which I find salvation.
No other name has meant so much to me.
Today's Thought: Jesus and the Gospel stir the heart.
Have a stirred up day. Love you.
Luke 23:5-7
Jesus certainly did stir up many people – either to hate Him or to love Him. But still, I'm sure there were many people in Israel who were apathetic – who couldn't have cared less about this itinerant preacher. Oh, that people in America would be stirred up by the Gospel. Yes, may my heart be stirred afresh today!
My heart is stirred whene'er I think of Jesus –
That blessed name that sets the captive free.
The only name through which I find salvation.
No other name has meant so much to me.
Today's Thought: Jesus and the Gospel stir the heart.
Have a stirred up day. Love you.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- No Fault
"Then Pilate asked Him, saying, 'Are You the King of the Jews?' And He answered him and said, 'It is as you say.' So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, 'I find no fault in this Man.' "
Luke 23:3-4
The only ones who could find fault with Jesus were those who needed to support an unrighteous agenda. This is the difference between Pilate and the Jewish leaders. Pilate, at this point in the proceedings, could look at Jesus objectively without the colored glasses of another motive, although later on he acted to save his own skin. There are those today who write books and produce movies that portray Jesus as an unrighteous person. But it is from their own ungodly imaginations. The record says that Jesus "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Anyone looking objectively at the record would conclude that Jesus was a righteous Man and there was no fault in Him.
Today's Thought: There is no fault to be found in the life of the Lord Jesus.
Look at Jesus today. Love you.
Luke 23:3-4
The only ones who could find fault with Jesus were those who needed to support an unrighteous agenda. This is the difference between Pilate and the Jewish leaders. Pilate, at this point in the proceedings, could look at Jesus objectively without the colored glasses of another motive, although later on he acted to save his own skin. There are those today who write books and produce movies that portray Jesus as an unrighteous person. But it is from their own ungodly imaginations. The record says that Jesus "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Anyone looking objectively at the record would conclude that Jesus was a righteous Man and there was no fault in Him.
Today's Thought: There is no fault to be found in the life of the Lord Jesus.
Look at Jesus today. Love you.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Just The Truth!
"Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, 'We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.' "
Luke 23:1-2
Isn't that just like human nature? In order to bolster their argument against Jesus, they added accusations that were not true – like perverting the nation and forbidding to pay taxes – mixing truth with lies. I need to stick with the truth, even if it seems to weaken my case.
Today's Thought: I weaken my argument when I mix falsehood with truth.
Have a truthful day. Love you.
Luke 23:1-2
Isn't that just like human nature? In order to bolster their argument against Jesus, they added accusations that were not true – like perverting the nation and forbidding to pay taxes – mixing truth with lies. I need to stick with the truth, even if it seems to weaken my case.
Today's Thought: I weaken my argument when I mix falsehood with truth.
Have a truthful day. Love you.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Jesus Is God
"Then they all said, 'Are You then the Son of God?' So He said to them, 'You rightly say that I am.' And they said, 'What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.' "
Luke 22:70-71
This is a direct refutation of those who say that Jesus never claimed to be God. Not only the question, "Are You the Son of God," but His response, "I am." That statement – "I am" – is echoing the name that God used to identify Himself to Moses – "I am that I am." The priests and scribes understood this very clearly. Jesus was claiming to be God. So we come to the famous conclusion of C. S. Lewis. If Jesus claimed to be God and wasn't, then He was either a liar or a lunatic, and could not be God or worthy of worship. But if He was, we should fall at His feet in adoration.
Today's Thought: Jesus was Who He claimed to be – God.
Have a worshiping day. Love you.
Luke 22:70-71
This is a direct refutation of those who say that Jesus never claimed to be God. Not only the question, "Are You the Son of God," but His response, "I am." That statement – "I am" – is echoing the name that God used to identify Himself to Moses – "I am that I am." The priests and scribes understood this very clearly. Jesus was claiming to be God. So we come to the famous conclusion of C. S. Lewis. If Jesus claimed to be God and wasn't, then He was either a liar or a lunatic, and could not be God or worthy of worship. But if He was, we should fall at His feet in adoration.
Today's Thought: Jesus was Who He claimed to be – God.
Have a worshiping day. Love you.
Dad's Ramblings -- Hope For The Future
" 'Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God.' "
Luke 22:69
In the time of His torment and stress, Jesus was looking beyond the present pain to the future. That is what keeps anyone going through the tough times – the knowledge and hope that things will eventually be better. Even if for the time being things get worse, there is hope for the future.
Today's Thought: In the stress of today, we can look for rest tomorrow.
Keep looking forward. Love you.
Luke 22:69
In the time of His torment and stress, Jesus was looking beyond the present pain to the future. That is what keeps anyone going through the tough times – the knowledge and hope that things will eventually be better. Even if for the time being things get worse, there is hope for the future.
Today's Thought: In the stress of today, we can look for rest tomorrow.
Keep looking forward. Love you.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Insincere Questions
"As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying, 'If you are the Christ, tell us.' But He said to them, 'If I tell you, you will by no means believe Me. And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go.' "
Luke 22:66-68
The truth is, the priests and scribes were not seeking the truth. Their minds were made up. Their agenda was to kill Him. So their questions were insincere. No matter what He said, their agenda would not change. I find myself doing the same thing. I believe what I believe regardless of the truth, and any questions I ask are only for the purpose of argument and finding inconsistencies in the other person's belief. Insincere questions are not good because I don't really want the truth.
Today's Thought: Insincere questions are illegitimate questions.
Have a sincere day. Love you.
Luke 22:66-68
The truth is, the priests and scribes were not seeking the truth. Their minds were made up. Their agenda was to kill Him. So their questions were insincere. No matter what He said, their agenda would not change. I find myself doing the same thing. I believe what I believe regardless of the truth, and any questions I ask are only for the purpose of argument and finding inconsistencies in the other person's belief. Insincere questions are not good because I don't really want the truth.
Today's Thought: Insincere questions are illegitimate questions.
Have a sincere day. Love you.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Alone!
"Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, 'Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?' And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him."
Luke 22:63-65
As we enter the last few hours before Jesus' crucifixion, we are walking on holy ground. Now that Peter had gone, Jesus was left alone to face His suffering. Once again, I think it is helpful to remember that Jesus endured suffering as a human. The pain was real. He felt the wounds to His soul as they mocked Him, and felt the physical pain of the beatings. Which is worse? They both hurt, but I almost think mental and emotional pain is worse than physical suffering. David wrote, "You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor....Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none" (Psalm 69:19-20). When it seems that we are alone in our suffering, Jesus understands. He's been there.
Today's Thought: Jesus understands when we feel alone in our pain.
Have a "remembering" day. Love you.
Luke 22:63-65
As we enter the last few hours before Jesus' crucifixion, we are walking on holy ground. Now that Peter had gone, Jesus was left alone to face His suffering. Once again, I think it is helpful to remember that Jesus endured suffering as a human. The pain was real. He felt the wounds to His soul as they mocked Him, and felt the physical pain of the beatings. Which is worse? They both hurt, but I almost think mental and emotional pain is worse than physical suffering. David wrote, "You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor....Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none" (Psalm 69:19-20). When it seems that we are alone in our suffering, Jesus understands. He's been there.
Today's Thought: Jesus understands when we feel alone in our pain.
Have a "remembering" day. Love you.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Tears of Repentance
"And [after the third denial] the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' So Peter went out and wept bitterly."
Luke 22;61-62
Several hours had elapsed since Jesus' arrest – enough time for Peter to deny Him three times. Surely he was under conviction even from his first failure. Why did he take so long to repent? Indeed, why does it take me so long to acknowledge my failures? There are two things here that point toward the answer. First was the look of Jesus. I don't believe it was a look of anger, but of sadness, sorrow, and pain. Jesus sees all my failures, and surely it saddens His heart. When I realize how much I cause Him pain, my heart is broken. Secondly, Peter "remembered the word." Repentance comes as the Holy Spirit reminds me of how much I fall short of God's Word. When I consider the magnitude of my failure, the result is weeping. Tears of repentance are a cleansing of the soul.
Today's Thought: Knowing the sadness my failure brings to the heart of Jesus brings me to repentance.
Have a sensitive day. Love you.
Luke 22;61-62
Several hours had elapsed since Jesus' arrest – enough time for Peter to deny Him three times. Surely he was under conviction even from his first failure. Why did he take so long to repent? Indeed, why does it take me so long to acknowledge my failures? There are two things here that point toward the answer. First was the look of Jesus. I don't believe it was a look of anger, but of sadness, sorrow, and pain. Jesus sees all my failures, and surely it saddens His heart. When I realize how much I cause Him pain, my heart is broken. Secondly, Peter "remembered the word." Repentance comes as the Holy Spirit reminds me of how much I fall short of God's Word. When I consider the magnitude of my failure, the result is weeping. Tears of repentance are a cleansing of the soul.
Today's Thought: Knowing the sadness my failure brings to the heart of Jesus brings me to repentance.
Have a sensitive day. Love you.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Unplanned Failure
"And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, 'This man was also with Him.' But he denied Him (or it), saying, 'Woman, I do not know Him.' "
Luke 22:56
I don't suppose Peter planned intentionally to deny Jesus. It just happened in the stress of the moment. I don't know how I would respond, given Peter's scenario. Astronauts train for pressure situations by doing simple maneuvers over and over again until the action is automatic. In school, I studied and practiced before tests in order to keep from failing. If I practice my confession of faith in non-threatening environments enough that it is second-nature, perhaps under stress it will be spontaneous. But I have no guarantees. I cannot trust myself. My only hope is the unfailing grace of the Lord Jesus.
Today's Thought: Failure is not planned, but preparation can help prevent it.
Have a "preparation" day. Love you.
Luke 22:56
I don't suppose Peter planned intentionally to deny Jesus. It just happened in the stress of the moment. I don't know how I would respond, given Peter's scenario. Astronauts train for pressure situations by doing simple maneuvers over and over again until the action is automatic. In school, I studied and practiced before tests in order to keep from failing. If I practice my confession of faith in non-threatening environments enough that it is second-nature, perhaps under stress it will be spontaneous. But I have no guarantees. I cannot trust myself. My only hope is the unfailing grace of the Lord Jesus.
Today's Thought: Failure is not planned, but preparation can help prevent it.
Have a "preparation" day. Love you.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Dad's Ramblings -- Sitting with Sinners
"Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them."
Luke 22:55
Following Jesus at a distance (see Luke 22:54) will result in sitting with the unbelievers, minimizing my witness even more. Actually, mixing with people is not the issue. Jesus sat with sinners as a common practice. But somehow, He was always different. The only way to avoid contact with the world is to die (I Cor. 5:9-10). But when Peter sat at their fire, enjoying the same comfort, he was indistinguishable from the rest of them. If I look, act, talk, and enjoy the same things as the world, the light of Jesus cannot shine. God calls us to be separate – a peculiar people – a city built on a hill – so that people will see our lives and glorify God. "...That you may become blameless and harmless children of God, without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15). So let's shine!!!
Today's Thought: Warming myself at the fires of the world will minimize my witness.
Have a shining day. Love you.
Luke 22:55
Following Jesus at a distance (see Luke 22:54) will result in sitting with the unbelievers, minimizing my witness even more. Actually, mixing with people is not the issue. Jesus sat with sinners as a common practice. But somehow, He was always different. The only way to avoid contact with the world is to die (I Cor. 5:9-10). But when Peter sat at their fire, enjoying the same comfort, he was indistinguishable from the rest of them. If I look, act, talk, and enjoy the same things as the world, the light of Jesus cannot shine. God calls us to be separate – a peculiar people – a city built on a hill – so that people will see our lives and glorify God. "...That you may become blameless and harmless children of God, without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15). So let's shine!!!
Today's Thought: Warming myself at the fires of the world will minimize my witness.
Have a shining day. Love you.
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