DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- QUESTIONING AUTHORITY

QUESTIONING AUTHORITY

Matthew 21:23, 27

“Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You authority?’ …. So they answered Jesus and said, ‘We do not know.’ And He said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’ ”

I saw a bumper sticker that read, “Question authority.” I think this was an indication of rebellious hearts that wanted to reject authority so that they could do their own thing. Questioning authority is not necessarily bad if it is based in a sincere desire to understand the basis for demands. There are lots of impostors and scammers who want to take advantage of me. If am stopped by the policeman, I want to see a badge that identifies his authority. But rejecting authority out of rebellion is not a good thing. The Jewish leaders’ question was not sincere. They questioned Jesus authority out of jealousy and fear that they would lose their own positions of authority. Jesus had abundantly demonstrated where His authority came from – from God – but they refused to accept it, so He would not play their games. God has authority in my life. He is Lord, and may I never question or reject His authority to order my life just because I want to do my own thing. I relinquish myself to His authority. He can do with me what He wants.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Rejecting God’s authority springs from the desire to protect one’s own authority.

[end]

Have a “submitted” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AN ENIGMA

AN ENIGMA

Matthew 21:18-21a

“Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ Immediately the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, ‘How did the fig tree wither away so soon?’ And Jesus answered, and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith, and do not doubt …..’ ”

What a strange, enigmatic, event! I must confess that it makes no sense to me that Jesus would curse a fig tee and kill it simply because He was hungry and it had no fruit. Mark’s account says that it was not even the season for fruit (Mark 11:13). And Jesus’ explanation – “Just have faith” – does not seem to have any relationship to the fig tree. After all, couldn’t Jesus have, by faith, just spoke to the fig tree and made it produce fruit? Surely Jesus had a purpose in cursing the fig tree, but it remains a mystery to me. I think some things will remain enigmatic until I get to heaven. Perhaps then I will understand. I don’t understand everything that Jesus does in my life. Until then, I will live by faith and keep on trusting that everything that He does is right and good, even when I don’t understand.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Some things will remain a mystery until heaven, but faith in God endures the unknown.

[end]

Have a “trusting” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE POWER OF PRAISE

THE POWER OF PRAISE

Matthew 21:16

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Yes. Have you never read, “Out of the moth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise”?’ ”

In response to the high and mighty priests and scribes, who thought they were so religious, Jesus quoted Psalm 18:2. But He expanded it. In Psalm 8:2, the word Jesus translated as “praise” is the Hebrew word for “strength, power, majesty.” The New Living Translation of the Psalm is, “You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing Your enemies and all who oppose You.” In their pride, the Jewish leaders could not praise God for the miracles that Jesus did because that would recognize Jesus’ power and majesty. It is simple childlike faith that recognizes the power of God and results in praise. Almost 40 years ago, Merlin Carothers wrote a book entitled, “Power In Praise.” Praise to the Almighty God defeats the adversaries who come against the Lord Jesus. As a child in simple faith and trust, I give Jesus praise and exalt His power and majesty.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Simple faith results in praise to God for His almighty power, and silences the His enemies.

[end]

Have a praising day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- INDIGNANT

INDIGNANT

Matthew 21:14-15

“Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did and the children crying out in the temple and saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant.”

To be indignant is to be vexed and aroused to anger. The KJV translates it, “sore displeased.” These were not happy campers! So what would make these religious leaders so angry? Was it jealousy that Jesus could do miracles and they couldn’t? Was it envy because Jesus was being praised instead of them? Lord, help me to be indignant – angry and sore displeased – by things like sin, injustice, and mistreatment of others, rather than by envy and jealousy. Help me to be genuinely happy for other peoples’ successes and praise.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Envy and jealousy is a common cause of anger.

[end]

Have a happy day.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HONORING GOD'S TEMPLE

HONORING GOD'S TEMPLE

Matthew 21:12-13

“Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of he moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said, ‘It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer,” but you have made it a den of thieves.’ ”

Jesus cleansed the temple of God -- again -- as He had early in His ministry (see John 2:14). The purpose of the temple was to be a place to meet God in praise, worship, and prayer. But it was being used for things for which it was never intended. Merchants were dishonoring God and profaning His temple by their sacrilege. The temple needed to be hallowed once again. Now, I am the temple of God (I Corinthians 3:16-17) to be used for His glory and honor (I Corinthians 6:19-20). How often do I dishonor God by using my body and my life for things for which I was never intended. Lord Jesus, forgive me and cleanse me. Drive out everything that dishonors You. Make my life a place of worship and praise and prayer to You.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: God’s temple is a place to honor Him in praise, worship, and prayer.

[end]

Have an honoring day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MOVED

MOVED

Matthew 21:10-11

“And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying ‘Who is this?’ So the multitudes said, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee,’ ”

When the people of Jerusalem saw the exuberant praise of the crowds around Jesus, they were moved to ask, “Who is this that causes such excitement?” When Jesus comes into a life and other people see the exuberant praise and devotion of that person to Jesus, it may prompt them to ask, “What is this that causes such joyous praise?” It give opportunity to answer, “Jesus came into my life!” Lord Jesus, may my life show such excitement and devotion to You that people will see and ask “Why?”

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: When Jesus comes, the response is praise and devotion.

[end]

Have an exuberant day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HOSANNA TO THE KING

HOSANNA TO THE KING

Matthew 21:7-9

“They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitude who went out before and those who followed cried out, saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest!’ ”

One can almost feel the electricity in the air as the crowd gathered around Jesus with the thought of making Him king. There was a time earlier in Jesus’ ministry when people wanted to make Him king (John 6:15), but He would not allow it because the time was not right. Now His earthly ministry was coming to a close, and He permitted them to chant from the Song of Assent, “Save now, I pray, O LORD … Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD (Yahweh)” (Psalm 118:25-26). He was indeed king, with a sign on the cross that proclaimed, “Jesus, King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:37). But He was not the king that the Jewish crowd supposed, for they looked for a king to save them from Roman oppression. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). His kingdom is in the hearts of people. I receive Him as my King, My Savior, My Lord! He has saved me and delivered me from Satan’s oppression, and He rules in my heart. Hosanna!!!

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Jesus is King of the eternal kingdom, and rules in the hearts of people.

[end]

Have a “Hosanna” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A QUICK RESPONSE

QUICK RESPONSE

Matthew 21:1-3,6

“Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say “The Lord has need of them,” and immediately he will send them.’ ”

Jesus was preparing to enter Jerusalem this last week of his life, knowing that he was facing death. But to fulfill prophecy that said, “Behold, your king is coming to you, lowly, and sitting, a donkey” (vs. 5), he needed to procure a donkey. So he sent two disciples to get one. The disciples did what Jesus said, even though they may not have understood the reason. It may not have made sense to them at the time. It is even more amazing that the owner of the donkey would relinquish his animals to strangers simply on the statement, “The Lord needs them.” I don’t always understand the reasons behind what God says to do, but He knows what He is doing. Oh, that I was as quick to respond to what God says as were the disciples and the owner of the donkey. The key word is “immediate.”

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: God’s commands may not always make sense at the time, but He knows what He is doing, and they deserve a quick response.

[end]

Have a “quick response” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- "WHAT DO YOU WANT"

“WHAT DO YOU WANT?”

Matthew 20:32-34

“So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ They said, to Him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.”

“What do you want from Me?” These men lived in darkness and wanted physical sight so they could see in order to live normal lives. Jesus touched their eyes, and they saw and followed Him. Their eyes not only saw the world around them, but they saw Jesus and believed enough to dedicate their lives to Him. “What do I want from Jesus?” I have physical sight. What I need and want most is spiritual sight. “Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus.” “Open my eyes that I may see visions of truth Thou hast for me …. Open my eyes, illumine me, Savior divine.” Touch my eyes, Lord Jesus.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Spiritual sight comes from the touch of Jesus.

[end]

Have a “seeing” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

Matthew 20:29-31

“Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David.’ Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David.’ ”

These two blind men were desperate. Jesus was passing by and He was their one hope of deliverance from their affliction. They did not care what the crowd thought and were not inhibited from crying out loudly to Jesus, “Have mercy!” In my own times to need, I can cry out to Jesus. He is here and He hears the cry of my heart, “O Lord, I need You. Have mercy on me!”

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Jesus hears the cry of the desperate.

[end]

Have a “crying out loud” day. Love You.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BONDSERVANTS

BONDSERVANTS

Matthew 20:27-28

“ ‘Whoever is first among you, let him be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’ ”

Before His incarnation, Jesus was the second Person of the Trinity, King of Heaven, Lord of Hosts, with millions upon millions of angels waiting to do His bidding. His position as Lord of Heaven and Lord of Creation entitled Him to the worship and service of His subjects. Yet He gave it all up in order to be a servant so that He could ransom this lost soul from hell. He is now again exalted as the supreme Lord of Heaven. It is no wonder that one of the favorite appellations of the Apostles was “bondservant” of Jesus (Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:1, James 1:1; II Peter 1:1; Jude 1). He is entitled to all the worship and service I can give Him. A bondservant has no rights or entitlements. I am entitled to nothing but to be a bondservant of the Lord Jesus.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Just as the Lord Jesus relinquished all His rights and entitlements to become a servant, so should His followers.

[end]

Have a “bondservant” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MARK OF GREATNESS

THE MARK OF GREATNESS

Matthew 2:25-27

“But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.’ ”

The world’s concept of greatness is how many people I control and have authority over. This is the cause of conflicts and wars, whether in a family, a business, a nation, or the world: Who has control? But in God’s kingdom, greatness is identified by serving. A person can be in a position of authority and still have a servant spirit. He does not need to “lord it over them.” The servant attitude is, “How can I benefit other people?”, rather than “How does this benefit me?” This attitude of service is the mark of greatness.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: The mark of greatness is service.

[end]

Have a “great” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A JOB DESCRIPTION

A JOB DESCRIPTION

Matthew 20:24

“And when the ten head it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers.”

The narrative does not explain the reason for the displeasure of the ten disciples, but it was probably because they didn’t like the idea of James and John being promoted above themselves. The flesh rises up when I think that someone else is being treated better than myself. But Jesus said that that is not the way of the kingdom. He said that our desire should be to serve and not to be served, and He gave Himself as an example: “ ‘Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’ ” (vs. 28). This is God’s way: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3). I can only do this if I know who I am in Christ, just as Jesus knew who He was. That is the only way I can truly be a servant.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: The job description of the Christian is to be a servant.

[end]

Have a serving day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BAPTISM OF SUFFERING

BAPTISM OF SUFFERING

Matthew 20:23

“So He said to them, ’You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.’ ”

It is called the Baptism of Suffering. All of the disciples except Judas would indeed eventually experience this baptism, either by torture or by death. I know nothing of this kind of baptism. I have had such an easy life. But there are many Christians around the world who know what true suffering for the name of Jesus is. Lord, be their shield and comfort.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Jesus promised the Baptism of Suffering to His disciples, and there are still disciples going through that Baptism today.

[end]

Have a thankful day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FACING THE FUTURE

FACING THE FUTURE

Matthew 20:22

“But Jesus answered and said, ‘You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They said to Him, ‘We are able.’ ”

The disciples had no clue what Jesus was talking about when they said, “We are able.” He was facing His torture and death, and when crunch time came, they all deserted Him. They were not able in their own strength to drink the cup. Following Jesus to the cross takes more than my own strength and ability. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know that I cannot do it myself. I need God’s strength. Only with His power can I face the challenges ahead. But, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Following Jesus into the future requires His strength and power; I cannot do it in my own strength.

[end]

Have a “strengthened” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE PRAYER OF A MOTHER

THE PRAYER OF A MOTHER

Matthew 20:20-21

“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons [James and John (Matthew 4:21) came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something of Him. And He said to her, ‘What do you wish?’ She said to Him, ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.’ ”

Thank God for praying mothers who intercede for their children. She wanted the best for her sons. Her desire was for them to great in Christ’s kingdom. What a prayer and desire! I’m so thankful for my mother who prayed for me.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Caring mothers pray for their children to be great in spiritual things.

[end]

Have a praying day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS

PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS

Matthew 20:17-19

“Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.’ ”

Jesus took His disciples aside and told them what was going to happen in Jerusalem regarding His coming passion and resurrection. This information was not for the crowds that followed Him, but only for those closest to Him. The crowds were not ready to hear this. In my personal walk with Jesus, He sometimes speaks things to my heart that are for me and me alone. They are confidential and not meant to be shared with other people; they are private conversations between Jesus and me. I need to be sensitive to this and not blab everything to other people who are not ready to receive.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Not everything that Jesus speaks to those who are close to Him are meant to be shared with the crowds.

[end}

Have a discerning day.  Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SALVATION

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SALVATION

Matthew 20:1, 16

Jesus said, “ ‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers …. So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called but few are chosen.’ ”

This parable is an illustration of Jesus’ saying, “Many who are first will be last; and the last, first” (Matthew 19:31). In the parable, a farmer went out to hire day-laborers to help him with his harvest. He hired the first workers at 6:00 a.m. He went out again to the market-place at 9:00 and hired more men, and again at noon. Finally, he found some workers at 5:00 in the afternoon and hired them, perhaps because he felt sorry for those who had not secured work through the day. At the end of the day when he came to settle the wages for the workers, he paid those who had worked only part of the day the same amount as those who had labored in the field from early morning. Those who had worked all day did not think this was fair, and complained against him. The farmer responded, “Is is it not lawful [or just] for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?” (vs. 15). When it comes to salvation, everyone is saved the same. There are no “half-saved” Christians. The thief on the cross was just as saved as the disciples. It is the same for everyone. This is not to discount that there are different rewards for service for the Master. But salvation is “equal-opportunity.” It may not seem “fair,” but God is always just and His goodness and judgment is always right. I’m just thankful that He called me and I responded to receive His salvation.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: There are no degrees of salvation; it is equal for everyone who responds to His call.

[end]

Have a thankful day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOD'S AMAZING GRACE

GOD’S AMAZING GRACE

Matthew 19:27-30

“Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Assuredly I say to you, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones judging Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or other or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.’”

Peter still didn’t get it. Do I sense some pride in Peter’s voice – “Look how much we have sacrificed. Surely the fact that we have give up everything to follow You must be worth something!” Jesus assured him that there will be rewards for sacrifice, but that salvation is not earned, because it is a gift that is not dependent on my sacrifice. As I look at Christians who have sacrificed a lot, I think that surely when they will get to heaven they will have great prestige and position. Then I look at my puny offerings and am humbled. In heaven, those who are great will be last because it is all of grace. It is not what I am, what I have, and what I do. It is what Jesus has done – His great sacrifice. Salvation is truly “amazing grace.”

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Status in this life is not an indicator of status in heaven.

[end]

Have another “amazing” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE

THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE

Matthew 19:25-26

“When His disciples heard it they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’ ”

The disciples were astonished. If it is hard for rich people to be saved, what hope do us poor people have? To the human mind, it would be impossible. How amazing it is that God would love a sinner such as I – that such a great and holy God would come to save me! It seems out of the realm of possibility. But God Himself made it possible. No amount of money nor good works on my part could buy my salvation. Only His sacrifice and shed blood could purchase it. “You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Peter 1:18-19). How great is my salvation! My salvation does not depend on my financial or social status, but entirely on the great mercy of God – the price of The Lamb. Hallelujah!!!

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Salvation cannot be purchased by human resources, but only by the sacrifice of Jesus, The Lamb.

[end]

Have an “amazing grace” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HOW HARD IT IS!

HOW HARD IT IS!

Matthew 19:23-24

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.’ ”

Why is it so difficult for wealthy people to be saved? I think it is because they trust their riches and feel that they don’t need God. Poor people are more likely to understand that they need God for their very existence. Paul exhorted, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (I Timothy 6:17). Whether rich or poor, the wise person knows that everything he has comes from God’s gracious hand. So I pray, “Give me neither poverty nor riches – lest I be full and deny You and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9).

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: It is hard for wealthy people to be saved because they put their trust in their riches instead of God.

[end]

Have a “trusting God” day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT

WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT?

Matthew 19:18a, 21-22

“He [the young man] said to Him, ‘Which ones?’ …. Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”

This young man, like so many of us, wanted to pick and choose which commandments he was willing to obey. Jesus listed some of them – not to murder, steal, commit adultery, and to honor his parents, and he said he had kept them all (vs. 20).  He thought just living a "good" life was all that was necessary to please God.  But Jesus then pinpointed the most important commandment – the first one – which said, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). His earthly treasure – his wealth and his possessions – was his god, and he was not willing to give them up to make God first, so he went away sorrowful. Life can only be “perfect” (whole and complete) when God is first in my life. It is indeed a sad thing when I worship the “stuff” of this world instead of the true God. That is the most important commandment to keep.

TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Living a “good” life does not take the place of devotion to God.

[end]

Have a worshiping day. Love you.