Historical Posts
Isaiah 61:1-2; 42:6-7 – Christ: The Fulfillment of Prophecy – audio
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Text: Isaiah 61:1-2; 42:6-7
Introduction
Many years before the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, many prophets foretold the people about him. Perhaps Isaiah, the “Messianic Prophet,” is most well-known.
Isaiah records prophecies of His birth (Isaiah 7:14-15) and death (Isaiah 53). Many other important aspects of His life are also included throughout the book.
When Jesus finally came to this earth, His mission was not to destroy the things said of Him, but rather to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17-18). Yes, every single prophecy of Him came true (Luke 16:17; 24:44).
Peter preached the fulfillment of His suffering (Acts 3:18), and Paul the fulfillment of His death (Acts 13:29). Jesus knew these would be fulfilled, and prepared His disciples (Luke 18:31-33).
Body
Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy in the hearing of many in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16-21). Isaiah prophesied these words (Isaiah 61:1-2; 42:6-7), and now the time has come for them to be fulfilled.
A. The Spirit of the LORD was upon Him (Luke 4:18). This was true at one point physically at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), but always spiritually (John 3:34).
B. Jesus was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor (Luke 4:18). The disciples of John saw and heard this (Luke 7:22; Matthew 11:5). Jesus said those that were poor in this world were blessed because the kingdom of God had come to them (Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20). The apostles Paul and James explained that even though we may poor in this world, we can be rich through Christ (2 Corinthians 6:10; 8:9; James 2:5).
C. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18). Many times people suffered physically because of heartache, and Jesus healed them (as in the death of Lazarus, John 11). However, Jesus also healed the hearts that were broken spiritually (Luke 24:25-27; Acts 2:37ff.).
D. Jesus proclaimed liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18). There was a time when slaves and property were set free: in the year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8ff.). Some commentators see Jesus liberating men in this regard, but also all sinners are set free from their sin in Christ (John 8:31-32; 14:6; 17:17; 2 Peter 2:19).
E. Jesus recovered sight to the blind (Luke 4:18). There are many instances in which Jesus healed a blind person, as John’s disciples were witnesses (Matthew 11:5). A blind man was healed in Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-25), Bartimaeus outside of Jericho (Luke 8:46-52), the man in the pool of Siloam (John 9:1-7), and countless others. However, there are many spiritually blind that Jesus can help to see! He taught the Pharisees that is one reason He came into the world (John 9:39-41). He also taught His disciples they needed to see spiritually (Mark 8:18). Sadly, no matter what Jesus did, some still did not believe and thus were blinded (John 12:37-41; Isaiah 53:1; 6:9-10). Later Paul explained Christ’s role in our spiritual lives (Romans 11:7-10).
F. Jesus set at liberty those that were oppressed (Luke 4:18). This is very similar to those that were captive and set free (see II. D. above). Isaiah prophesied of this as well (Isaiah 58:6), knowing that he could proclaim liberty; only Christ could grant liberty!
G. Jesus proclaimed the acceptable year of the LORD (Luke 4:19). Just as Isaiah prophesied about the acceptable time and day of salvation (Isaiah 49:8), Christ realized it! Paul said that time is here, and the day is now (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
Conclusion
Yes, every prophecy of Christ has come true. He is the Son of God, and gives us eternal salvation. Won’t you accept Him, and be saved today?
Do You Believe God?
Many people make promises they cannot keep.
Often we hear of how someone is going to do something, but they either do not do it at all, or do it in an unexpected way. After so many times of expectations being shattered, we no longer believe them.
When God tells us something, do we believe Him?
He told Paul, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome (Acts 23:11).” As Paul journeyed from Jerusalem to Rome, he went through various difficult times.
During a dangerous voyage, many of his shipmates became afraid. However, he assured them of what the Lord told him: “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you (Acts 27:24).” He then expresses his confidence in Him: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me (Acts 27:25).”
Paul is not the only one to have this confidence.
The Virgin Mary was told she would have a Son [Jesus], and she believed (Luke 1:30-31,45).
God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants even his old age, and he believed Him (Genesis 17:17; Romans 4:20-21) because he knew He was able to perform it.
Paul assured Timothy: “…for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day (2 Timothy 1:12).”
We often sing the aforementioned words, but do we believe God?
It will be just as He told us. We can live forever in Heaven with Him if we do His will!
Eternal Life is in Christ – audio
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“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:11-13
God gives us eternal life in Christ!
God loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son, in whom is eternal life (John 3:15,16; 17:2,3)
Eternal life is in God’s Son.
As John often said, one must believe in God’s Son in order to have eternal life (John 3:36; 6:47). If we believe in Christ, we will do whatever He says (Matthew 28:18). Christ commands us to believe and be baptized (Mark 16:16) in order to be saved. Baptism is what puts us into Christ (Galatians 3:27). Thus, being in Christ we have the Son, and therefore eternal life.
We can know we have eternal life.
There is no doubt of living forever if we do what Christ commands us!
We must continue to believe in the name of Christ.
This idea involves not only having confidence in the Lord, but remaining in the faith. After all, He tells us: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).”
Water, Water Everywhere Nor Any Drop To Drink
Samuel Taylor Coleridge penned the words “water, water, everywhere nor any drop to drink” in his poem “Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner” in the early 1800s. He gives his readers a sense of abundant water that is not fit to drink. It would be terrible to come upon an abundant water supply, yet not be able to partake of any.
In contrast, we have an abundant water supply that we can partake of! Jesus told a woman of Samaria, “whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4:13-14).” After hearing these words, this woman desired that living water! We too should desire everlasting life, and we can get it through Christ.
Water may be abundant, but not fit for drinking. Rather than being thirsty for physical water, we should desire the spiritual water.
Once our physical thirst is quenched, we will become thirsty again. However, by partaking of that spiritual water we shall truly be filled.
There is plenty for you, and plenty for me. “…Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17).”
Hereafter – audio
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“The Hereafter”
Do you believe in the ‘hereafter?’ One lady does. Every time she goes into the kitchen, she wonders what she’s here after! In fact, we all need to believe in it.
The wise man wrote, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:17-18).” The NKJV uses the word ‘hereafter,’ where the RV and ASV use ‘reward.’ The ESV says ‘future,’ and the KJV ‘end.’
There are three important things to remember regarding the hereafter as the wise man says.
1. Do not let your heart envy sinners.
Do we tend to lose our focus on what God gives us, and turn our attention to the things others have?
Sometimes they obtain it by unethical and ungodly means. The Psalmist wrote, “Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 37:1-3).
The wise man also explained, “Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked; for there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out (Proverbs 24:1-2,19-20).”
2. Be zealous for the LORD.
Since we know there is a hereafter, we should be preparing ourselves for what is to come. The wise man later wrote, “Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity (Proverbs 28:14).”
3. Your hope will not be cut off.
Recently we studied about the hope that we have through Christ, and now we are assured of them by God’s plans. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).”
To have a hope of peace, we must do God’s will. The Psalmist also wrote, “Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace (Psalm 37:37).”
Because we are assured of a hereafter, we do not need to pattern our lives after sinners. Instead, we need to have a zeal for the LORD so our hope will not be cut off. A wonderful example of one who has learned how to do this is found in Psalm 73:1-28.
Colossians 1:3-6 – Hope Laid Up In Heaven – audio
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Text: Colossians 1:3-6
Introduction
A Christian has something to look forward to that anyone living as the world does not. If we remain faithful till death, we will receive a crown of life (Revelation 2:10). Paul commended the Colossians for their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all saints (Colossians 1:4).
If there was no life after death, nothing would be lost. However, if there is life after death, then there is everything to gain. That is what we hope for!
Body
I. Christ has begotten us to a living hope.
Peter tells Christians exactly where that hope comes from: the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4).
Because of what God’s only begotten Son did for us, we can inherit an eternal reservation in heaven by being His faithful children too.
II. Christ is getting our reservations ready in heaven.
Jesus had to go to heaven first (after his death, burial, and resurrection) so we can go after our death (unless the Lord returns first). Simon Peter did not understand this as Jesus explained that He was going somewhere we could not follow immediately (John 13:33,36; John 14:1-6).
Once there, Christ is getting ready for us.
III. We have the hope through the word of truth of the gospel.
Paul preached the gospel of Christ to give everyone the hope of salvation, for the power is in the gospel (Romans 1:13-16).
The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that gives us hope to live again (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
That gospel will be preached throughout the entire world to give hope to every individual (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:18).
Thus, the gospel is bringing forth fruit (Colossians 1:6; John 15:16) as Christ intended.
IV. There is only one hope, and it comes from obeying one gospel.
Paul taught the Galatians about that one gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), and the Ephesians about the one hope (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Timothy learned about that one hope that comes through that one gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:8-10).
Conclusion
We should strive to realize that hope! We should live every day as faithful to the Lord as we can so that we can enter into heaven (2 Peter 1:10-11).
When people see how we live, they will ask us about it. We must always be ready to give them a reason of the hope that is within us with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).
Hopefully we can do that now.
Matthew 5:43-48 Love Your Enemies – audio
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Text: Matthew 5:43-48
Introduction
It seems as if this time of year you learn who your friends are, and who your enemies are.
- Families gather together for the holidays, only to see in-laws go at it or siblings renew former spats and squabbles.
- Neighbors compete to see who can display the best holiday decorations.
- Rivalry weekend pairs teams to play each other that do not like one another.
This may seem like a big deal to us now, but consider what it was like many years ago—Jews and Gentiles were at odds, as were Pharisees and Sadducees.
Jesus taught a lesson that we need to learn even today: love our neighbors! Text: Matthew 5:43-48.
Body
I. Jesus recognized the law.
Jesus knew the multitudes have been taught the things according to the Old Law. He reminds them of the things Moses taught: loving their neighbors and hating their enemies (see Leviticus 19:15-18 and Deuteronomy 23:3-6).
A. Who is your neighbor?
A certain lawyer knew the law said to love his neighbor as himself, yet wanted to justify himself by asking who his neighbor was. Jesus taught the parable of the Good Samaritan to show him, and gave him a similar command (Luke 10:25-37).
B. Who is your enemy?
An enemy is hated by one who opposes his beliefs. In the original language, this term hate means to: hate, despise, disregard, or be indifferent to.”
II. Jesus taught different than the law.
Even though He identified the law, He shows a change. He said, “But I say to you (Matthew 5:43)…” Jesus spoke as one having authority and not as the scribes (Matthew 7:29), for He received all authority from His Heavenly Father (Matthew 28:18).
III. Contrary to the law, Jesus said to…
A. …love your enemies.
John teaches that we must love by our actions, not by just mere words (1 John 3:18). Love is more than a feeling; it’s an action! We may not like our enemies, but we must love them! Paul gave us a reminder of what we can do for our enemies (Romans 12:20), as Solomon said in his wisdom from God (Proverbs 25:21-22).
B. …bless them.
James teaches Christians that we are not to bless and curse; rather, we should speak what is good for necessary edification (James 3:6-10; Ephesians 4:29).
C. …pray for them.
Even Stephen asked, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin (Acts 7:60)” as he was being stoned to death for preaching the gospel of Christ. Yes, even Christ prayed a similar prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they know what they do (Luke 23:34)” as He was about to die. He prayed for the very ones who killed Him (as Stephen)!
IV. As Jesus is God’s Son, we must prove we are His children.
A. We must suffer from our enemies just as Christ did (Romans 8:14-17).
B. We let our lights shine in a dark world while being blameless and harmless (Philippians 2:15; Matthew 5:16).
C. As God our Father is perfect, so we are to be perfect (Matthew 5:48).
Paul wants all Christians to be perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28). After all, we are to be imitators of God as dear children (Ephesians 5:1). Jews and Gentiles alike make Christ complete.
There is only one body, the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4; Colossians 1:18-20). The body of Christ is made up of many different members, but there should be no schism in it (1 Corinthians 12:24b-27).
Conclusion
We may have enemies, but we must treat them kindly. Jesus taught us to love them no matter what; after all, He died for them!
What would you want to do to your enemies? Would you want your enemies to return the favor? Remember the words of Christ: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).”
We are Christians first, and then our individual selves.
Render To Each His Due
We live in a society in which everyone thinks they are owed something. If a person does something nice for someone, they expect a favor in return. When that doesn’t happen, they become disappointed. Jesus taught, “Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back (Luke 6:30).”
However, when a person does something nice for someone they are owed something. My eighth-grade teacher often said, “you’ll have my gratitude” for doing something that he approved of. It seemed he owed us his thanks for helping him.
Likewise, there are some to whom we owe thanks.
This past week we all enjoyed our Thanksgiving fellowship. Many people helped in so many ways: fixing the bulletin board, cooking food, bringing dishes in the building, setting up tables and chairs, decorating, and advertising the event. A big “thank you” goes out to each and everyone who had a part, whether big or small.
Paul said it best when he told the Romans: “Render therefore to all their due…honor to whom honor (Romans 13:4).”
Thank you everyone! Wonderful job!
Do You have the Holy Spirit – audio
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There is a lot of uncertainty today about having the Holy Spirit. Some people claim they have it, yet others do not feel they do. How can you tell if you do or do not have the Holy Spirit?
Read Jude 1:17-21. Jude describes characteristics of those that do not have the Spirit, and then refers to his fellow Christians as those that have the Holy Spirit.
Those that do not have the Holy Spirit are “sensual (Jude 1:19),” or those that think of only earthly things. They often cause division because they seek their own well-being, and not of others or of Christ. Paul says they are ignorant (not learning Christ), having a blindness of heart (Ephesians 4:17-20).
Jude says faithful Christians have the Spirit (Jude 1:20-21). First, Christians receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9,11; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 John 4:13) through baptism. As they continue to grow in the faith, the Spirit helps them grow in the knowledge of God’s Word (see Colossians 2:6-7).
Why should one want to allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within? As Jude says, we must continue to pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20). Sometimes we know we need something, but do not know what. We may think we know what we need, but do not know how to ask. The Holy Spirit helps in this way by making “intercession for us with groaning that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).” If we have the Spirit, God will answer our unspoken prayers!
The Purpose of Snow
This past week we got to see the first snowfall of winter. This is always a special treat for me because we rarely got snow in Alabama, and it certainly did not last very long. Our first snowfall in Ohio was beautiful to look at, and was not a driving hazard. Within 24-48 hours it all melted away.
Many complain that a lot of snow causes accidents and a lot of hard work. However, there are other things that need to be considered. What is snow for?
First, snow is beautiful! One can look at its beauty and purity and know there had to be someone to make it. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20).”
Besides the spiritual reason of knowing there is a God, there is a physical reason. “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).”
Snow nourishes the earth in winter as rain nourishes it in summer. This benefits God and us!
We can teach others about snow and the God that created it. Thus, God’s word will not return to Him void by leading many to Him through Jesus Christ.
Cleanse Your Way
Here is a “dirty joke”: A pig wallowed in the mud.
Here is the clean version: The pig took a bath!
Baths physically cleanse us from dirt that we may either see or not see.
We go a lot of places during the day; outdoors, all over the house, and who knows where else. A nice bath or shower afterward is the perfect way to clean up.
What if we get dirty spiritually?
There are a lot of places where we can go to get dirty. The Psalmist said, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word (Psalm 119:9).”
To clean up where we’ve gone and what we’ve done, we need to pay close attention to the Word of God. Though study, we learn who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us. He died on the cross to save us from our sins; therefore His blood was shed that our sins can be taken away. When we are baptized into Christ, we come in contact with His blood to wash away our sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Hebrews 10:22).
There is no joke about it; we can cleanse our way by following God’s Word!
It’s My Pleasure
“It’s my pleasure!” This is often said after someone does something nice for somebody else, or gives them something they always desired. Perhaps you have said it yourself a few times. A giver should take pleasure in giving as much as a receiver does receiving.
God takes pleasure in doing things for us!
Jesus says, “…It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32).” We can all be a part of the kingdom of God, and it is something that will last forever (Daniel 2:44).
Next time someone gives you something and says, “it’s my pleasure,” think of what all God gives us. It’s His pleasure!
Sit Upon the Throne
It is a special privilege to sit upon a throne. Judges, kings, queens, princes, princesses, and chancellors are perhaps a lucky few to have this honor. One must be born in a royal family or receive special recognition to sit in such a special place.
Imagine what it would be like to sit upon the throne with Jesus!
He told the church at Laodicea, “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne (Revelation 3:21).” Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), and through Him we can too.
We are born of God through baptism into Christ (John 3:3ff.). If we remain faithful till death, we will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
We have a royal birth! Let us continue to do the will of God so we can wear that crown and sit upon His throne with Him.
A Legion of Lessons
Text: Luke 8:26-39
Legions of Lessons
Lessons on Authority: Jesus has all authority on heaven and earth.
Jesus Christ has the power of God (Luke 8:29). This is one of the first lessons we need to learn. He has all authority on heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). Paul described Christ as the “power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24; Romans 1:3-4).”
Many people come to see Jesus and what He has done (Luke 8:34-37). People are interested in learning more about Christ! It is our job to lead them to Him; what they do with Him is up to them. We need to be teaching lessons about Jesus with our actions and words.
The Samaritan woman led many to Christ, and many believed either by her words or their own witness (John 4). Thus, we need our own faith to come to God through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:6).
Lessons on Disciplesip: Jesus taught how to be His disciple.
After he was healed, the man wanted to follow Jesus (Luke 8:38). This man begged to do what Jesus had begged others to do. When Jesus first called His disciples, He said: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him! Later, Jesus taught lessons on how to be His disciple. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). He is our Good Shepherd; as His sheep, we hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). To truly follow Jesus is to be His servant (John 12:26).
Lessons on Who Jesis is: Jesus is God and the Lord.
Jesus denied the man’s request, but instead commanded him to “return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you (Luke 8:39).” He went his way and widely proclaimed all Jesus had done for him. Think about it. Jesus told him to tell what God did, and he told what Jesus did. Is there a contradiction? Mark’s account tells us that Jesus told him to proclaim what the Lord did, and he told what Jesus did (Mark 5:19-20). There is no contradiction! Jesus is God and the Lord. This man obeyed Jesus exactly as he should (Philippians 2:6, 9-11). We need to do the same.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Bear it in Mind
When I was six years old, I wanted a very unusual present: a pulpit and a microphone. Since this was very unusual, my parents kept the matter in mind. Sure enough, when the time was right, I received a short, hand-crafted pulpit and a Fisher Price microphone. Now, years later, I am doing what I always wanted to do; and my parents still remember how it all got started.
When Joseph was seventeen, he dreamed two dreams. One where sheaves bowed down to his sheaf and another where the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him. His brothers envied him for it, but his father “kept the matter in mind (Genesis 37:11).” Later, Joseph helped save his family and all Egypt from a severe famine.
In the first year of Belshazzar’s reign, Daniel had a vision of four beasts and the “Ancient of Days.” This greatly disturbed Daniel, and he sought its meaning. He was informed of the kings that would come, destroying the whole earth; the Lord’s kingdom, however, would be everlasting. Thus, Daniel “kept the matter in his heart (Daniel 7:28).”
When Jesus was born, shepherds told Mary and Joseph how they had seen the angels proclaiming His birth, and many people marveled. Mary “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19).”
Later, Jesus went to the temple at the age of twelve. Many were amazed at His understanding and answers as He was about His Father’s business. Mary “kept all these things in her heart (Luke 2:51).”
Maybe there is something you don’t understand now. Just be patient, bear it in mind, and perhaps God will make it all clear later!
Onesimus
Have you ever thought what a biography of your life would be like?
Would it be a long narrative, or only a brief summary? You may say it depends on how long you live, or how important you make your life to be.
What would God write about you in the Bible if He could?
Consider a man named Onesimus. Very little is known about him; in fact, he is only mentioned in 2 places in the entire Bible! Colossians 4:9 tells us that he is a “faithful and beloved brother” to Paul. He was being sent with Tychicus to inform the Colossians of what all was happening to Paul. Apparently he was a very dedicated brother in Christ to Paul and others.
Later, Paul described him in detail to Philemon. While in prison, Paul led him to Christ after he ran from slavery. Hence he is “profitable” to both Philemon and Paul spiritually, and so Paul wanted Philemon’s consent to use him in the best way for the Lord.
Little may be known about our lives, but God knows it all!
What can we do, like Onesimus, to serve our Lord? What impact can we have on our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the rest of the world?
John 02:13-17 – Zeal for God – audio
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Text: John 2:13-17 (Reading by Don Treadway) and Mark 11:15-17
Introduction
As the Passover Feast drew near, Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem. What He found caused Him to be angry! Instead of people reading the Law and praying, they were selling oxen, sheep, and doves! Thus, they made His Father’s house a “den of thieves.”
He quickly turned the tables on them, and drove them out. His disciples then remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” Jesus was obviously passionate about His Father’s house. They were not using it for its intended purpose!
All of His life, Jesus helped ensure God’s business was done properly in His own house. As He was growing up, He reminded His earthly parents that He must be about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49). Where was He? He was in the same place, same time of year, but just a little earlier in life. He was then listening and asking questions regarding the Law. He knew what its purpose was! It was also His custom to read in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16).
Body
I. David’s zeal.
A. The disciples remember what David wrote in Psalm 69:9:
“Because zeal for Your house has eaten Me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.”
1) Just as Jesus was passionate about working in His Father’s house, David was passionate about sin and its effect on his relationship with God.
2) Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), and David longed to be back in His presence.
3) Later God would send Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, which Jesus would point out to the Jews that questioned Him regarding His actions in the temple (John 2:18-22).
4) Jesus had a zeal for the physical and spiritual well-being of God’s people; do we?
B. In Psalm 122:1, David said:
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD.’”
1) Later in Psalm 122:9 he added, “Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek Your good.”
2) He had a zeal to be where God is; therefore, he wanted to do all he could for Him.
3) Are we the same way? Do we long to assemble with the saints on the first day of the week to worship God? Do we look forward to our midweek Bible study? Do we share that zeal with others and invite them? Do we proclaim the gospel of Christ?
II. The Psalmist’s zeal. Psalm 119:139-141:
“My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words. Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.”
A. Do we have the same zeal for the Word of God?
1) Do we read and study it as we should?
2) Do we teach it to others?
3) Do we live it every day?
III. Zeal for God’s temple.
A. King David wanted to build a house for God, but could not for he was a man of war and had shed blood (I Chronicles 22:8; 28:3).
B. Therefore, he assembled the people together and gave them instructions.
1) Solomon helped build it.
2) Everyone worked diligently. T
3) They all gave what they had zealously for God (1 Chronicles 29:1-6).
C. Do we do that today?
1) Are the elders zealously overseeing the Lord’s church (1 Peter 5:2)?
2) Are we as Christians giving zealously to God (2 Corinthians 9:7-13; 8:2-7)?
IV. Zeal for God’s tabernacle.
A. God’s message through Moses stirred the hearts of the Israelites. Many were willing to bring what they had (materials, skills, etc.) to aid in the construction of the tabernacle.
B. Do we have a zealous heart for God?
1) We should give our entire selves to the Lord (Romans 12:1) every day!
2) If we have a great zeal, it must also have knowledge (Romans 10:2).
3) If we do not have knowledge yet, God can supply it as He did to Paul (Acts 23:1).
Conclusion
A. Do we have a zeal for God?
B. Are we willing to carry on His will in our lives?
C. Others did, and so can we!
Come and See
Have you ever heard someone tell you that they saw something, and you just didn’t believe it?
Someone may say, “There’s a zebra in the bathroom!” Naturally, a zebra would not be in a bathroom; therefore you would not believe it. When that person keeps insisting, you finally agree to go when they say, “come and see!” Sure enough, there is a zebra in the bathroom because one got loose from the zoo and happened to wander in.
John pointed out Jesus to his disciples, and they asked where He was staying. Jesus told them, “Come and see” and they followed Him (John 1:39).
Later, Nathanael asked Philip if anything good could come out of Nazareth. Philip’s response was, “Come and see (John 1:46).”
When Jesus heard Lazarus had died, He inquired where his body lay. The response was, “Lord, come and see (John 11:34).”
John was shown the seven seals, and the four living creatures each told him “Come and see (Revelation 6).”
Imagine what response you could give if someone asked about your faith:
- “Where do you go to worship God?”
- “How can I receive eternal life?”
- “Can I get to Heaven?”
A natural response could be: “Come and see!” See you this coming Lord’s Day, Lord willing!
Are You Out Of Your Mind?
It seems like less and less people are getting along these days.
Players have different ideas on how to approach a game than their coaches; politicians can rarely agree on issues; family members can’t reunite due to lifestyle differences. Sadly, this even happens within the Lord’s church!
Paul implored Euodia and Syntyche to “be of the same mind in the Lord (Philippians 4:2).” One can only wonder what they were divided over, but one does know that Paul begged them to reconcile.
As Christians, we may have our differences; however, we are all members of the same body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). What if we all looked out for ourselves? We would be divided, not united. This is not what Jesus prayed for (John 17:21), nor what Paul pleaded for (1 Corinthians 1:10).
We can be of the same mind toward one another when we put away our own minds. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).” If we think more like Christ and less like ourselves, we can get along!
If you are Euodia, who is your Syntyche? Get out of your own mind, and put on the mind of Christ!
What’s New
A common greeting is, “what’s new?” Has anything changed since the last time you saw someone? If so, they may be eager to hear all that is in your world.
What if God asked you, “What’s new?” What would you say?
“Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise from the ends of the earth (Isaiah 42:10)…” Have we changed our tune? Since becoming children of God, our whole outlook on life should be different.
God made the world, us, and everything and everyone else. All we do should give praise and glory to God! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).”
Next time you are asked, “What’s new?” you can simply say, “my life in Jesus Christ!”
Who knows, but maybe you can lead someone to a new life in Christ Jesus.