Tag Archives: love

Joshua 4

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Vs. 8, “So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down.”  The twelve leaders from each previously selected in yesterday’s chapter had a reason to go out with the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant.  After crossing the Jordan, these twelve men carried these stones for eight miles to Gilgal which was about two miles from Jericho.  These stones were to serve as a reminder of what God did for them as they crossed the Jordan on dry ground.  Memorials are not bad as long as they are not lifted up.  How interesting that we have our own Memorial Day this weekend to remember the people that have died for our country.  Notice that Joshua also set up an additional twelve stones in the riverbed (vs. 9).  Gilgal will have much future history for the Israelites both good and bad as we venture forward into the Old Testament.

Regarding application…Don’t Forget.  Vs. 24, “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.”  Most of us know by now how absent-minded we can be.  The Israelites understood how important it was to remember pivotal points in their history with the LORD.  Likewise, I believe that it is very important for us too.  When I grew up, diaries were something people would use to not forget about their life events.  With the advent of the Internet, we have many new ways to not forget about our life.  Facebook came out awhile ago with “Events”, where it will chronicle your life and highlight the major events.  Question: How do you take time to remember?  We have pictures online, we have pictures in the house, we have birthday’s & anniversaries.  But, when I think about the most pivotal points of my life, it is always when the Lord did something amazing (salvation, retreats, wedding, moving, etc).  Remember these red-letter dates.  Take time to thank the Lord today for our own memorials in our life.

Joshua 3

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Vs. 5, “Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.”  The Israelites are primed and ready to begin the new chapter in their life.  They leave the town of Shittim (vs. 1) which is about 6 miles from the Jordan.  It would take them a total of three days (vs. 2): traveling one day, resting the other, and on the third day they were to watch God do an amazing thing.  We also see the mention of the Ark of the Covenant (vs. 3) for the first time in Joshua.  Question: What was the purpose of the Ark of the Covenant?  It was a symbol of the LORD’s presence among them.  This was important for the people to see that it was the LORD who would open up the Jordan just as He opened up the Red Sea (Exodus 14).  Remember, that only Joshua and Caleb were witnesses of the first crossing.  It was important for the people to consecrate (make clean, ceremonial washing) themselves before they were to begin the crossing.  It must have been a marvelous miracle to witness the parting of the Jordan!

Regarding application…Walking in Faith.  Vs. 17, “The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.”  Question: What would help the Israelites walk in faith through the Jordan?  Perhaps the Ark of the Covenant or Joshua their fearless leader, or the priests, or the twelve leaders from each tribe?  I would content that each played a role in encouraging the Israelites to step out in faith to cross the mighty Jordan.  Question: Who has played a role in your life?  Many of us have been blessed with people who have encouraged us in our walk.  Take a bit of time today to thank the Lord for them and pray for them.  Send a email, text, status update or even a old-fashioned phone call their way.

Joshua 2

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Vs. 1, “Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.”  We come to a most intriguing event: Rahab and the spies!  Joshua sends two spies on a reconnaissance mission to scout out Jericho.  Question: Was Joshua’s action approved by the LORD?  Curiously, we are not told.  However, God does in fact work through this strategy.   Question: What were they doing at a prostitute’s house?  Again, we are not told, but the plot thickens as the king of Jericho gets intel that they are there.  Bear in mind, Rahab had taken a huge risk by opening her home to them.  I will address her lie to the kings men in the application section below.  Nevertheless, this tactic wins her time and it is here that she makes a deal with the Israelite spies (vs. 9-14).  It surprising that she knows the LORD’s name, but her line of work would have many advantages to information told in secret.  It is obvious to Rahab that she the Israelites will conquer the city of Jericho.  But at some point, Rahab goes from polytheism to understanding the one and only true God.  It is admirable her love for her own family as they too are saved because of her.  Don’t forget, Rahab is mentioned in the “Hall of Faith” chapter (Hebrews 11:31) as a woman of faith.  The Gospel of Matthew mentions that Rahab was the mother of Boaz (Matthew 1:5), but that might not be the same Rahab.

Regarding application…Justified to Lie?  Vs. 4, “But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from.”  Question: Was Rahab sinning by telling the kings men a lie?  Before I answer my own thoughts, I’m reminded of a recent book I read about Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie.  Corrie’s family were Dutch and they were hiding Jewish refugees.  As time went on, the Nazi soldiers questioned Betsie about whether she and her family were hiding Jews.  Betsie told the truth.  This is a difficult subject and I don’t know if I can give a definitive answer.  In the end, if there ever was a justification to lie, it would be in Rahab’s situation or in Betsie’s situation.  Lord willing, we will never be in such precarious times.

Joshua 1

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Vs. 6, “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.”  Throughout our chapter, Joshua is reminded to be strong and courageous!  In the first section of our chapter, the LORD exhorts Joshua to take control as the new leader (vs. 1-9).  Earlier (Deuteronomy 31:1-8), Moses had designated to God’s people that Joshua would be the successor.  Question: Why?  Not only was Joshua a great military leader, but only he and Caleb had the faith (Numbers 14) years earlier that God would help deliver the people initially when they were at the cusp of the Promised Land.  The LORD’s stirring speech is directly to Joshua and I can imagine the exhilarating feeling Joshua must have had!  The latter half of our chapter deals with Joshua putting into motion God’s command (vs. 10-18).  I appreciate the attention to detail with ensuring they are well prepared for what lies ahead (vs. 10-11).  We are also reminded that 2 ½ tribes (Reubenites, Gadites, ½ tribe of Manasseh) requested to be on the east side of the Jordan, but they were to still help with the conquest of the Land.  It’s awesome to see the people declare together that they will obey and trust their God-given leader in Joshua.

Regarding application…Know God’s Word.  Vs. 8, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”  Question: What would help Israel find victory?  Knowing God’s word.  King David echoed the importance of meditating on God’s word in Psalm 1.  It’s no coincidence that the knowledge of God’s word is the basis of Joshua’s key to victory.  I know this is an old reference, but I remember those old NBC commercials with the slogan, “The More You Know.”  The more knowledgeable we are about certain things, the more we will make the right decision.  This past week, our Bible study group was challenged to memorize I Corinthians 10:13.  It is a wonderful passage to meditate on when you are feeling temptation overwhelming you.  Remember, meditation is not some “New Age” concept, but one that can produce inward strength when we allow God’s word to start in our hearts and minds.

Mark 16

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Vs. 1, “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.”  It’s always important to mention that it was quite unusual for the early church to have women as the primary witnesses of the Lord’s resurrection (vs. 1-8).  The women are not able to go until after the Sabbath (Saturday) to finish anointing Jesus’ body for burial.  It’s interesting to note that the women so struck with grief, they did not even think about who would role back the stone (vs. 3).  And most importantly, the Resurrection of Jesus shows us He was victorious over death!  In the latter half of our passage (vs. 9-20) there is a matter of debate to biblical scholars.  There are positions on both sides that support the Gospel of Mark ended on vs. 8 while others content it was added later on.  There has also been some controversy to the signs that will accompany those who believe (vs. 17-18).  Many believe these signs applied only to the time of the Apostles.  In the end, it’s important to remember these signs were not used to prove or test God.  They were only used to add to the bottom line: sharing the Gospel.

Regarding application…Preach It.  Vs. 15, “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”  We are recipients of this charge!  For nearly 2000 years, we have been spreading the Gospel to a world that needs to know Jesus.  There are many who need Jesus right now in their life.  In the midst of the chaos to our neighbors in Oklahoma, Christians have a chance to really bring hope to the suffering.  Let us pray that God would raise up people to be a beacon of light in that community.  Like the disciples who were mourning and weeping, God brought them the only hope that cut through all the pain of loss.  May we take the time to prayerfully consider how we can “preach it” to a friend, coworker or family member who need to hear “Good News” in their life this week.

Mark 15

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Vs. 39, “And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”  The first verse in chapter one of Mark reminded us that Jesus is the Son of God.  Now we come to the end of Jesus’ life and Mark ensures we see the Roman centurion’s declaration having just seen the crucifixion.  After the disgraceful and unlawful trial of Jesus in the night, the Sanhedrin hand Jesus over the Pontius Pilate (vs. 1-15).  The Jews needed to find a way to convince Pilate to have Jesus crucified.  They spun it to make it look like Jesus was leading a revolt against the Romans.  It’s important to note the politics involved with Pilate and the Jews.  He wasn’t exactly a beloved figure for the Jews and though the Romans were in charge, his position needed to appease the Jews from rioting and also the Roman leaders who entrusted in Pilate’s ability to be the governor for them.  He personally felt no reason for the Jesus to be sentenced to death.  But the politics were pressuring him.  Pilate ingeniously used the tradition of releasing one prisoner and chose Barabbas to be next to Jesus.  He figured the crowds would surely not want Barabbas released and call for Jesus.  But, seeing the rioting crowds and the threat the Sanhedrin made to Pilate (John 19:12), He relents and sentences Jesus to crucifixion (vs. 15).  The Roman floggings (vs. 16-20) is excruciating to read and one of the reasons why Jesus died so early on the cross (crucifixion deaths could last days).  When it came to Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross, we are not given much detail from any of the Gospels since everyone at that time knew what crucifixion entailed (vs. 21-41).  And lastly, we see God’s providential hand at work as Joseph of Arimathea quickly request Jesus’ body for burial (vs. 42-47).

Regarding application…Access To God.  Vs. 38, “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”  Question: What is the significance of the curtain town in two?  The curtains in the temple played an important part in separating and protecting the most holy of holies from the outside world.  The Ark of the Covenant was not present in the new temple, for it was lost in the Babylonian invasion nearly six centuries earlier.  But it still represented God’s holy presence.  The torn temple would now signify to all of us that access to God is now granted to everyone (Hebrews 10:20).  I used to have this notion that I felt closer to God in an actual church building.  But the beauty of this torn curtain reminds us as Jesus’ reminded the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) that the worship of God can be done anywhere.  That is why doing our daily devotions anywhere is such a privilege!  Of course, this does not negate our privilege of being part of the body of Christ: His church!

Mark 14

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Vs. 1, “Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him.”  As Jesus and the disciples get ready to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), we are privy that a plot was amiss.  Jesus’ last Passover meal would become the Last Supper (vs. 1-2).  Like Matthew’s Gospel, Mark also records the anointing of Jesus by Mary in Bethany (vs. 3-9).  Bear in mind, anointing is not placed chronologically for this happened the day before Jesus entered Jerusalem (Triumphant Entry).  I preached on this a few months ago and it is a wonderful reminder of the sacrificial love she gave Jesus.  This nard (perfume) was the equivalent of about $60,000 in our present day (at least in LA county where I live).  Sadly, Judas Iscariot goes to the chief priests (vs. 10-11) and unknowingly fulfills prophesied scripture (Zechariah 11:12).  The thirty pieces of silver were about four months wages (a price of a slave) which would be the equivalent of $20,000.  As the disciples gather for the Passover supper, Jesus informs that He not only will be betrayed, but that the betrayer is one of them (vs. 17-21).  It is here that Jesus calls out Judas, but the disciples were probably confused with what was going on.  The Gospel of John (John 13:30) further sheds light and tells us that Judas left the supper that night to go prepare for the arrest.  Jesus than instructs the disciples that the bread would signify His body (vs. 22).  You may recall the Passover was commemorated when God delivered the Israelites from Egypt.  Every home that had the lamb’s blood on the door, the Spirit of God would Passover that house and not kill the newborns.  Jesus was the Passover lamb (I Corinthians 5:7).  The cup (vs. 23-25) would signify the blood of Christ that would bring redemption to all.  Upon leaving the upper room, they travel over to Gethsemane a garden near the Mount of Olives to pray (vs. 26).  Sadly, Jesus predicts that not only was Judas a betrayer, but all of the other disciples will fall away and scatter (vs. 27-28).  Led by Peter protests, Jesus informs Peter he will deny Him three times (vs. 30).  It’s important also to note the others stated they too would not scatter (vs. 31).  The prayers at the Gethsemane (vs. 32-42) are incredibly intense as we get insight to the struggle Jesus was having.  He knew what He was about to face and it was going to be excruciating.  Being beaten and dying by crucifixion was intense, but nothing compared to bearing the sins of all and having the Father turn His face from His son.  The enemy’s temptation was strong for Satan and earlier he had tried to offer Jesus an easy way out (Matthew 4:8-9).  Judas now comes to the garden knowing the Jesus and the disciples would have been there.  He brings an angry mob ready to arrest Jesus (vs. 43-51).  Jesus accepts, Peter overreacts and all disciples scatter.  Caiaphas, the High Priest, broke even the Jewish laws by assembling a disgraceful trial at night and in his own home (53-65).  They even concoct bringing false witnesses to contrive lies.  They charge Jesus was blasphemy (speak contemptuously about God) and proceed to seek Jesus’ death.  It’s important to note that capital punishment was only delivered by the Romans (they gave the Jews some power, but not on this).  Additionally, blasphemy to the Romans was a not a legit reason for death.  And lastly, upon Peter witnessing the trial and seeing Jesus beaten, proceeds to deny he knows Jesus (vs. 66-72).

Regarding application…A Future Hope.  Vs. 62, “ I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” “A Future Hope” is the sermon series theme in the book of Ruth that started today (See Audio Sermon).  And in our passage, we are reminded that even in the midst of Jesus’ crises and His disciples, that there would be a hope for the future!  When I think about Jesus’ perspective, I can only imagine the weight of the whole world on His shoulders.  The human emotion in me thinks about the anguish of knowing His disciples were going to have to suffer so much loss and fear.  Yet, the storm of their crises would have to come.  But, even in the midst of those turbulent times, the disciples would find courage and rise up to begin the church!  Brothers and sisters, we must continue that hope for a better future.  Certainly, we have the ultimate vision of Jesus of Jesus returning on the clouds of heaven.  But, we also know that the promises of a better future can exist in our current life.  I pray you will find hope this week in the endeavors of your life.

Mark 13

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Vs. 4, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?”  Jesus had just finished telling the disciples that the Temple and it’s beauty would soon be destroyed (vs. 1-4).  It was almost impossible to believe and the Temple was the sign of God’s presence for them.  But, there would be a new spiritual temple in the church that would be coming soon.  Jesus now spends the next section of our chapter addressing signs both good and bad that will come (vs. 5-23).  I want to preface something important: Jesus does not give us any specific dates for a reason.  Biblical scholars are divided when it comes to the interpretation of Jesus’ signs.  Some believe it only applied to the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.  Others believe that it has a dual meaning that applied for the disciples during the temple destruction but also for future believers during the Tribulation in Revelation.  Differences in interpretations should not divide the church.  The general principles of being watchful apply to all generations until Jesus returns!  We are in the birth pains (vs. 8) and the signs should be obvious just as a fig tree is about to bloom (vs. 28).  Even Jesus does not know the time or date of His own return, only the Father (vs. 32).  We must be ready to live in difficult times.

Regarding application…Be Watchful!  Vs. 37, “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!”  Jesus reminded us of one major criterion: The Gospel must be preached to all nations (vs. 10) before Jesus returns.  Wycliffe Bible Translators estimate that only 209 million people have yet to have a bible translation in their language.  Brothers and sisters, we are so very close!  With the continued efforts of preaching, missions and global technology, we are almost at the end of the race!  Like the doorkeeper (vs. 34-36), let us be ready when the owner (Jesus) returns.  There are times when I selfishly wish it were now.  But there are also times when I forget about Jesus’ warnings when my own life seems to be too difficult to handle.  I remember when I was a little kid, I was so excited to go visit a big city with tall buildings.  No matter how long the trip, I would fight to stay awake so I could see the first glimpse of the approaching city!  Likewise, let us be always watchful and alert for the day and hour when Jesus will return.  Lord, please come soon!

Mark 12

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Vs. 6, “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.”  You may recall previously, we are traveling with Jesus in His last days during the Passion Week.  Jesus is in the temple courts with the crowds, but also with those who were against Him (Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, teachers of the law).  The Parable of the Tenants illustrates the nation Israel and the violent hypocritical acts they administered to the owner of the vineyard.  Those against Jesus were incensed for they knew Jesus was speaking of them (vs. 12).  The enemies of Jesus who were normally opposed to Him, collaborated together to try to trap him.  The Pharisees and Herodians who did not agree politically on their view of Rome’s role with Jews, conspired together to ask how taxes should be properly handled (vs. 13-17).  Paying taxes to Caesar was a hotly debated issue amongst the Jews.  But Jesus with wisdom above all others, share with us how we can give to Caesar (current government) and give to God at the same time (vs. 17).  The Sadducees now come into the picture.  Though not popular among the masses, they controlled the priesthood.  They only adhered to the Pentateuch (the first five books) which limited their understanding of Resurrection.  They come to challenge Jesus on marriage at the Resurrection (vs. 18-27).  The Sadducees come up with a ridiculous hypothetical situation but Jesus again puts them His detractors in place.  But the enemy is persistent, and again they send a teacher of the law to challenge Jesus about the most important commandment (vs. 28-34).  Bear in mind, there were 613 commandments that were in the OT Law.  Jesus infuses two OT references (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18) and this pretty much silenced everyone (vs. 34).  It’s interesting to notice the teacher of the law was impressed and Jesus comments about how close He is to the kingdom of God.  Jesus now takes the opportunity to ask his own question (vs. 35-37).  He points out Psalm 110:1 where David’s future son (descendant) would also be David’s Lord.  This points to the doctrine of incarnation (God becoming human in Jesus).  Jesus also warns us against desiring or looking up to the religious leaders of their day.   Many of them fell into the trap of the “Honor/Shame” culture and tried to look good on the outside.  And lastly, I find it interesting that Jesus watches closely the people placing money in temple treasury (vs. 41-44).  It is a sobering reminder of how giving should be a sacrifice.  The widow’s two copper coins had the least value, but she gave it all to the Lord.  It is a picture of Jesus who would give much more in the days following.

Regarding application…True Sacrifice.  Vs. 44, “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”  As Jesus watched the crowds put their offering into the temple treasury, it’s important to note that it wasn’t the issue of giving.  It was Passover festival time, so there were people of all backgrounds and financial means giving into the temple treasury.  Let me stop here for a moment…God’s will is going to be accomplished no matter how much we give or keep.  The issue here is this understanding of giving that is truly a sacrifice.  If we were to strictly follow the OT tithe, it is far more than just 10%.  The issue isn’t how much we give.  The issue is, is what we give an appropriate sacrifice to the Lord?  When we give to the Lord, we should do it cheerfully (II Corinthians 9:7).  There is always going to be opportunities for us to give and help each other out.  Because the church is God’s gift to us and we see how the Apostle Paul had a burden to collect funds for the church in Jerusalem to meet the needs of the poor, I believe we should continue that spirit of giving.  Tithe to your church.  If can give 10%, wonderful.  If less or more, do so according to what you can give.  And if God has blessed you beyond that, look for ways to give additionally to others like the Good Samaritan did.

Mark 11

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Vs. 7, “When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.”  Jesus’ ministry is now coming to an end.  In our opening scene, Jesus is getting ready for the triumphal entry in Jerusalem (vs. 1-11).  We see another example of Jesus’ omniscience as he directs the disciples to go and retrieve a colt.  In the Gospel of Matthew, he records a colt and a donkey (Matthew 21).   Jesus rode in on a donkey as prophesied by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9).  It’s important to note that the donkey was in fact an animal that was very appropriate for a king to ride on (I Kings 1:33).  The people initially welcomed and praised Jesus as many thought He was coming to help overthrow the current Roman regime.  However, this triumph of Jesus would not be with pageantry and festivities, but it would be shown on the cross.  The next morning, Jesus would reenter Jerusalem (He was staying in Bethany during the night) and come to clear the temple (vs. 12-19).  There are many factors involved in understanding this, but it’s important to note that the temple and OT practices would soon be obsolete after the Roman destruction in 70 A.D.  There was much corruption in the temple sacrifices and selling of the animals.  There was also the impediment of preventing Gentiles from being able to worship because of all the commotion (vs. 17).  The cursing of the fig tree (vs. 12-14; 20-25) illustrates not only the nation Israel, but the lack of spiritual fruit from the temple worship.  And lastly, we se another scene of the chief priests approaching Jesus to corner Him into blasphemy (vs. 27-33).  Jesus masterfully turns their question with His own question that dumbfounds them.

Regarding application…Faith in God?  Vs. 22, “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.”  It’s important to see the context of Jesus’ example of having faith in God: prayer (vs. 23-25).  The Jews epitome of prayer was a location: the temple.  That would soon be destroyed.  But, faith in God is not in a tangible object.  Having faith in God is shown in our dependence upon Him through our prayers.  For many Christians, we eagerly claim that we have faith in God.  But a good litmus test for faith in God is the heart for prayer and doing it.  The more we pray, the more we will be able to confidently do the seemingly impossible.  The more we pray, we will be able to love and forgive others (vs. 25).  The more we pray, our faith in God will be a positive example for the world that needs to know Jesus!  Question: Do you have faith in God?