Month: November 2020

Much is Said About ‘This Generation’

On By TimIn Last Days, Luke 17, Olivet Discourse, ProphecyLeave a comment

When He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation. Nor will they say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For remember, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Luke 17:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As Jesus discussed with the Pharisees, He was answering their question of when the kingdom of God comes. The Pharisees are expecting some great heroic Vanquisher to restore Jerusalem from Roman rule. It’s as if that is the Kingdom Jesus is speaking about. Jesus said the Kingdom comes within people. Meaning your allegiance to the Kingdom is within you and is your responsibility.

The conversation then turns to address the misunderstood idea of the Kingdom of God only being the Valiant King ruling in Jerusalem.

Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. They will say to you, ‘Look here,’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not follow after them. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the heavens from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His day. But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

Luke 17:22–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus called that time the days of the Son of Man. What Jesus is teaching here is end times when He conquers the world.

The phrases used by Jesus are emphatic that some would draw disciples’ attention away from Him. It’s hinted at that there are more than just one that would draw believers away, like false Messiahs. The language is similar to that used in another place.

Just as lightning flashes in the sky and lights up everything, these days would not be unmistaken for anything else. They would be, overtly visible. All would know what is happening.

This is connected to the Olivet Discourse where Jesus vividly describes the days of the Son of Man.

“So, if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert,’ do not go there; or, ‘Look, He is in the private chambers,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

Matthew 24:26–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember in our introduction texts, Jesus is specific and speaks of this generation as alive then. He speaks that He must suffer from them.

There are other texts that use that phrase like this one:

Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

Matthew 24:34 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Many teachers will connect this phrase to the entire data if the Son of Man in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:3-31.) They will use it to disprove futurism. Futurism is the belief that Jesus will come again to rescue His church and set the world right, reigning on David’s throne. The phrase is used to debunk any idea of the rapture, too.

It’s clear in the text. Jesus applies this generation in His Parable of the Fig Tree to a yet future generation that sees the leaves come back. He has shifted His description from the days of the Son of Man to that of what leads up to those days.

That fig tree is used figuratively as Israel. Israel has come back in our generation. We witnessed it. We are those of this generation of the fig tree. It means the days of the Son of Man are very near future.

Rolling back to our text in Luke 17:25, Jesus wasn’t speaking in parables and was addressing what must occur in the short-term future. He would suffer.

He also clearly told those members of this generation listening to Him that day, they would long to see one of the days of the Son of Man. But they would not.

It follows that the days of the Son of Man were much farther into the future than could be perceived. Therefore, for this reason (among countless others,) Amillennialism is not true. Amillennialism is the belief that all of the apocalyptic (considered yet future) Bible passages were fulfilled by the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Some even teach that Jesus already came back at that time.

In Jesus’ own words… Those teachings can’t be. The days of the Son of Man could not occur in the 70 AD siege. Jesus said members of this generation alive then would long to see one of those days, but would not.

Salt is Good

On By TimIn Luke 14, TemperanceLeave a comment

“Salt is good. But if the salt has lost its saltiness, how shall it be made salty? 35 *It is neither fit for the land nor for the manure pile. So men throw it out.
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Luke 14:34–35 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a short post.

Jesus is yet again speaking in salt. Sometimes this idea of saltiness is misunderstood. In our culture, salty behavior usually tends to vulgarity with a heavy dose of self-importance. But as discovered previously the salt Jesus speaks of is plain. It is self-control.

To establish this idea, we only need reel-back to find context.

“For who among you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost to see whether he has resources to complete it? Otherwise, perhaps, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to complete it, all who see it will begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to complete it.’
“Or what king, going to wage war against another king, does not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Otherwise, while the other is yet at a distance, he sends a delegation and requests conditions of peace. So likewise, any of you who does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Luke 14:28–33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Yet again, Jesus has coupled the idea of saltiness with self-introspection and self-control. In other words, salt is humility.

We preserve the culture with humility.

Know the Master’s Will

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Luke 12, SalvationLeave a comment

“That servant who knew his master’s will, but did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who unknowingly committed acts worthy of punishment shall be beaten with few stripes. For to whom much is given, of him much shall be required. And from him to whom much was entrusted, much will be asked.

Luke 12:47–48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus often spoke in parables. These stories provided a vivid insight into reality and righteous behavior. The insights are for our introspection. They provide opportunities to examine ourselves more closely.

This part of this one brings to mind something I think is important and may not have been considered. I will address that, but first things.

There are lots of folks that know what the Master expects of them. The utmost importance is to believe and be saved. That’s what God expects. That’s His will for everyone. If you don’t do that and have been given the Gospel, things aren’t going to go well for you. That same news would go to the Christian that knows and isn’t doing what he’s been called to do by God.

The solution to both of those predicaments is to confess it. Call out to God. He is the Potter that can remake a marred vessel. Such can be fit for another purpose. If you’re in that position, fix it!

Now for that other thought… One that might surprise you.

For before the children had been born, having done neither evil nor good, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but through Him who calls, it was said to her, “The elder shall serve the younger.”

Romans 9:11–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This was told to Rebekah while pregnant. It is certain others knew this, too. Others would include her family. It’s not a stretch to say that both Jacob and Esau knew. But God says this about Esau.

As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”

Romans 9:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I’m certain you’ve probably understood this verse in light of election to salvation. To connect being elect to being saved doesn’t work well in the Scriptures. At least, not in the way it’s taught.

Look closely at what is being discussed by Paul. The older shall serve the younger. There’s nothing about the younger one being chosen to be saved… And the older not. It’s about knowing the Master’s will and not doing it.

In the case of Esau, his whole life was shirking off and running away from that specific call of service God wanted for him to do.

The Reality of Hell (Reprise)

On By TimIn Hell, Matthew 18, PrayerLeave a comment

Therefore if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life lame or maimed than having two hands or two feet to be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than having two eyes to be thrown into the fire of hell.

Matthew 18:8–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

If you’ve read the post prior to this, we discussed Jesus speaking on the reality of Hell. As my Bible reading plan this year is chronological, the reading today is Matthew 18. By the verses cited, there is harmonization there. Like yesterday, our discussion will end in a similar manner.

The context surrounding this is a discussion on who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus pulls a child before the disciples as an example.

and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself like this little child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such little child in My name receives Me.

Matthew 18:3–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This tends to be self-explanatory. Considering that Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again, this is the humility that is required to enter the kingdom. Without Jesus we are hopeless. We must come as dependent upon someone else for our very lives. In this case, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven without becoming like the little child that believes what he is told.

The last sentence takes the emphasis off of receiving human children to that of receiving the child-like new believer. That idea becomes clearer as we move on.

“But whoever misleads one of these little ones who believe in Me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung about his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of temptations! For it must be that temptations come, but woe to that man by whom the temptation comes!

Matthew 18:6–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s not misleading children that’s offensive. It’s misleading the believing children. What Jesus is doing is drawing attention to our own behavior as it relates to others. In this case, it’s the younglings in the faith.

He then sets into that discussion that opened this post that talks about avoiding the reality of perdition. The discomforts of removing things that cause offense… Controlling ourselves… sometimes requires drastic and painful measures. These measures can affect us for a lifetime. But what is a physical lifetime next to eternity?

Jesus will continue the discussion in a parable. In that, the idea of temperance toward these little ones becomes leaving the many to find the one lost sheep. A good shepherd will leave the entire flock to seek such. When he finds that one, he will rejoice over that one.

In parable form, Jesus is teaching us of the tender mercies of the Good Shepherd our heavenly Father. A good teacher adds clarity and expands the idea. Jesus is not yet done with the lesson. He will now instruct us on how to treat each other.

“Now if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, then take with you one or two others, that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Matthew 18:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes the knee-jerk goal of this is eventually to justify one’s exiling of another. This isn’t about disagreement in general. It’s about sin. That sin could include disagreement. The goal is to bring harmony.

Most times these matters are hardly ever addressed congregationally for fear of offending. They get as far as a group of leaders who unilaterally decide the outcome. perhaps matters like this are too burdensome for large conversations of 1,000 or more believers. (At least that’s my take.)

Back to the text.

The goal there is reconciliation. It didn’t mean that either party in a dispute is without pain. Not that that pain wouldn’t linger, but that fellowship is restored. Pain will still exist on both sides. Just as the previous post concludes.

I would draw attention to the other idea of the testimony of two or three witnesses. This was previously referenced, too. These ideas tend toward harmony.

Remember the discussion yesterday that everyone will be salted by fire. That is, those that are remanded to perdition will be preserved in the fire of judgment.

Also, remember that every sacrifice is preserved with salt. Those things we do to limit ourselves are preserved because they are preservative. “If he listens, you have gained your brother.” The goal is reconciliation.

But sometimes, evil is so persistent that it must be removed. This is so with those who don’t seek remission of the sin they’ve done to others. How we treat each other ought not ever go to the point where there are heavenly ramifications.

“Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Matthew 18:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is heartening back to Matthew 16:19. It shows the endowment of the church body as a whole. God gives authority to carry out His will to oppose the powers of evil. Evil must be set outside the body.

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 18:19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus talks about reality. In the context given, it is for the furthering of God’s kingdom. The power of having that companion that walks together in Christ brings down the blessings of heaven. No, not by command… But out of the loving-kindness of God.

For where two or three are assembled in My name, there I am in their midst.”

Matthew 18:20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is often used to demonstrate the importance of gathering together to pray. It might lend itself to that usage, but clearly, the context is in the midst of our own self-restraint in fellowship with other believers.

Remember, not offending little ones, finding the lost sheep, and seeking to heal the pain of offense?

This is the conclusion and why these things are important. It’s for God to show up. There preserving salt is the temperance we have together. Something that has gone by the wayside in its culture. Temperance is a thing of the past. Yet, here in the Word, it is essential to human flourishing in this world and the next.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34–35 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That is the salt that preserves.

Jesus on the Reality of Hell

On By TimIn Hell, Mark 091 Comment

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched, where
‘their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.’
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched,where
‘their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.’
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the fire of hell, where
‘their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.’

Mark 9:42–48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a rather unsettling subject. It certainly isn’t without much controversy. You are going to meet people who profess to be Christian but will allude to Hell not being real, or at least temporary. They will almost always offer a parroted phrase similar to love wins.

Here, Jesus is speaking in a rather matter-of-fact fashion. He is speaking about hell and saying you don’t want to go there. He speaks in a veiled fashion of sin. The thing that causes us to go to perdition. Sin is a satisfaction of our own desires without concern for others.

In this passage, Jesus cites a phrase from the prophet Isaiah. Factually, it is the closing idea to the entire writings of that prophet.

And they shall go forth and look on the corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm shall not die, nor shall their fire be quenched. And they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.

Isaiah 66:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Now, understanding what is happening in Isaiah, the ‘they’ in the text are the human inhabitants of the new heavens and earth. These come to worship in the presence of God on every new moon. Part of that worship is going to involve a forever witness of the costs of sin.

Perdition is forever. That flame won’t stop. That is what is apparent in Isaiah. Three times Jesus quotes Isaiah. Three times He says this is forever. It’s not purgatory. People aren’t going to pay indulgences or have masses in their names to be free of this. It’s important to understand the gravity of this. It’s said three times for a reason.

This is the third time I am coming to you. “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”

2 Corinthians 13:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul cites Deuteronomy 19:15. It’s really real. And you don’t want to end up there forever. This is what Jesus is trying to communicate. This next verse will serve as a transition from reality to application.

Everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be salted with salt.

Mark 9:49 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is some disagreement as to what these closing statements of Jesus mean. This first statement is enigmatic. I am no scholar, but I think the statement is transitional, moving from a dark reality to a hopeful application.

Everyone will be salted with fire. Think of the preservative nature of salt. Fire becomes that salty preservative. Fire is judgment, but here it also preserves. This is a short statement that the judgment of sin is preserved eternally.

There is a connecting and transitional thought. And every sacrifice will be salted with salt. Given the nature of what Jesus taught before, it included graphic removal of offending body parts. These are sacrifices one makes. We cut out of ourselves those things that offend God. In so doing, those sacrifices are salted… Preserved.

It’s the juxtaposition of two ideas, both preserved by salt. Because salt is good.

“Salt is good. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Mark 9:50 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In other words, our own constant self-introspection and sanctification ensures saltiness. Having salt in ourselves is to be self-controlled. What better way to have peace with others than to esteem the needs of others before our own, and to seek to fulfill the needs of others sacrificing our own.

When we offend, there is no amount of apology or repentance that can heal the hurt of the offense. The one offended will always experience some pain as a reminder. The offender will also have some reminder of the pain given to another… Even if amended. That pain acts as a preservative of the sacrifice.

Think of it like actually removing your hand to keep from offending God. The pain of the offense is far greater than the pain of amputating and living without the hand. Even though you will be reminded constantly of its absence, that sacrifice is salted.

If we as Christians neglect these basic things in our relationships with God and with others, the salt loses its saltiness and becomes mundane.

Have salt in yourselves. Remember the offense you’ve caused and the pain they inflict in others not as self-flagellation. Yes, be constantly remorseful. In the same way, remember the pain others’ offenses have caused you. Not to be angry or self-pitiful, but knowing you hold no grudge.

Release the offense, whether perpetrator or victim. Have peace with one another.

That’s salt.

It Was Unexpected

On By TimIn Jesus, Matthew 17, Resurrection1 Comment

As they came down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”

Matthew 17:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus says this to a select small group of His disciples. It was spoken after they had all been up a mountain. It is an event known as the transfiguration. Jesus’ appearance changed, and Moses and Elijah made appearances there, too.

The disciples present wanted to make places for them all to stay. But a voice from heaven startled them and the disciples fell on their faces. As Jesus beckons them to rise, they find Moses and Elijah were gone.

When I encounter the passages where Jesus talks about His resurrection, I am always wanting to be attentive to the responses of those around Him. It goes back to an Easter sermon I had the privilege to hear years ago. The resurrection was unexpected.

Even here the reaction of the disciples as recorded is rather stunning, if not embarrassing. Well, in the sense of the essential pivotal importance Paul places on that one event. Look at how it transpires with this group.

His disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

Matthew 17:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus just said He was going to rise from the dead. The three present, Peter, James and John act like they didn’t hear. They ask about Elijah. In one of the harmonized texts, we get a little more information.

As they came down the mountain, He warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept that statement to themselves, questioning each other what the rising from the dead meant.

Mark 9:9–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

They did at least hear.

Jesus follows the question with a short lesson on how John the Baptist fulfilled that role.

Jesus answered, “Elijah truly does first come and will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. Likewise, the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Matthew 17:11–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the short answer, there are important things for us here. These things can be applied today.

We’ve been privy to a long line of prophets in Israel. Every single one suffered at the hands of others that had some authority whether rightfully or not (read that as usurped or stolen.) The ones in-charge did to John as they pleased, as had happened to those before him.

Jesus used this opportunity to yet again prepare them for what is to come. He was going to submit Himself to others so they do whatever they pleased to Him. If you’re thinking I am telling you that is how you should act… I’m not, the text is. It is giving us an example to follow.

Our three disciples didn’t even let on that they heard Jesus was going to die.

In the text, what follows is a brief encounter with a man and his child. The child has a demon. Jesus heals the child when the disciples could not. It becomes an opportunity for Jesus to teach on how powerful faith is.

This takes us to another mention of the resurrection.

While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were extremely sorrowful.

Matthew 17:22–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

They obviously heard about Him dying and that shortly in time. That saddened them.

But the part that says He will be raised on the third day doesn’t even provoke the slightest curiosity as recorded here. Turning to Mark’s account, there is a little more information.

For He was teaching His disciples, saying, “The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. After He is killed, He will rise the third day.” But they did not understand the teaching and were afraid to ask Him.

Mark 9:31–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

That gives us a huge apologetic. Many of the skeptics of Christianity might offer an objection of a few goat-herders making up a new religion to replace or succeed Judaism. It is sometimes spoken of as a quest for wealth, fame, or notoriety. Many of those skeptics would also deny the resurrection, stating the idea was made-up, too.

If that were true, why would the disciples use texts that embarrassed them?

I mean, really! Jesus said, twice I am going to become alive after I die. There’s no surprise. There’s no shock. There’s no response that acknowledges the idea. No question as to how.

In fact, we know the accounts of the behavior after the resurrection show clearly it wasn’t expected. They really had no clue. And it’s astoundingly evident in the text.

To reinforce the facts presented, there was a small discussion about these events. When asked what they were discussing, it wasn’t about the resurrection at all.

He came to Capernaum. And being in the house, He asked them, “What was it that you disputed among yourselves on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had disputed among themselves who was the greatest.

Mark 9:33–34 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

A Rainbow Like an Emerald

On By TimIn Holy Spirit, Revelation 04, Throne of GodLeave a comment

And the one seated was similar in appearance to jasper and carnelian stone, and a rainbow was around the throne similar in appearance to emerald.

Revelation 4:3 — The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012)

This fascinates me. John in His later years was given a revelation by Jesus. In the midst of it, he was caught up to heaven. He finds himself immediately before the throne of God.

One God is on the throne. Other translations use the pronoun He, as in He that sat on the throne. There is One God.

John doesn’t describe a human-like figure. Nor does he uses personal descriptions. Instead, He describes the appearance. He uses depictions of color based on three precious stones.

The first is jasper. While what is called modern jasper favors the earthy ruddy tones, this is probably not the stone being referenced. Other places this stone is referenced in the Bible it is considered most precious. Jasper is a predominating clear-to-purplish stone. Some say it is most likely a diamond.

Carnelian is the second stone. Carnelian (or Sardis stone) is fiery red.

The third stone is emerald. We know that is bright green.

It’s no mistake that John doesn’t see a figure He can identify. It is also no mistake that John sees three distinct visual brightnesses that He describes likened to precious stones. It is also no mistake that John uses the word translated to rainbow (iris.)

Now think of what is known of a rainbow. It is the spectrum of visible light humans can see. You might even recall the colors in order; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.

These are the seven colors in the rainbow. Questions come to mind.

Why not six?

Why not eight?

The colors John sees are notably those of both ends of the rainbow and the exact middle color.

Think of it as one complete (seven) God with an appearance described in a distinct three ways.

The visual spectrum, what we see with our eyes, is only a small portion of the known electromagnetic spectrum. Sound waves and radio waves are also a part of that spectrum. The colors of the rainbow are as ordered from the lowest wavelength (red) to the highest (violet.)

There is order and beauty here that enthralls the mind. I cannot imagine what John saw. Yet God is described as filling the visual spectrum. God is not limited to that. We know there is far more there than what we can perceive.

Escape to Another

On By TimIn Matthew 10, Persecution, Redemption1 Comment

“The brother will deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child. And the children will rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all men for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, escape into another. For truly I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Matthew 10:21–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus told of trying times that will come. He spoke of persecution. He said when they persecute in one city, go to another.

It might be tempting to think that fleeing to another city is a temporary solution. It could be… But the promised end is not temporary.

That is hope for us at any time. For a believer, the future is secure in Jesus.

It Wasn’t Allowed

On By TimIn Genesis 02, The FallLeave a comment

The Lord God planted a garden in the east, in Eden, and there He placed the man whom He had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, along with the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 2:8–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and to keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

Genesis 2:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a quick lesson in how to reason truth from the text. These two selections are closely related in context. They speak of the garden God planted. The reason for the things in the garden. What the man Adam was expected to do and what he was not allowed to do.

God planted the garden. These were His things for the man to tend. The trees in the garden were planted for food except two, the tree of life and the tree of knowledge.

The man was made to manage and oversee the things of God. In other words, He was made to tend them. (This would naturally include tending to the needs of other humans. That’s another lesson.) The man was to be a good steward of God’s things. That was his responsibility.

God told the man he could eat of every tree except one. He could eat of the trees for food including the tree of life.

We see the desire of the will of God for His creation.

What Adam was not allowed to do was to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. We also know that this tree is not good for god by its exclusion.

I said not allowed for a reason.

You will hear it said that God allows or permits sin to be. When it is clear from the beginning, it wasn’t allowed.

The objections raised would be then there is sin because He put the tree there. We see He doesn’t stop people from doing sin, so He allows it.

Both of those ideas are based on a logical fallacy called post hoc ergo proctor hoc. Simply stated, it is using the conclusion to deduce the cause. Logic doesn’t work that way.

Saying sin exists because God didn’t stop it puts the conclusion before the underlying premise. How is the finite being encumbered by a physical property called time able to knowingly determine what the One Who inhabits eternity has done in eternity?

The simple explanation is, such cannot know. It would be gross speculation exponentially more farfetched than trying to determine who wins the World Series in 2030. It’s not likely to be true at all.

In the same way, the tree was put there knowing Adam would eat. It raises the same speculation about motive. A finite being cannot determine the motive of the Infinite Being without Him revealing it.

Clearly, from the beginning, God’s intent or motivation for creation was clear. Humans were to tend it and lead it. They could freely eat of all the trees for food, save one. It wasn’t allowed.

It wasn’t allowed because sin isn’t allowed.

What Sign do You Show Us?

On By TimIn Jesus, John 02, ResurrectionLeave a comment

Then the Jews said to Him, “What sign do You show us, seeing that You do these things?”
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

John 2:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We arrive upon this seen after Jesus has just cleared the outer temple courts by means of a whip. He forcefully removed the merchandising trade that was happening in the place for worship. This outer court was the place for Gentiles to come and worship. Having trade happening in that space displaced the Gentiles and prevented them from drawing near to God.

This bit of intrigue draws the attention of the religious authorities of the day. They obviously understand Jesus acts with authority. They want to identify that authority. It provoked them to question Jesus. It wasn’t about the origins of the authority, as that is silently assumed by the question. They wanted a sign from God to prove the godly authority Jesus used was indeed from God.

Signs and Belief

As we read a bit further, it’s clear how the signs Jesus did provoke a response of belief. The direct relation between belief and signs is evident.

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.

John 2:23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

John 3:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The signs Jesus did were the assurance to some of the people that He was from God. Jesus even spoke of the necessity of these people to see signs.

Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”

John 4:48 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

What Sign?

In other words, by what sign will you prove yourself?

One can read on in the book of John. And as recorded in that book, a similar question was posed to Jesus a bit later in His ministry.

Therefore they said to Him, “What sign do You show then, that we may see and believe You? What work will You perform?

John 6:30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here, the unbelieving religious folk ask for a sign. For them, seeing a sign would allegedly let them believe the words of Jesus. (Remember how Paul spoke of the foolishness of preaching?)

The folks asking for a sign here have already been witnesses to one. Jesus fed them from a few loaves and fishes. They ate their fill as they witnessed the sign. Yet they are wanting a sign. As it would be recorded, the very next line from these folks should have reminded them of what they experienced. They were fed bread in the wilderness from the Father.

Our fathers ate manna in the desert. As it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

John 6:31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus did not directly answer this question. At least not in the forthright manner He did when it was first posed. He did point them to the bread perhaps hoping they might remember the sign that filled their bellies the day before.

In Three Days

That is the key. When Jesus directly answered the question, it was always to draw attention to the end of His life… His death, burial, and resurrection. Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

It’s a simple answer.

We know from other Gospels this is the sign of Jonah. John never referenced the prophet Jonah in his writings. I find the absence interesting.

It is my opinion that the Gospel of John is the Gospel written primarily for the Gentile mind. Mind you, the context is very Jewish-centric of necessity. But things are written in a way for an outsider to understand.

In the same way, the prophet Jonah was sent to a Gentile city, Nineveh. It was to these people that he ministered. When the prophet entered the city, he proclaimed the coming judgment. It is that foolishness of preaching. He didn’t use any signs. These Gentiles believed him. They repented, and God relented.

Why Jonah?

The other Gospel writers recorded similar demands for signs to Jesus. In every answer, Jesus again pointed to His death, burial and resurrection. Except it always included a reference to the sign of Jonah.

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from You.”
But He answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And now One greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And now One greater than Solomon is here.

Matthew 12:38–42 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Pharisees and Sadducees came and, testing Him, asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.
He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and overcast.’ O you hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” So He left them and departed.

Matthew 16:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Even those that had the benefit of witnessing the miracles of Jesus firsthand didn’t believe. Though some did because of the other signs. And some did because of the preaching. Some wouldn’t believe it even if someone came back from the dead.

Jesus did rise from death after three days in the grave. It is the sign He pointed all toward. He gave what they asked.

Jesus was highlighting the one thing that saves, His being raised up after death. It wasn’t immediate, but His body was three days in the grave. Yet He lives today.

It’s because He lives that any of us could be saved. And being saved is as easy as believing the witness Jesus gave and highlighted, the sign of Jonah.

He died for your sins. He was buried and He rose again to give you new life.

Do you believe that?

If so, tell someone.