It Wasn’t Really Expected

On By TimIn Apologetics, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Jesus, Matthew 26, Resurrection, The CrossLeave a comment

Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will fall away on account of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’

Matthew 26:31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus told the disciples of many insights from the Old Testament. He showed them that even their behavior was prophesied long before it would happen. He shared it with them to prepare them.

As always, people tend to only focus on themselves. Read on as the disciples do that. They would turn their focus on themselves and miss something important.

It’s the proverbial elephant in the room!

But after I have risen, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Matthew 26:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus isn’t talking about them… Really. I mean, these guys walked with Jesus for around 3 years. They knew Him and loved Him. He relates His impending death, their scattering, and His resurrection and continued shepherding of them.

Peter answered, “Though all men will fall away on account of You, yet I will never fall away.”
Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
Peter said to Him, “Though I should die with You, yet I will not deny You.” And all the disciples spoke in this manner.

Matthew 26:33–35— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes we, like the disciples, get so focused on our performance, we miss the bigger picture. Jesus is trying to prepare the disciples for what is going to happen. He would die and rise again. He will again lead them. He gives them the very hope they need to not fear the coming trial.

So focused on proving their loyalty, they missed what He said… After I have risen.

Is it any wonder?

Did they really expect the resurrection, even now?

Think about that. We know the resurrection, as the central tenet of Christianity. Without it, there’s no hope. Skeptics get it. They will pounce on the idea with cockamamie stories on how it is a lie. They will say this dying and rising God was copied from elsewhere. They will allege the disciples stole Jesus’ body and hid it. (I am sure there are even more objections.)

If the resurrection were a lie foisted upon us by these witnesses who penned accounts of it, why would Matthew embarrass himself by recording his own ignoring of it?

In the passage we examined, the fact they would be scattered wasn’t missed. The most important thing wasn’t even acknowledged.

It wasn’t expected, at all.

In your own reading of the Gospels, take note of how many times Jesus spoke of the resurrection. Also, the note how many times it was acknowledged. Deeply consider that.

A Parable for You Today

On By TimIn Church, Daily Walk, Eternal Security, Last Days, Matthew 25, ProphecyLeave a comment

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be like ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps, but took no oil with them. But the wise took jars of oil with their lamps. While the bridegroom delayed, they all rested and slept.
“But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’
“Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. But the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps have gone out.’
“The wise answered, ‘No, lest there not be enough for us and you. Go rather to those who sell it, and buy some for yourselves.’
“But while they went to buy some, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Afterward, the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us.’
“But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Matthew 25:1–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes these parables can be hard to understand. People will apply this for those to be ready when Jesus comes again. That is true, but it is specifically regarding His coming in the clouds for believers. It is addressing salvation. Given the signs of the times… It is a message for today.

Perhaps this is for you. You’ve gone to church, heard the preaching and know your Bible. But you’ve never made the decision for yourself to believe that Jesus is God and that He died personally for you and your sins. And that He rose again.

Listen to the promise explained in a similar fashion, near the time Jesus spoke that parable.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Counselor, that He may be with you forever: the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, for it does not see Him, neither does it know Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you fatherless. I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see Me no more. But you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.

John 14:15–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Interestingly, He says He won’t leave us Fatherless. It’s a hint to a greater truth. That’s a different discussion.

There is another. It is this Counselor, or better, Comforter. He is for believers only. The world can’t receive Him. Jesus did use a personal pronoun… Him. Jesus promises to come to those who receive this Person.

How does this work with the other you ask?

The wise virgins in Jesus’ story had oil for their lamps. They had the Spirit of the Living God to light their testimony. Oil is a typification of the Holy Spirit. The five wise virgins were saved. They had received the gift of the Comforter.

The foolish virgins had a testimony, but no oil for it. That is, they weren’t saved. They attend church and participate in all the things, but never receive the Gift because they don’t really believe it for themselves. They’re Christians because their parents were.

Being a Christian isn’t something that’s inherited or conferred by birthright. It’s something you must decide for yourself. You must count the cost. Believing Jesus is God.

Read that passage from John again. Jesus explicitly states He wasn’t leaving the disciples fatherless.

Jesus is going to come. Next… It will be in the twinkling of an eye. When He keeps His promise to retrieve His bride, there won’t be time to decide for salvation for yourself. You will be left behind. The door to the feast will be shut.

Don’t wait. Don’t be foolish. There won’t be time. But you have time now.

Encouragement for Some

On By TimIn Church, Daily Walk, Eternal Security, Last Days, Love, Prophecy, Revelation 03, Seven Letters to Seven ChurchesLeave a comment

“To the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write:
“The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says these things: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, and have stored up goods, and have need of nothing,’ yet do not realize that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments, that you may be dressed, that the shame of your nakedness may not appear, and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent. Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.
“To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 3:14–22 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Please do reread this portion of Scripture when finished reading the entire post.

This is for each of us. Any of us may be of those who are in a church, that for all intents and purposes, appears as the Laodicean one. Our first reaction may be to flee. For some, that may be the best way to handle the situation. But is that what Jesus instructs?

Please pay attention to the admonitions that Jesus gives. The first is to the church itself. He urges the church to repent.

Immediately after, He speaks directly to the individuals in the church. It becomes personal. He encourages us to open the door to Him as His voice is heard. Though Jesus may indeed be standing outside the door of this church and those like it, His entreaty is to anyone who hears. That’s you and I!

For those that hear and respond… The promise to that person is a sweet fellowship with Him. This would be even in the midst of trying circumstances were a believer ‘churches.’

Jesus doesn’t tell us to flee such a situation. Perhaps we are called to stick it out. To be that one person who helps others to hear Jesus’ voice. If enough do, it would change things dramatically.

Listen, the local body of believers may have problems… But the promises are to the individuals in those bodies. It’s you He came to save. It’s you He wants to serve. The promises are to him who overcomes.

Hear what Jesus says to the churches. Listen for His voice and let Him in. Be one who overcomes!

He Shall Send Them

On By TimIn Jesus, Prophecy, The Cross, Triumphal Entry, Zechariah 09Leave a comment

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! And cry aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king is coming to you; he is righteous and able to deliver, he is humble and riding on a donkey, a colt, the offspring of a donkey.

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

I know. This is more of an appropriate post for springtime. It works for this season simply for the fact that we ought to know Who it is Whose birth we celebrate.

This is a familiar prophecy to lag of us. I’m reading in Matthew of the Messiah’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem just before He was crucified.

When they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, on the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go over into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them.’ And he will send them immediately.”
All this was done to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying: “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Look, your King is coming to you, humble, and sitting on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

Matthew 21:1–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I couldn’t help but to notice, “he will send them immediately.”

Them… That word. There was more than one animal that was sent. It says a donkey and a colt.

When I read Scripture, I like to pay attention to the precision of the text. Oft times, it has caused me to rethink what I thought I knew Scripture teaches. What is God trying to convey here?

I am going to say something about the translations. I use the MEV for reading. It is sufficient for that task. I will use others to grasp the nuances in meaning or to be aware of the biases of the translators.

When comparing the translation of Matthew’s quotation of the Zechariah passage with how the translators actually rendered Zechariah 9:9… There are some differences. Notably, the Zechariah passage could be vaguely referring to one or two animals in the MEV. As rendered it isn’t clear. In other translations, we see the conjunction. The donkey would be joined with the colt. What is literally written in Zechariah is this: “and riding on an ass, And on a colt — a son of she-asses.” The literal rendering says Jesus is riding on two donkeys.

Think about that.

No earthly king would present himself on a donkey if the more majestic horse was available. Jesus riding on a donkey would immediately bring to mind lowliness and humility. It would be without comeliness, that is it wouldn’t be attractive.

I know the picture we have conjured in our mind’s eye of this event. Consider this: Jesus did ride into Jerusalem. He did it on a date precisely foretold almost 500 years earlier by a prophecy shown to and recorded by Daniel. Jesus expected the Israelis than to know of their visitation.

The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their garments on them, and He sat on them.

Matthew 21:6–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He sat on them.

This is as precise a picture of the presentation of the Messiah as Daniel’s dating. The King would be riding on an ass and a colt of she-asses. This was foretold by Zechariah. We see it fulfilled precisely in Matthew.

The presentation of the lowly Servant-King riding on the back of a wobbly donkey barely able to support Him. A colt who needed help from his own mother.

Now… How many kings are presented on two donkeys like that?

Stumbling Stones: Not Speaking Truthfully

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Last Days, Matthew 18Leave a comment

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 goes without saying, Jesus is being firm. He is conveying the seriousness with which we as believers must comport ourselves.

It seems to be for our own good, yet Jesus explains the greater concept. It’s for the good of the “little ones,” that is our younger siblings in Christ.

We ought to act circumspectly, minding closely how we affect others not only by our actions but what we say about our faith. Not just ‘others’ outside the circle of faith, but to the younger in the faith.

In recent days, there is a bit of controversy over remarks made by a popular contemporary vocal artist who has made public appearances. It’s a great thing, though the name of Jesus is being proclaimed in novel ways. (Novel to today’s culture.) The publicity eventually strayed into one issue of contention. Whether fairly or not, she was blind-sided by a direct question.

As mature believers, the citation of Jesus above may clearly show how what Jesus is saying applies to this controversy. For those who need a bit of help, let me say the struggle is real. There are some Christians who struggle with sexual sin. For those who struggle with exactly the essence of this controversy, the wishy-washiness of the response may be taken as permission or endorsement. This can lead to dire consequences.

When we are asked matter-of-fact questions by those who hold sway over the culture, we ought not to be caught unawares. Let us all have proper answers from studying and understanding issues. Let us ask our Lord for appropriate answers that are truthful. Because if you speak the truth, it is the only way to love the culture.

Christianity is offensive. It begins with the truth that none of us measure up to the standard God gives. In fact, the moment we can understand that, we realize we’ve already fatally failed. God stepped in. He sent His Son to stand in that gap, reconciling the world to Himself. Those that trust in Him has been redeemed of the mortal debt owed. Our job transitions to an ambassador of reconciliation.

Just as Jesus died for you, He also died for those whose struggle is not like yours. Let’s love them by being truthful. Soft-pedaling sin is really an endorsement of it.

The cultural divide will only continue to grow exponentially. We have the Book that tells us this. We can try to go along to get along, what does that win us?

Let us urge others to be reconciled to God, and let Him clean them up. I know He is still trying to clean me up. I have His promises to see that through.

Testimony: Be Intentional

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 13, LoveLeave a comment

It’s an odd feeling when you’re whole life you’ve relished “alone time.”

But then God steps in and starts changing things. Now “alone time” becomes an opportunity for loneliness. Not in a bad way, just oddness that is hard to explain in other words… That I really do miss being around other people.

In the world of introvert/extrovert… I found myself at once relishing introversion. Oftentimes that memory seems distant now. Something happened.

I’m not a people person, really. But somewhere in that, I know that idea is now fluid, too. Because I want to be around others intentionally. I even want to be purposeful toward them.

Like… Wut is THAT?

I can recall asking God to let me see people like He does. I asked to love them like He does. I deeply understood the flippancy in uttering these words to God. I even asked Him to not let that request be lip service. The memory is that vivid.

John teaches us in his second epistle that we ought to love each other. He says this is a command of God. I would tell you, a command given by God to us is both intentional and purposeful. It is He demonstrating that same intention and purpose toward us.

Additionally, we know that love is purposeful and intentional. (It would make sense because God is love.) Love isn’t something that just happens to us. It’s not something we fall into. It is not something that just goes away. Love is so much more than just an emotional feeling or ethereal concept. Love is action. Love is an act of will.

Love suffers long and is kind; love envies not; love flaunts not itself and is not puffed up, does not behave itself improperly, seeks not its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The words that follow that are “Love never fails.” God’s love toward us is all of those things. He never fails us.

We ought to have that same love toward others, even if they fail us. The love we have for them is not about us.

If what we had toward them fails, is it really love?

If John says that we ought to love each other (2 John 5,) then wouldn’t it follow this is the character of a mature believer?

If that is the character of a mature believer, then intentionality and purposefulness are also the character traits of a mature believer. It then follows that a mature believer is going to be to some extent… Extroverted. So being alone now is different for me. It’s energy-depleting. (I did italicize that. Some will know why.)

You cannot out-give God. Ask Him to do things, He’ll do more than you can comprehend. Be intentional. Find someone new and introduce yourself. Be purposeful, learn their name, and something about them.

I am still learning. And I fail often. But…

To live for Jesus is the greatest adventure!

Some Old Testament Evidence for a Multi-person Godhead

On By TimIn Triune God, Zechariah 02Leave a comment

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for I am coming and will dwell in your midst, says the Lord. And many nations will join themselves with the Lord in that day, and they will be My people. And I will reside in your midst, and you will know that the Lord of Hosts has sent Me to you.

Zechariah 2:10–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Consider this passage from Zechariah. When reading it, pay close attention to Who is speaking, and Who they are talking about. The Person speaking promises to come and dwell in the midst of the Israelis. He calls Himself “the Lord.”

Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Emmanuel, that is literally God with us. He is the promised Anointed One. He is the One Who would dwell in the midst of the people. He is the one to Whom many nations.

Look closely… The One Who comes and dwells in the midst of the people is sent by “the Lord of Hosts.” We have at least two Persons, here, One speaking Who is sent and One Who sends. It’s there for a reason.

The word translated into the English Lord in this selection is the Tetragrammaton. It is that Holy name of God. That’s kind of near, isn’t it?

There’s more. God back and count how many times the word YHWH (Lord) is used. Two of them we know refer to One Person. Perhaps it is to acknowledge a double honor. The other is to the Lord of Hosts, the Father. Of course, the third Person is also present, but by inference. He does the drawing. (It is my conjecture.)

It is Jesus Who is sent by God, and the Holy Spirit draws people to Him.

Atheism is a Temporary Condition

On By TimIn Apologetics, Revelation 06Leave a comment

When Jesus returns to this Earth, atheism will be proven to be a temporary condition.

Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the rich men and the commanding officers and the strong and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. They said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of His wrath has come. Who is able to withstand it?”

Revelation 6:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

However, given the hardness of the heart… That temporary condition has eternal consequences. When even knowing that return of Jesus before He is even seen they run and hide. Great plagues follow. There is a holocaust brought upon the earth by men. And what happens to all of those “believers” that hid underground and survived these?

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not cease to worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which cannot see nor hear nor walk. Nor did they repent of their murders or their magical arts or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Revelation 9:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He Knows Those Who Take Refuge in Him

On By TimIn Daily Walk, Nahum 01, SalvationLeave a comment

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; and He knows those who take refuge in Him. As a flood running forth, He will bring to an end the distress, and He will pursue His adversaries into darkness.

Nahum 1:7–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He knows those who take refuge in Him. If you’re worried that He might not know you, it is an easy thing to change. Take refugee in God right now. You can talk to Him. He’ll listen.

But… If you don’t take refuge in Him, then He doesn’t know you.

But then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice evil.’

Matthew 7:23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s really interesting that the practiced evil being done and counted here is rejecting Jesus!

If you’ve ever taken refuge in God, He couldn’t know you. Do note the words Jesus uses. They are a comfort for those Who love Him and a terror to those who offer lip service.

You can change your relationship with God. In fact, only you can do that.

The Second Chance

On By TimIn Jonah 3, Second ChanceLeave a comment

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.”

Jonah 3:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Our friend Jonah, after reckoning himself as good as dead—ran away from God’s call. He chose to go his own way. The end of that caused Jonah to submit himself to death.

But then God intervened. Jonah was given a reprieve. God again called on him. How did Jonah respond this time?

So Jonah got up and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three-day journey across. Jonah began to enter the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “In forty days’ time, Nineveh will be overthrown!” So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast. And everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.

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

Jonah got up and went. The words even seem to indicate a purposeful sense of haste. Perhaps it’s my imagination.

Even though the task seemed insurmountable, even futile before, The size of the task hadn’t changed. Jonah’s faith did.

But then God had gone before him. People received Jonah’s stark warning. They changed, repenting from and mourning their sin.

Think of those around you every day. I am certain you know someone hell-bent. How is it people are going to know that the path they’re on leads to certain destruction if someone doesn’t warn them?

Better yet, how are they to know that Salvation is of the Lord if that truth isn’t shared?

We, as servants of God, aren’t responsible for how those who hear respond. We are responsible for sharing the truth timely and accurately.

Jonah got a second chance to honor the call God gave him.

Do you have a call from God and need a mulligan?

Why not take the time to ask Him now. Jonah did. Look what happened. Many folks were saved!