Mat 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Be converted and become as little children.
Whosever therefore shall humble himself as this little child.
Whoso shall receive one such little child in my name.
All our young lives we are told to 'grow up'. It's offensive when someone tells us to 'grow up' when we are already physically mature. Here Jesus is telling us to be as little children and IF we do not become as little children we shall NOT enter the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus didn't just leave it there in telling us to become as little children, first He says- be converted. He knows that we are not naturally going to be as little children that some sort of conversion has to take place first so we can become as little children.
Conversion-
Mat 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
People who aren't converted have dull spiritual hearing, they're spiritually blind, their hearts are unable to be spiritually clean. People who aren't converted are spiritually sick and in need of spiritual healing that can only be found by being converted.
Mar 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
Conversion results in the forgiveness of sins.
Converted - to be converted means to turn about again. When Jesus tells us that we need to be converted He means we need to turn from our sin-filled life back to God.
Be converted and become as little children.
Be converted - be turned about… and become little children.
Mat 13:15 ...and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Should be turned about again and be healed by Jesus.
Mar 4:12 ... they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
Should be turned about again and our sins will be forgiven.
The turning, the conversion that takes place is changing from one thing to another it is an action.
We have to be converted, we have to experience this turning about so we can become little children. Jesus didn't leave it there either…
'Whosever therefore shall humble himself as this little child.'
Jesus adds that we have to HUMBLE ourselves as the little child is humble. Just how is a little child humble? The word meaning here is this--
G5013
ταπεινόω
tapeinoō
Thayer Definition:
1) to make low, bring low
1a) to level, reduce to a plain
1b) metaphorically to bring into a humble condition, reduce to meaner circumstances
1b1) to assign a lower rank or place to
1b2) to abase
1b3) to be ranked below others who are honoured or rewarded
1b4) to humble or abase myself by humble living
1c) to lower, depress
1c1) of one’s soul bring down one’s pride
1c2) to have a modest opinion of one’s self
1c3) to behave in an unassuming manner
1c4) devoid of all haughtiness
With all that in mind when we attribute this to a child it can mean attaining a lower rank, it could mean to have the pride of a child which by no means is ever like that of an adult consumed by pride, it could mean to be unassuming- most children do not take on great airs. If we think about how children are raised today we might not understand this as much because today with all the corruption children seem to be nasty and full of self, full of pride. Then too we have to try to imagine the age of a child- a little child would be a very young child 1-3 years old perhaps. We have to remember that 13 years old was the age a boy became responsible as an adult to follow God's law. So young child, older child, young adult, adult in the realm of spiritual responsibility leaves us with this as a possibility- 1 to 3, 4-7, 7-10, 10-13. Truly to understand this we have to have some idea of the age of the child we are to become. Because the older the child the more self involved they are. The younger the child the more innocent they are, the less filled with self they are.
Mat 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Unless we are converted and become as little children we will NOT enter the kingdom of heaven. This is important, very, very important. We can't continue to pride ourselves on our *grown up* lives in respect to losing the humbleness of a child. We can't lose our understanding that we are CHILDREN of God. We could be 100 years old and we are still CHILDREN of God. We have to live with a humbleness in that knowledge. We have to be converted from our selfish, sin-filled natures to a selfless, humble, forgiven nature in Christ. No one who holds tight to their pride will enter the kingdom of heaven, no one.
Mat 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
As we learn more and more of the kingdom of heaven we can't ignore any aspect of it, not a single bit. We know that the kingdom of heaven is something we have to seek above all and that is seeking our Savior above all. Our Savior wants us to understand and this part about being converted, being as a little child, about being humble is something we need to keep in our hearts by the grace of God or we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. We need Jesus fully in our lives and this is what we are being taught. We need to turn again to our God, we need to seek Jesus as a child would seek a parent, trusting in Him, humble knowing He is our all in all.
In His amazing love!
Amen.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Kingdom parables concluded
Mat 13:44 Again-
The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field, the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
The kingdom of heaven - a TREASURE! Not just a treasure but a hidden treasure discovered in a field. Just imagine you, yes, YOU, going on a little trip somewhere let's say a camping trip. You set up your camp and start to dig a hole for a campfire and suddenly you discover gold! You dig up another spot close by and there is more gold! You've found a hidden treasure. Just think about how that would make you feel. Estatic! Thrilled! Overjoyed! You're so excited you hurry to find out if the land is for sale and when you discover it is but that it will take everything you currently own to buy it, well you immediately sell EVERYTHING that you own and buy the field. Why? Because you know what's in that field is worth more than everything you own. The kingdom of heaven is worth more than EVERYTHING we own, worth more than everything in existence. Jesus is worth more than everything! Salvation through our Savior has no price comparable. Yet we live as if this world means more than the kingdom of heaven. We do! Don't deny it! We live our lives with the kingdom of heaven as a second thought not a first thought. Some of us live with the kingdom of heaven as a third, fourth, fifth… last thought, and it's tragic.
We are born into a world under siege, yet we aren't taught this in our schools. We aren't raised knowing we have entered a war zone. We aren't brought up to comprehend that the entire earth is a battlefield. We aren't made to understand that we have been giving life to seek the kingdom of heaven- that this is our greatest endeavor. We are kept in the dark and taught all manner of worldly things, taught to strive for worldly things- worldly success, worldly happiness, worldly riches, worldly love, worldly status, worldly life. In fact children who might be raised to put God first, to put the kingdom of heaven first- would be considered brainwashed and this is NO lie! Being taught to do all we can to possess the treasure of heaven is a rarity. Believing that we should seek the kingdom of heaven like a treasure is another rarity, yet some do, especially those in countries where they don't have the freedom to worship as they desire. Those whose very lives hinge on whether or not they are caught worshipping God and our Savior Jesus Christ understand the value of the treasure the kingdom of heaven truly is.
Our Savior would have us understand that the kingdom of heaven means more than ANYTHING else in all the world, more than even our lives here and now. Giving up EVERYTHING for the kingdom of heaven - this is realizing its true worth.
Mat 13:45,46 Again-
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
One pearl of great price worth EVERYTHING we possess to make it ours.
The kingdom of heaven worth EVERYTHING we possess to make it ours.
No greater treasure exists.
Mat 13:47-50 Again-
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
The kingdom of heaven- a net that will capture us ALL. The kingdom of heaven made available to all! The kingdom of heaven affects EVERY single human being that is in existence and was ever in existence. In that wonderful net of pure love some will be justified by acceptance of the Sacrifice made for them and others will reject that Sacrifice. Those who reject salvation will be painfully destroyed- and this will be their choice- their heart choice, a choice made freely.
Mat 13:51-52 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things?
They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
Then said he unto them- Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Have you understood these parables? We NEED to understand these parables. We need to understand the truth of the Kingdom of Heaven! Jesus taught and we need to learn from the greatest teacher ever. The lessons our Savior would have us learn are eternally important.
Every scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven -shares this wondrous message that combines the new and the old into the marvelous understanding of salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!
Our Father which art in heaven...
Mat 6:13 ... thine is the kingdom.
PRAISE GOD! All glory, all honor, all power to our God, our King!
Thy kingdom come…thine is the kingdom.
Amen.
The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field, the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
The kingdom of heaven - a TREASURE! Not just a treasure but a hidden treasure discovered in a field. Just imagine you, yes, YOU, going on a little trip somewhere let's say a camping trip. You set up your camp and start to dig a hole for a campfire and suddenly you discover gold! You dig up another spot close by and there is more gold! You've found a hidden treasure. Just think about how that would make you feel. Estatic! Thrilled! Overjoyed! You're so excited you hurry to find out if the land is for sale and when you discover it is but that it will take everything you currently own to buy it, well you immediately sell EVERYTHING that you own and buy the field. Why? Because you know what's in that field is worth more than everything you own. The kingdom of heaven is worth more than EVERYTHING we own, worth more than everything in existence. Jesus is worth more than everything! Salvation through our Savior has no price comparable. Yet we live as if this world means more than the kingdom of heaven. We do! Don't deny it! We live our lives with the kingdom of heaven as a second thought not a first thought. Some of us live with the kingdom of heaven as a third, fourth, fifth… last thought, and it's tragic.
We are born into a world under siege, yet we aren't taught this in our schools. We aren't raised knowing we have entered a war zone. We aren't brought up to comprehend that the entire earth is a battlefield. We aren't made to understand that we have been giving life to seek the kingdom of heaven- that this is our greatest endeavor. We are kept in the dark and taught all manner of worldly things, taught to strive for worldly things- worldly success, worldly happiness, worldly riches, worldly love, worldly status, worldly life. In fact children who might be raised to put God first, to put the kingdom of heaven first- would be considered brainwashed and this is NO lie! Being taught to do all we can to possess the treasure of heaven is a rarity. Believing that we should seek the kingdom of heaven like a treasure is another rarity, yet some do, especially those in countries where they don't have the freedom to worship as they desire. Those whose very lives hinge on whether or not they are caught worshipping God and our Savior Jesus Christ understand the value of the treasure the kingdom of heaven truly is.
Our Savior would have us understand that the kingdom of heaven means more than ANYTHING else in all the world, more than even our lives here and now. Giving up EVERYTHING for the kingdom of heaven - this is realizing its true worth.
Mat 13:45,46 Again-
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
One pearl of great price worth EVERYTHING we possess to make it ours.
The kingdom of heaven worth EVERYTHING we possess to make it ours.
No greater treasure exists.
Mat 13:47-50 Again-
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
The kingdom of heaven- a net that will capture us ALL. The kingdom of heaven made available to all! The kingdom of heaven affects EVERY single human being that is in existence and was ever in existence. In that wonderful net of pure love some will be justified by acceptance of the Sacrifice made for them and others will reject that Sacrifice. Those who reject salvation will be painfully destroyed- and this will be their choice- their heart choice, a choice made freely.
Mat 13:51-52 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things?
They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
Then said he unto them- Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Have you understood these parables? We NEED to understand these parables. We need to understand the truth of the Kingdom of Heaven! Jesus taught and we need to learn from the greatest teacher ever. The lessons our Savior would have us learn are eternally important.
Every scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven -shares this wondrous message that combines the new and the old into the marvelous understanding of salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!
Our Father which art in heaven...
Mat 6:13 ... thine is the kingdom.
PRAISE GOD! All glory, all honor, all power to our God, our King!
Thy kingdom come…thine is the kingdom.
Amen.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Wonderful kingdom parables continued...
Mat 13:31-32 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying,
The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field.
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
The kingdom of heaven- a tiny seed-becoming the greatest of its kind. A tiny seed growing to become a resting place for the birds. A tiny seed growing and growing and growing until at its full growth it is something quite amazing. A tiny unassuming seed containing such potential! The kingdom of heaven while we might realize the kingdom of heaven's greatness right now, we also understand that we won't understand its fullness until we realize it when our Savior returns for us. The kingdom has to be a reality to us. Would Jesus go to such great lengths to give parable after parable on something we are not to think a lot about? The kingdom of heaven is truly our life because the kingdom of heaven is our Savior- there is no kingdom of heaven without Jesus. As often as we think of Jesus we need to think of the kingdom of heaven- this was the message HE brought to us! The kingdom of heaven as something REAL not something of mere fantasy or speculation, but REALITY. Every single day we live is one day closer to the realization of the fullness of God.
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
We should think of the kingdom now not sometime in the future. We shouldn't wait until we are contemplating our end, but preparation for the kingdom of heaven begins when our life begins.
Jesus tells us the kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed- but He doesn't stop there. Jesus continues on and He tells us that seed is taken and sowed in a field. Continuing further He tells us that tiny seed is the GREATEST of herbs full grown. But He doesn't even stop there, Jesus wants us to know that the birds can lodge in that tiny seed full grown into the tree it was meant to become. We can't ignore this parable, we have to understand it because we have ear and we desire to hear all the truth of our Savior. We have eyes and we long to see all the wondrous things our Lord has for us to see. Our kingdom of heaven is our ultimate dream home, our ultimate dream life, NOTHING here and now on earth can compare to the joys waiting for us, nothing! The trouble is-- too many want joy right NOW, they want the joy of heaven NOW, they believe their lives here and now should be having a *dream* life, is there any wonder so many people are depressed and disappointed? The joy we have now is in the truth that Jesus gives us that we will one day be with Him, this is a joy that even the worst of the worst that life has to give us cannot destroy. This joy of eternal life in Him is something NOTHING can take from us as we journey on our pilgrimage through the highs and lows, through the valleys and peaks, through the heartaches and loves, through the life and death.
Having a bad day on your pilgrimage? Is Satan doing all he can to tear you away from your joy in Christ? Have you succumbed to vile temptations and believe all is hopeless? Does your future only look grim without a shred of peace, a shred of love, a shred of happiness? Has Satan completely blinded you to the kingdom of heaven? Is that tiny seed become tree lost to you? This is the sole purpose of the evil one- to distract us by LIFE with all its awfulness, distract us from the kingdom of heaven!
We should wake up every morning with the kingdom of heaven our goal. Seriously. Before we even crawl out of bed we should praise God that we have been given the promise of the kingdom of heaven through our Savior's sacrifice.
And BEFORE someone jumps in and says that's being selfish, desiring the kingdom, let me just say it's SELFLESS desiring to do the will of God. Satan wants us to believe it's selfish to think about the joys of the kingdom. Jesus however wants us to think a lot about the kingdom- living for Him, living in Him, living because of Him, living with the hope He died to bring to us.
AND ANOTHER KINGDOM PARABLE...
Mat 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them
The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven,
which a woman took,
and hid in three measures of meal,
till the whole was leavened.
Leaven makes bread rise nice and fluffy. If you leave leaven out of dough then the bread is a flat unleavened sort. Putting leaven into meal would make that meal rise, it would make that meal change. Some leaven creates a huge difference in the result of the dough, other makes a more subtle difference. Here Jesus is saying a woman took 3 measures of meal- enough for a loaf of bread and put enough leaven in that bread so that the whole loaf was leavened. Till the WHOLE was leavened. This wasn't subtle sort of leavening, no, this was enough leaven so the whole of the three measures of flour was affected by that leaven. Not a bit of that meal flour was left without alteration.
The kingdom of heaven is like that leaven. ALL of this world will be affected by the kingdom of heaven not one bit will go untouched by it, not the most miniscule of particles will be left out. Jesus offers the way to the kingdom of heaven and this way is offered to all- and one day all who have accepted the offer will realize in a most literal manner- LIFE in the kingdom of heaven with our Savior. And those who refuse to accept the offer of our Savior will be touched by the kingdom of heaven- and the loss of the most wondrous of gifts. Regardless of any and all things the kingdom of heaven will leaven the whole of our existence.
Do you see? Do you hear? Do you understand? The kingdom of heaven is our ONLY true reality! Yet we live as if it's the last thing on our minds, we live as if the cares of this life here and now are all that matter. We care only for now as if we are not even pilgrims but have arrived at our destination and this is all there is, this horrible, horrible sin-filled existence. Praise God for eyes to see! Praise God for ears to hear! Praise God for enlightenment through the Holy Spirit! Praise God!
Rounding off this portion of lengthy discourse filled with kingdom parables we are told…
Mat 13:34,35 - All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Amazing!
'I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world!'
The kingdom of heaven realized!
Salvation in the form of a God-man.
The Messiah come at last and not as a worldly conquering mystical magical king, but as a humble man, a servant of the Father in heaven, a sacrifice for all, a gift of eternal life, conqueror of the second death, our Lord now and forever!
How wondrous, how amazingly wondrous!
By the unfathomable love of our Savior may we be His always!
Amen
The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field.
Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
The kingdom of heaven- a tiny seed-becoming the greatest of its kind. A tiny seed growing to become a resting place for the birds. A tiny seed growing and growing and growing until at its full growth it is something quite amazing. A tiny unassuming seed containing such potential! The kingdom of heaven while we might realize the kingdom of heaven's greatness right now, we also understand that we won't understand its fullness until we realize it when our Savior returns for us. The kingdom has to be a reality to us. Would Jesus go to such great lengths to give parable after parable on something we are not to think a lot about? The kingdom of heaven is truly our life because the kingdom of heaven is our Savior- there is no kingdom of heaven without Jesus. As often as we think of Jesus we need to think of the kingdom of heaven- this was the message HE brought to us! The kingdom of heaven as something REAL not something of mere fantasy or speculation, but REALITY. Every single day we live is one day closer to the realization of the fullness of God.
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
We should think of the kingdom now not sometime in the future. We shouldn't wait until we are contemplating our end, but preparation for the kingdom of heaven begins when our life begins.
Jesus tells us the kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed- but He doesn't stop there. Jesus continues on and He tells us that seed is taken and sowed in a field. Continuing further He tells us that tiny seed is the GREATEST of herbs full grown. But He doesn't even stop there, Jesus wants us to know that the birds can lodge in that tiny seed full grown into the tree it was meant to become. We can't ignore this parable, we have to understand it because we have ear and we desire to hear all the truth of our Savior. We have eyes and we long to see all the wondrous things our Lord has for us to see. Our kingdom of heaven is our ultimate dream home, our ultimate dream life, NOTHING here and now on earth can compare to the joys waiting for us, nothing! The trouble is-- too many want joy right NOW, they want the joy of heaven NOW, they believe their lives here and now should be having a *dream* life, is there any wonder so many people are depressed and disappointed? The joy we have now is in the truth that Jesus gives us that we will one day be with Him, this is a joy that even the worst of the worst that life has to give us cannot destroy. This joy of eternal life in Him is something NOTHING can take from us as we journey on our pilgrimage through the highs and lows, through the valleys and peaks, through the heartaches and loves, through the life and death.
Having a bad day on your pilgrimage? Is Satan doing all he can to tear you away from your joy in Christ? Have you succumbed to vile temptations and believe all is hopeless? Does your future only look grim without a shred of peace, a shred of love, a shred of happiness? Has Satan completely blinded you to the kingdom of heaven? Is that tiny seed become tree lost to you? This is the sole purpose of the evil one- to distract us by LIFE with all its awfulness, distract us from the kingdom of heaven!
We should wake up every morning with the kingdom of heaven our goal. Seriously. Before we even crawl out of bed we should praise God that we have been given the promise of the kingdom of heaven through our Savior's sacrifice.
And BEFORE someone jumps in and says that's being selfish, desiring the kingdom, let me just say it's SELFLESS desiring to do the will of God. Satan wants us to believe it's selfish to think about the joys of the kingdom. Jesus however wants us to think a lot about the kingdom- living for Him, living in Him, living because of Him, living with the hope He died to bring to us.
AND ANOTHER KINGDOM PARABLE...
Mat 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them
The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven,
which a woman took,
and hid in three measures of meal,
till the whole was leavened.
Leaven makes bread rise nice and fluffy. If you leave leaven out of dough then the bread is a flat unleavened sort. Putting leaven into meal would make that meal rise, it would make that meal change. Some leaven creates a huge difference in the result of the dough, other makes a more subtle difference. Here Jesus is saying a woman took 3 measures of meal- enough for a loaf of bread and put enough leaven in that bread so that the whole loaf was leavened. Till the WHOLE was leavened. This wasn't subtle sort of leavening, no, this was enough leaven so the whole of the three measures of flour was affected by that leaven. Not a bit of that meal flour was left without alteration.
The kingdom of heaven is like that leaven. ALL of this world will be affected by the kingdom of heaven not one bit will go untouched by it, not the most miniscule of particles will be left out. Jesus offers the way to the kingdom of heaven and this way is offered to all- and one day all who have accepted the offer will realize in a most literal manner- LIFE in the kingdom of heaven with our Savior. And those who refuse to accept the offer of our Savior will be touched by the kingdom of heaven- and the loss of the most wondrous of gifts. Regardless of any and all things the kingdom of heaven will leaven the whole of our existence.
Do you see? Do you hear? Do you understand? The kingdom of heaven is our ONLY true reality! Yet we live as if it's the last thing on our minds, we live as if the cares of this life here and now are all that matter. We care only for now as if we are not even pilgrims but have arrived at our destination and this is all there is, this horrible, horrible sin-filled existence. Praise God for eyes to see! Praise God for ears to hear! Praise God for enlightenment through the Holy Spirit! Praise God!
Rounding off this portion of lengthy discourse filled with kingdom parables we are told…
Mat 13:34,35 - All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Amazing!
'I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world!'
The kingdom of heaven realized!
Salvation in the form of a God-man.
The Messiah come at last and not as a worldly conquering mystical magical king, but as a humble man, a servant of the Father in heaven, a sacrifice for all, a gift of eternal life, conqueror of the second death, our Lord now and forever!
How wondrous, how amazingly wondrous!
By the unfathomable love of our Savior may we be His always!
Amen
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Another kingdom parable...
Jesus wasn't done with the kingdom parables, our Lord had more to say on this ever important subject…
Mat 13:24-30 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying,
The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field.
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
He said unto them, An enemy hath done this.
The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Again the sowing of seed in relation to the kingdom of heaven. We really need to understand this…
The kingdom of heaven is LIKENED unto a man.
Not just a man, but a man which sowed good seed in his field.
Just imagine yourself as this farmer sowing seed in a field. You sow that good seed expecting what to come up? Good plants, you expect a good crop to appear. No crop springs up fully grown but as a seedling. When the seedlings come up you can see right away if they're good seedlings. But you might need a little more time to see if that good seed will bring forth good fruit. From personal experience I've watched this process first hand. I've planted seeds and watched them spring up, then grow day after day until I spied the first sign of *fruit* a tiny tomato flower turning into a teeny tiny green ball which quickly grows bigger and bigger. At the sign of those tiny little green tomatoes I was thrilled, and even just today at my mother's house where she's has a small garden I was thrilled to see a tiny green jalapeño picture my niece took on her cell phone, it was adorable. These tiny fruit bear witness of good fruit coming forth. This farmer sowing good seed and watching it bring forth good fruit didn't know that someone had also sown tares until his servants came and told Him. Then the servants suggested pulling up the tares but the master knew better… he told them right off that he didn't want that because they might pull up the wheat with the tares. When the crop was finished growing then the tares and wheat could be separated. After separation the tares would be burned up and the wheat gathered into the barn, safe.
Before I say any more on this parable lets jump a little further and listen to Jesus explain this parable to His disciples...
Mat 13:36-43
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man.
The field is the world.
The good seed are the children of the kingdom.
But the tares are the children of the wicked one.
The enemy that sowed them is the devil.
The harvest is the end of the world.
And the reapers are the angels.
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity.
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Remember just yesterday we talked about those who refuse to hear? That Jesus was talking in parables because He knew that people really didn't want to hear the eternal truths He wanted and needed to share with them. These last words here to the disciples are.. WHO HATH EARS TO HEAR…LET HIM HEAR.
We are NOT forced to hear. We are NOT forced to listen. We are NOT forced to believe. We are NOT forced in any way whatsoever, but we are instructed, it's up to us to follow instructions. If we follow instructions what happens? The expected and desired result happens. If we neglect to follow instructions we cannot expect the results to turn out to be anything good. Many do though, MANY think they will know and be known of the Lord without following any instructions. Many believe they only have to follow a few of the instructions and not all. Some want to do things their own way without any instructions at all. We are given an instruction- Who hath ears to hear…let him hear. Those who want to learn, those who want to understand, those who let their hearts open to the influence of the Holy Spirit will HEAR. Let us hear, by the grace of God, let us hear!
Jesus explained- the sower is the Son of man - JESUS HIMSELF. The field is the WORLD. The good seed are the CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM. But the tares are the CHILDREN OF THE WICKED ONE. The enemy that sowed the tares is the DEVIL. The harvest is the END OF THE WORLD. The reapers are the ANGELS.
The parable is so clear, so true. Jesus is sowing the truth! The whole world will be sown with good seed- the whole world has children of the kingdom. The devil has his own children mingling with the children of the kingdom. We live in a world where the children of the kingdom and the children of the devil LIVE together until the end of the world! People don't like this idea. People like the idea of separating the good from the evil right now. People have gone so far as to set up communes where only people believing the things they believe can live, keeping out those they consider undesirable, the ungodly. Churches are filled with people that often don't like strangers coming in- strangers that have different beliefs. People love to have others conforming to their beliefs- telling people they HAVE to believe a certain way- their way- or else. Separating wheat from tares- THIS IS NOT WHAT GOD WOULD HAVE US DO. The REAPERS - the ANGELS will do the separating at the END of the WORLD.
This is a parable of the KINGDOM. The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sows good seed. The kingdom of heaven is our Savior sowing the truth and that truth resulting in His children- children of the kingdom. We children of the kingdom have to live with the children of the devil until the end of the world and we can't forget this. We will grow up with the children of the devil and that doesn't mean we are to live among known evil, embracing evil happily living among evil. The devil is very deceptive and not all evil is the sort of murdering, hateful, spiteful, lustful kind… a child of the devil is simply one who refuses to accept salvation in Christ and you know what??? It is NOT our job to separate ourselves from the tares, it is NOT our job to be suspect of anyone and everyone trying to figure out if they love God as God would be loved. God and God ALONE knows the heart, we don't, we can't and Jesus doesn't want us to EVER believe we have that sort of power, NOT ever! We are to love God with all our heart and others as God would have us love them and that is what we are called to do, nothing more.
Jesus wants us to know that HE is in charge of us, He is our sower, we are His seed, by the grace of our God in His mercy, His love, His righteousness forever!
Amen.
Mat 13:24-30 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying,
The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field.
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
He said unto them, An enemy hath done this.
The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Again the sowing of seed in relation to the kingdom of heaven. We really need to understand this…
The kingdom of heaven is LIKENED unto a man.
Not just a man, but a man which sowed good seed in his field.
Just imagine yourself as this farmer sowing seed in a field. You sow that good seed expecting what to come up? Good plants, you expect a good crop to appear. No crop springs up fully grown but as a seedling. When the seedlings come up you can see right away if they're good seedlings. But you might need a little more time to see if that good seed will bring forth good fruit. From personal experience I've watched this process first hand. I've planted seeds and watched them spring up, then grow day after day until I spied the first sign of *fruit* a tiny tomato flower turning into a teeny tiny green ball which quickly grows bigger and bigger. At the sign of those tiny little green tomatoes I was thrilled, and even just today at my mother's house where she's has a small garden I was thrilled to see a tiny green jalapeño picture my niece took on her cell phone, it was adorable. These tiny fruit bear witness of good fruit coming forth. This farmer sowing good seed and watching it bring forth good fruit didn't know that someone had also sown tares until his servants came and told Him. Then the servants suggested pulling up the tares but the master knew better… he told them right off that he didn't want that because they might pull up the wheat with the tares. When the crop was finished growing then the tares and wheat could be separated. After separation the tares would be burned up and the wheat gathered into the barn, safe.
Before I say any more on this parable lets jump a little further and listen to Jesus explain this parable to His disciples...
Mat 13:36-43
Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man.
The field is the world.
The good seed are the children of the kingdom.
But the tares are the children of the wicked one.
The enemy that sowed them is the devil.
The harvest is the end of the world.
And the reapers are the angels.
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity.
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Remember just yesterday we talked about those who refuse to hear? That Jesus was talking in parables because He knew that people really didn't want to hear the eternal truths He wanted and needed to share with them. These last words here to the disciples are.. WHO HATH EARS TO HEAR…LET HIM HEAR.
We are NOT forced to hear. We are NOT forced to listen. We are NOT forced to believe. We are NOT forced in any way whatsoever, but we are instructed, it's up to us to follow instructions. If we follow instructions what happens? The expected and desired result happens. If we neglect to follow instructions we cannot expect the results to turn out to be anything good. Many do though, MANY think they will know and be known of the Lord without following any instructions. Many believe they only have to follow a few of the instructions and not all. Some want to do things their own way without any instructions at all. We are given an instruction- Who hath ears to hear…let him hear. Those who want to learn, those who want to understand, those who let their hearts open to the influence of the Holy Spirit will HEAR. Let us hear, by the grace of God, let us hear!
Jesus explained- the sower is the Son of man - JESUS HIMSELF. The field is the WORLD. The good seed are the CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM. But the tares are the CHILDREN OF THE WICKED ONE. The enemy that sowed the tares is the DEVIL. The harvest is the END OF THE WORLD. The reapers are the ANGELS.
The parable is so clear, so true. Jesus is sowing the truth! The whole world will be sown with good seed- the whole world has children of the kingdom. The devil has his own children mingling with the children of the kingdom. We live in a world where the children of the kingdom and the children of the devil LIVE together until the end of the world! People don't like this idea. People like the idea of separating the good from the evil right now. People have gone so far as to set up communes where only people believing the things they believe can live, keeping out those they consider undesirable, the ungodly. Churches are filled with people that often don't like strangers coming in- strangers that have different beliefs. People love to have others conforming to their beliefs- telling people they HAVE to believe a certain way- their way- or else. Separating wheat from tares- THIS IS NOT WHAT GOD WOULD HAVE US DO. The REAPERS - the ANGELS will do the separating at the END of the WORLD.
This is a parable of the KINGDOM. The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sows good seed. The kingdom of heaven is our Savior sowing the truth and that truth resulting in His children- children of the kingdom. We children of the kingdom have to live with the children of the devil until the end of the world and we can't forget this. We will grow up with the children of the devil and that doesn't mean we are to live among known evil, embracing evil happily living among evil. The devil is very deceptive and not all evil is the sort of murdering, hateful, spiteful, lustful kind… a child of the devil is simply one who refuses to accept salvation in Christ and you know what??? It is NOT our job to separate ourselves from the tares, it is NOT our job to be suspect of anyone and everyone trying to figure out if they love God as God would be loved. God and God ALONE knows the heart, we don't, we can't and Jesus doesn't want us to EVER believe we have that sort of power, NOT ever! We are to love God with all our heart and others as God would have us love them and that is what we are called to do, nothing more.
Jesus wants us to know that HE is in charge of us, He is our sower, we are His seed, by the grace of our God in His mercy, His love, His righteousness forever!
Amen.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Kingdom parables....
Let's read a little more about the kingdom Jesus speak so much about…
Mat 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
Mat 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
Mat 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying,
Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth. And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them. But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Now imagine- because this is what Jesus wants us to do, just as He wanted those back then listening to Him to do- use their imaginations. Jesus wanted them to picture what He was saying, make it real to them. They could all imagine someone sowing seed- it was a way of life. It's not so much a way of life for us here- we buy most of our food from grocery stores. As a rule it seems *most* people do not farm, and a lot of people have never even had a small garden. We know what it means to sow seed though- planting seed so crops can grow and then be harvested once they've matured. While most of our food might come off store shelves it didn't start there- it had to be grown.
Now let's use our imagination here and picture what Jesus is saying:
A sower went forth to sow.
When he sowed- some of the seed he was sowing fell by the way side- not where it was intended to go- and the birds came and ate up the seed.
Some of the seed he sowed fell among stones where there was very little dirt. Those seeds didn't take long to sprout in that little patch of dirt surrounded by stones. Unfortunately because there was more stone than dirt the roots couldn't go deep into the ground for protection from the sun's heat. With the roots having no depth they were exposed to the sun and they withered up- killing the little seedlings.
The sower continued to sow and some of that seed fell in among thorns. The thorns being more plentiful and wild quickly choked out the little seedlings, killing them.
However- some of the seed fell onto GOOD ground- no way side, no stones, no thorns- and this seed grew up healthy and strong producing fruit- some of those seeds brought up plants to produce lots of fruit and others less, and still others little, but all the fruit those seeds sown on the good grown produce was good.
This story is a good one. At first glance it's a good message for those sowing seeds to sow it properly. Jesus had more in mind though- this was a parable- a story with a meaning behind it.
Now the disciples wanted to know something, let's read it…
Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Why was Jesus speaking in parables, this is what they wanted to know.
Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
What words! What amazing words! Jesus was speaking in parables because He knew some had hearts ready to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven but others didn't. Could it be that some wanted to hear nice little stories but not stories that had real meaning? Is it possible that understanding the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven were the last thing on some people's minds? They weren't interested in the kingdom of heaven not like Jesus' disciples were. So Jesus would speak to them, but understanding mysteries wasn't necessarily something that would happen. Jesus had more to say about it...
Mat 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Now this is something to really think about. Could it mean that to those who desire to know these mysteries, those whose hearts are receptive to the truth being told will have their hearts filled with understanding? And those whose hearts are not open at all to the truth who have nothing receptive in them towards the knowledge of God's mysteries will not only NOT be able to understand the mysteries but the little understanding they might have will be taken from them- it wasn't real understanding to begin with.
Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Mat 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Mat 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Truth. The people were listening for the novelty of doing so but they didn't not listen to really learn from Jesus. Their hearts were waxed gross, they couldn't really hear, their eyes were closed and this is how they wanted to live- without understanding, without truth, not hearing, not seeing. These people did not want to understand with their heart- they did NOT want to be converted- they did NOT want to be healed- not in the manner we ALL need healing- spiritually.
Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Mat 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Amazing! Wonderfully amazing!
Now Jesus would have us understand… we MUST understand by His grace may we do so, through His love and by the Holy Spirit's enlightenment.
Mat 13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
Hearing without understanding- is there ANY sense to that? Think about it for a moment. There is absolutely NO sense listening if you don't listen to gain understanding. If we go to listen to someone speak it's with the hope of learning from them isn't it? We listen to people giving speeches because we are learning more about them and their beliefs from their speech. We listen to our loved ones when they talk to us because we want to understand what they're trying to say to us. Hearing and understanding is SO important, hearing and NOT understanding is senseless, it's empty, meaningless.
When hearing the word of the kingdom we need understanding! If we don't understand then Satan will quickly take away that spark of interest right out of the heart! We don't want the seed to be on the wayside for Satan to snatch away, we want that seed sown in fertile soil in our hearts with full understanding of the kingdom of heaven!
Mat 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Mat 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Hearing the word and not receiving it with joy, hearing the word and that word meaning nothing with substance to us, then we've received it without any power because as soon as troubles come because we are God's then we get offended. We CAN'T get offended, we just can't! We have to have the love of the words of Jesus in our hearts. We have to receive the words with joy, with understanding, with knowledge - knowing and believing that those words, that truth will triumph! We are protected by the truth and should NOT be offended when we face tribulation and persecution because of this truth we believe.
Mat 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
Thorns of riches….deceitful riches.
Thorns of worldly care.
People might believe it's impossible for riches to be deceitful.
People might believe that worldly cares are a part of life we have to accept and embrace- it's hard not to, right? Well those worldly cares can be thorns that CHOKE the words of truth, the words of the kingdom of heaven, the words of LIFE. Choke the life right out the words of Jesus- killing our eternal life. You can be on the path to eternal life and those thorns can creep up and those thorns are deceitful riches and worldly cares something that are WAY too familiar to us and WAY to acceptable to us! We have to be so careful not to let ANYTHING keep us from the kingdom of heaven, those words, that reality has to be FULLY in our hearts, in our lives. WE are LIVING FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN! All this we live through now is temporary!!!!! WE have to LIVE for the kingdom of heaven, we have to live for our Savior!
Mat 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Hear the word.
Understand the word.
Bear fruit from that understanding… any fruit…little or lot!
Let us LISTEN!
Let us UNDERSTAND!
Let us BEAR FRUIT!
By HIS GRACE!!!!!!!!
Kingdom parables- we need to understand our Savior wants us to understand- all life is through Him, He is the kingdom of heaven, He is the way, the truth, and the life! HE has to be OUR way, OUR truth, OUR life, no other…no other!
In His love!
Amen.
Mat 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
Mat 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
Mat 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying,
Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth. And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them. But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Now imagine- because this is what Jesus wants us to do, just as He wanted those back then listening to Him to do- use their imaginations. Jesus wanted them to picture what He was saying, make it real to them. They could all imagine someone sowing seed- it was a way of life. It's not so much a way of life for us here- we buy most of our food from grocery stores. As a rule it seems *most* people do not farm, and a lot of people have never even had a small garden. We know what it means to sow seed though- planting seed so crops can grow and then be harvested once they've matured. While most of our food might come off store shelves it didn't start there- it had to be grown.
Now let's use our imagination here and picture what Jesus is saying:
A sower went forth to sow.
When he sowed- some of the seed he was sowing fell by the way side- not where it was intended to go- and the birds came and ate up the seed.
Some of the seed he sowed fell among stones where there was very little dirt. Those seeds didn't take long to sprout in that little patch of dirt surrounded by stones. Unfortunately because there was more stone than dirt the roots couldn't go deep into the ground for protection from the sun's heat. With the roots having no depth they were exposed to the sun and they withered up- killing the little seedlings.
The sower continued to sow and some of that seed fell in among thorns. The thorns being more plentiful and wild quickly choked out the little seedlings, killing them.
However- some of the seed fell onto GOOD ground- no way side, no stones, no thorns- and this seed grew up healthy and strong producing fruit- some of those seeds brought up plants to produce lots of fruit and others less, and still others little, but all the fruit those seeds sown on the good grown produce was good.
This story is a good one. At first glance it's a good message for those sowing seeds to sow it properly. Jesus had more in mind though- this was a parable- a story with a meaning behind it.
Now the disciples wanted to know something, let's read it…
Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Why was Jesus speaking in parables, this is what they wanted to know.
Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
What words! What amazing words! Jesus was speaking in parables because He knew some had hearts ready to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven but others didn't. Could it be that some wanted to hear nice little stories but not stories that had real meaning? Is it possible that understanding the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven were the last thing on some people's minds? They weren't interested in the kingdom of heaven not like Jesus' disciples were. So Jesus would speak to them, but understanding mysteries wasn't necessarily something that would happen. Jesus had more to say about it...
Mat 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Now this is something to really think about. Could it mean that to those who desire to know these mysteries, those whose hearts are receptive to the truth being told will have their hearts filled with understanding? And those whose hearts are not open at all to the truth who have nothing receptive in them towards the knowledge of God's mysteries will not only NOT be able to understand the mysteries but the little understanding they might have will be taken from them- it wasn't real understanding to begin with.
Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Mat 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Mat 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Truth. The people were listening for the novelty of doing so but they didn't not listen to really learn from Jesus. Their hearts were waxed gross, they couldn't really hear, their eyes were closed and this is how they wanted to live- without understanding, without truth, not hearing, not seeing. These people did not want to understand with their heart- they did NOT want to be converted- they did NOT want to be healed- not in the manner we ALL need healing- spiritually.
Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Mat 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Amazing! Wonderfully amazing!
Now Jesus would have us understand… we MUST understand by His grace may we do so, through His love and by the Holy Spirit's enlightenment.
Mat 13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
Hearing without understanding- is there ANY sense to that? Think about it for a moment. There is absolutely NO sense listening if you don't listen to gain understanding. If we go to listen to someone speak it's with the hope of learning from them isn't it? We listen to people giving speeches because we are learning more about them and their beliefs from their speech. We listen to our loved ones when they talk to us because we want to understand what they're trying to say to us. Hearing and understanding is SO important, hearing and NOT understanding is senseless, it's empty, meaningless.
When hearing the word of the kingdom we need understanding! If we don't understand then Satan will quickly take away that spark of interest right out of the heart! We don't want the seed to be on the wayside for Satan to snatch away, we want that seed sown in fertile soil in our hearts with full understanding of the kingdom of heaven!
Mat 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Mat 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Hearing the word and not receiving it with joy, hearing the word and that word meaning nothing with substance to us, then we've received it without any power because as soon as troubles come because we are God's then we get offended. We CAN'T get offended, we just can't! We have to have the love of the words of Jesus in our hearts. We have to receive the words with joy, with understanding, with knowledge - knowing and believing that those words, that truth will triumph! We are protected by the truth and should NOT be offended when we face tribulation and persecution because of this truth we believe.
Mat 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
Thorns of riches….deceitful riches.
Thorns of worldly care.
People might believe it's impossible for riches to be deceitful.
People might believe that worldly cares are a part of life we have to accept and embrace- it's hard not to, right? Well those worldly cares can be thorns that CHOKE the words of truth, the words of the kingdom of heaven, the words of LIFE. Choke the life right out the words of Jesus- killing our eternal life. You can be on the path to eternal life and those thorns can creep up and those thorns are deceitful riches and worldly cares something that are WAY too familiar to us and WAY to acceptable to us! We have to be so careful not to let ANYTHING keep us from the kingdom of heaven, those words, that reality has to be FULLY in our hearts, in our lives. WE are LIVING FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN! All this we live through now is temporary!!!!! WE have to LIVE for the kingdom of heaven, we have to live for our Savior!
Mat 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Hear the word.
Understand the word.
Bear fruit from that understanding… any fruit…little or lot!
Let us LISTEN!
Let us UNDERSTAND!
Let us BEAR FRUIT!
By HIS GRACE!!!!!!!!
Kingdom parables- we need to understand our Savior wants us to understand- all life is through Him, He is the kingdom of heaven, He is the way, the truth, and the life! HE has to be OUR way, OUR truth, OUR life, no other…no other!
In His love!
Amen.
Thine is the kingdom
Our Father which art in heaven
Mat 6:13 ... thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The kingdom, the power, the glory forever.
In the beginning of studying about Jesus teaching us the manner in which to pray we learned these words…
…Thy kingdom come.
At the end of the prayer we are being taught to pray…
...Thine is the kingdom.
Maybe we don't think about the kingdom as much as we should be. Twice the kingdom is mentioned. Twice we are reminded of the kingdom. The kingdom that is coming and the kingdom our Father possesses right now- the SAME kingdom that is coming. Twice Jesus uses this word- KINGDOM. We need to study this more, we just do, so let's read a few more verses on this word we are to keep in our thoughts in the beginning of our prayers and at the end of them.
Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
When Jesus BEGAN to preach He said… Repent. Why? Because the KINGDOM of heaven is at hand.
Eternal life was at hand. The opportunity to have eternal life in the kingdom of heaven was there, right there. This opportunity wasn't something dwelled upon by the majority of Jews. Their misguided beliefs of a future Messiah were clouding their minds. Their rituals and self-importance were priorities. Jesus came to bring the kingdom of heaven to them, to us… the WAY was made! The WAY was there! The foreseen way was right there! The promised way was tangible!
Mat 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Jesus did not just heal- He PREACHED the gospel of the KINGDOM. The healing was a vehicle, the healing was a miracle brought to life. Every single person healed, every single person who knew someone who was healed, all of them had their hearts touched by the Kingdom of God. With their illnesses gone, with their wounds healed, with their minds whole, with their hearts set right they were able to really HEAR what Jesus had to tell them - the gospel of the KINGDOM. The most important message ever- eternal life in Christ with God the Father forever and ever and ever in heaven and then in an earth made new. This life while eased was still only temporary and Jesus needed people to hear of the life everlasting because it was the most important message any one would ever, could ever hear. He was not only the bearer of that message He WAS THAT MESSAGE. Is it ANY wonder at all it is mentioned not once but TWICE when Jesus is teaching us the manner of praying?
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
The kingdom of GOD is come unto you!
This should NEVER be out of our minds. Our lives need to revolve in a very real way around the reality of life eternal in our Savior, through our Savior. Every day we are given here and now is a day of pilgrimage, a day of preparation, a day closer to that eternal day, a day for us to live for the gospel of the kingdom.
Help us Lord, help us to preach your message, help us to be ready for your kingdom now and forever always in YOU.
Mat 6:13 ... thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The kingdom, the power, the glory forever.
In the beginning of studying about Jesus teaching us the manner in which to pray we learned these words…
…Thy kingdom come.
At the end of the prayer we are being taught to pray…
...Thine is the kingdom.
Maybe we don't think about the kingdom as much as we should be. Twice the kingdom is mentioned. Twice we are reminded of the kingdom. The kingdom that is coming and the kingdom our Father possesses right now- the SAME kingdom that is coming. Twice Jesus uses this word- KINGDOM. We need to study this more, we just do, so let's read a few more verses on this word we are to keep in our thoughts in the beginning of our prayers and at the end of them.
Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
When Jesus BEGAN to preach He said… Repent. Why? Because the KINGDOM of heaven is at hand.
Eternal life was at hand. The opportunity to have eternal life in the kingdom of heaven was there, right there. This opportunity wasn't something dwelled upon by the majority of Jews. Their misguided beliefs of a future Messiah were clouding their minds. Their rituals and self-importance were priorities. Jesus came to bring the kingdom of heaven to them, to us… the WAY was made! The WAY was there! The foreseen way was right there! The promised way was tangible!
Mat 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Jesus did not just heal- He PREACHED the gospel of the KINGDOM. The healing was a vehicle, the healing was a miracle brought to life. Every single person healed, every single person who knew someone who was healed, all of them had their hearts touched by the Kingdom of God. With their illnesses gone, with their wounds healed, with their minds whole, with their hearts set right they were able to really HEAR what Jesus had to tell them - the gospel of the KINGDOM. The most important message ever- eternal life in Christ with God the Father forever and ever and ever in heaven and then in an earth made new. This life while eased was still only temporary and Jesus needed people to hear of the life everlasting because it was the most important message any one would ever, could ever hear. He was not only the bearer of that message He WAS THAT MESSAGE. Is it ANY wonder at all it is mentioned not once but TWICE when Jesus is teaching us the manner of praying?
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mat 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
The kingdom of GOD is come unto you!
This should NEVER be out of our minds. Our lives need to revolve in a very real way around the reality of life eternal in our Savior, through our Savior. Every day we are given here and now is a day of pilgrimage, a day of preparation, a day closer to that eternal day, a day for us to live for the gospel of the kingdom.
Help us Lord, help us to preach your message, help us to be ready for your kingdom now and forever always in YOU.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil
Our Father which art in heaven
Mat 6:13 ... lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
Delivered from evil.
What is the ultimate evil? What's the worst evil of all? Seriously what is the evilest thing you can ever imagine?
Anything that would keep us from God is evil. Being delivered from anything that would keep us from God is something that is desperately desired. When we are delivered from evil we are not being consumed by ANYTHING that would keep us from God.
Satan desires to keep us separated from God. If we are already separated from God- Satan desires to keep us that way. Through anger, through despair, through heart ache, through lusts of all kind, through any evil means- because ANYTHING that keeps us from God is evil- Satan will strive to separate us from our Savior, our Creator. Can Satan use things we wouldn't generally consider evil to keep us from God? YES! Who considers a wonderful spouse, and delightful children- evil? Who considers a nice paying job in a good field- evil? Who believes ministering to the helpless- evil? Not many people consider those things evil and yet if we allow even the seemingly *GOOD* things in life to keep us from God, they are part of the evil Satan will use.
Temptation might not be lust for another person's spouse, temptation might not be to steal riches, temptation might not be to garner power over others, temptation might not be pornography, temptation might not be alcohol or drugs, temptation might not be gambling though all these things are considered sinful, considered evil. Temptation could be the inner belief that is skewed to put self first- even when you believe you are helping others. Temptation might be to put ANYTHING in the place of God- first. You might not be a thief, a murderer, a liar, a whoremonger, a prostitute, a gambler, an adulterer- but you can be the worst of sinners. You don't think that's true? Read this…
Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
SCRIBES and PHARISEES- those considered to be CLOSEST TO GOD! In truth they were the farthest from God. We are in danger of the same thing! Don't think for one moment anyone professing to be a Christian, professing the love of God is not consumed by evil of a sort that we can't readily see. We have to look into our own lives and find out where God is at. What position does God hold in our lives? How important is God to us? Do we LIVE the way God would have us to live- loving Him and loving others more than we love ourselves? Are we guilty of pure selfishness? Do our lives revolve around our own needs, our own desires?
Mat 6:13 ... lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
We do not want to be led into ANY direction that would keep us from God. We do not want to be led into despair, we do not want to be led into selfishness, we do NOT want to fail any test of faith put before us. When we pray to our heavenly Father to 'lead us not into temptation' it is asking Him to keep us from ANYTHING that would separate us from Him. When we are praying 'deliver us from evil' we are praying to be kept from ANYTHING that would keep us from God.
May this lesson Jesus is teaching us, this lesson on prayer, be something we NEVER forget and always remember to use if not in exact wording then in the same manner- understanding that we are His and He would have us be His- and this is a choice we make, a free-will choice we make and hold to by His power, through His grace and mercy, by His righteousness always.
Amen.
Mat 6:13 ... lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
Delivered from evil.
What is the ultimate evil? What's the worst evil of all? Seriously what is the evilest thing you can ever imagine?
Anything that would keep us from God is evil. Being delivered from anything that would keep us from God is something that is desperately desired. When we are delivered from evil we are not being consumed by ANYTHING that would keep us from God.
Satan desires to keep us separated from God. If we are already separated from God- Satan desires to keep us that way. Through anger, through despair, through heart ache, through lusts of all kind, through any evil means- because ANYTHING that keeps us from God is evil- Satan will strive to separate us from our Savior, our Creator. Can Satan use things we wouldn't generally consider evil to keep us from God? YES! Who considers a wonderful spouse, and delightful children- evil? Who considers a nice paying job in a good field- evil? Who believes ministering to the helpless- evil? Not many people consider those things evil and yet if we allow even the seemingly *GOOD* things in life to keep us from God, they are part of the evil Satan will use.
Temptation might not be lust for another person's spouse, temptation might not be to steal riches, temptation might not be to garner power over others, temptation might not be pornography, temptation might not be alcohol or drugs, temptation might not be gambling though all these things are considered sinful, considered evil. Temptation could be the inner belief that is skewed to put self first- even when you believe you are helping others. Temptation might be to put ANYTHING in the place of God- first. You might not be a thief, a murderer, a liar, a whoremonger, a prostitute, a gambler, an adulterer- but you can be the worst of sinners. You don't think that's true? Read this…
Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
SCRIBES and PHARISEES- those considered to be CLOSEST TO GOD! In truth they were the farthest from God. We are in danger of the same thing! Don't think for one moment anyone professing to be a Christian, professing the love of God is not consumed by evil of a sort that we can't readily see. We have to look into our own lives and find out where God is at. What position does God hold in our lives? How important is God to us? Do we LIVE the way God would have us to live- loving Him and loving others more than we love ourselves? Are we guilty of pure selfishness? Do our lives revolve around our own needs, our own desires?
Mat 6:13 ... lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
We do not want to be led into ANY direction that would keep us from God. We do not want to be led into despair, we do not want to be led into selfishness, we do NOT want to fail any test of faith put before us. When we pray to our heavenly Father to 'lead us not into temptation' it is asking Him to keep us from ANYTHING that would separate us from Him. When we are praying 'deliver us from evil' we are praying to be kept from ANYTHING that would keep us from God.
May this lesson Jesus is teaching us, this lesson on prayer, be something we NEVER forget and always remember to use if not in exact wording then in the same manner- understanding that we are His and He would have us be His- and this is a choice we make, a free-will choice we make and hold to by His power, through His grace and mercy, by His righteousness always.
Amen.
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