June 30, 2012 Mock Worship

Mock Worship Mark 15:15-20 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. 16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. THOSE horrible soldiers weren’t just content to crucify him, they had to mock him first. The thorny crown, the purple robe symbolized the evil and hatred in their hearts. Their hatred for Jesus was the kind of hatred God’s people had shown against God’s Law for centuries as they hatefully killed his prophets. Evil was running amok in Israel, Judah and the non-Jewish soldiers. The godly Jews, who desired God’s presence and who saw Jesus as their Messiah were shut down. Their voices were weak and silent. Evil seems to be the champion of the day. Yes, that’s the way it seems, doesn’t it? We hear many types of Jesus-mocking speech in our culture. Evil rules tongues and minds. God-honoring speech is covered over. Sometimes the mocking is our being quiet when we should speak. Is there any hope to rid the world of this mocking, hateful, God-killing speech? The Hope is on his way to the cross. Pause and consider, are you in any way mocking God?

June 29, 2012 What Did You Say?

What Did You Say? Mark 15:12-14 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. 13 “Crucify him!” they shouted. 14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” DO YOU wonder if those people had any idea what they were saying? Yes, of course, they knew what crucifixion was. They knew if Pilate listened to them, Jesus would die. But do you think they knew what they were saying? Consider for example some of the things you might say. You angrily shout to someone you love, “Shut up!” You tell your kids in a loud voice, “Don’t you ever do that again.” You impatiently tell your wife, “I’ll get it done!” as you leave the house the night after you’ve expressed love to her. You tell your kids, “I know I promised, but…” Do you have any idea what you’re saying? The crowd’s words called to kill Jesus, and they had no idea how their words brought God’s judgment on them. You speak in unloving, impatient, self-focused ways to your family, and you have no idea how your words bring God’s judgment on you. Yes, they do. God is clear, dads about being humble and submissive to your wife—to the point of death!—and not exasperating your children. God is clear, moms, about being humble and submissive to your husbands and not exasperating your children. I know, God commands your children to honor you. My question is, “Do they have an honorable parent to honor?” Watch what you say. Always, always find ways to speak encouragement, patience, love and affirmation to your beloved ones, your neighbors and your church. Before you speak, make sure you have an idea you know what you are saying. Pause and consider your speech.

June 27, 2012 Whatever!

Whatever! Mark 15:6-11 Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did. 9 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. YOU’VE been there. You must make a decision you’d rather give to someone else. Perhaps it’s a matter regarding finances, or a household dispute. I guess the “irresponsible” phrase today is “Whatever!” and you just walk away thinking, “I’m not responsible. Don’t blame me for this.” Pilate’s a “Whatever!” guy who wants to find a way out of condemning Jesus to death. The thing is, Pilate had a really good way out. He had the power to simply release Jesus. He didn’t need anyone’s approval. He was the man! But instead, Pilate acted the “Whatever! Man”. He wanted to be politically correct. He didn’t want to look bad to the Jews. He didn’t want to seem weak to the Romans. He was used to killing people. What’s one more, even if it’s wrong? Maybe he could save Jesus in the culture’s way. The horrible truth is, Pilate’s “Whatever!” is still killing Jesus. You’d rather not be responsible to tell the truth against the culture’s accusations. Be sure and strong to defend Jesus. You have the power of his Truth. Pause and consider this “whatever”: Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do…do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

June 27, 2012 The King is Silent

The King is Silent Mark 15:1-5 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. 2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. 3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.” 5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. ARE YOU amazed at Jesus’ silence? Wouldn’t this be a good time for Jesus to find an ally in Pilate? After all, Pilate can save him from the brutal cross. Is Jesus’ silence, perhaps, fatalism because he knows his destiny is the cross? Is he thinking, “Why bother? I’m just going to die anyway. The Father’s will is that I go to the cross. So I’ll just keep quiet. I’d hate to be set free if I’m supposed to die.” If Jesus had thought that, he would have been a self-serving fatalist. Such thoughts point to one’s own glory, and in essence say, “Look at how good I am to suffer.” Yes, the truth is that the Father has ordained Jesus’ suffering, and Jesus responds as the true Son of God. He humbly submits to God’s divine plan to reveal God’s glory through his suffering. Every time Jesus spoke of his suffering to his disciples, he spoke in the third person, i. e. “The Son of Man must be killed.” He pointed away from himself to the prophets and to God, that the Father would be glorified. Pause and consider Jesus’ humble submission.

June 25, 2012 Ignorant

Ignorant Mark 14:63-66 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him. BLASPHEMY is evil, mocking speech against God. The priest tears his clothes to show he separates himself from the sin. Of course, Jesus had not spoken blasphemy. He had spoken the truth. The real blasphemy occurs here in the priests’ and teachers’ litany of evil, mocking speech against the Holy Lord. These ignorant men are digging a deep hole of words that mock God, and one day they will be condemned. It’s odd, isn’t it? These men accuse Jesus of blasphemy. But Jesus is innocent, and they are guilty. Let’s consider why they act in such ignorance. Where do ignorant acts come from? They come from minds empty of the truth. I know you might think the word “ignorant” is a harsh, judgmental word, but often it’s good to have a “wake up” word to get you to think about it. When I consider how ignorant I am regarding Jesus, I am driven to fill more of him into my mind. When I see how the world today is ignorant of Jesus, I mourn the ignorance, and I strive to teach as many as I can. All of our minds are too empty of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The truth is we must mourn our own ignorance. We must mourn others’ ignorance. Jesus knew ignorance kills. Do you think he mourned his accusers? Pause and consider that you cannot ignore ignorance.

June 24, 2012 Son of Man Speaks

Son of Man Speaks Mark 14:61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” TO DANIEL, God gave this vision of God’s final judgment on earth: Daniel 7:13-14 “I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” Caiaphas, the high priest questioning Jesus, knew exactly how Jesus was answering his question, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” When Jesus said, “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” he was speaking the message Daniel had received from Heaven. When Jesus responded with his “Son of Man” language, Caiaphas understands he is claiming to be the Son of God, who will establish his throne on earth. Jesus has consistently used the prophets’ words to affirm he is the Messiah. People have believed him or condemned him. It seems as if Jesus may be giving Caiaphas one last opportunity to believe him. In fact, he may be giving his people one last opportunity to believe him. He has clearly spoken the truth, but few have believed. Pause over what you have heard from Jesus and consider your belief in him.

June 23, 2012 What to Say?

What to Say? Mark 14:55-60 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.’“ 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” DO YOU wonder at Jesus’ silence, why he didn’t speak to defend himself? Let me ask you this. Have you ever spoken plainly and truthfully about something, and no one believed you? Perhaps you recognized a new manufacturing method. You told the boss and all around you what would work better. But no one listened. What did you do? Likely, you stopped talking. More words were fruitless. Jesus had come to bear the fruit of the Kingdom of God, but few listened to him. Jesus had plainly spoken Kingdom truths before these men who sought to kill him. He now plainly knew they had no desire to seek the true way. Their desire was to put him away. And so it is with you. You hear Jesus’ truth. Would he give up speaking to you? Is your purpose to stay in your ways and to put Jesus away? He calls you to account. He calls you to action. He calls you to salvation. Why don’t you let him speak? Pause and consider Jesus is speaking to save you.

June 22, 2012 Peter's Purpose

Peter’s Purpose Mark 14:51-54 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. 53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. WHEN Peter walked into the courtyard, do you think his intentions were good? I think so. I believe he went there to see what they would do to Jesus. I believe he went there ready to defend Jesus, and based on his words in Gethsemane, I believe he went there ready to die. His good intentions were to defend his good Master. Sitting around the fire, he must have watched and waited. He may even have planned a way to free Jesus from this mockery. He was a fisherman, a country boy. He certainly had fought a time or two. He certainly was muscular. He was a guy who did things, took matters into his hands. He moved confidently and boldly. That was his life. Why wouldn’t he be that way now? Could it be God had other plans for this man? Of course he did, and those plans were to join the other Apostles to begin the church, to spread the Good News, to use his boldness to defend Jesus in another way, an eternal way. Of course, Peter had no such thoughts that night. He was ready—or so he thought—for immediate action to save Jesus. Little did he know that God would save him that night to save others. Pause and consider God’s plan really is much better for you.

June 21, 2012 Running Timee

Running Time Mark 14:46-50 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled. MR. DISCIPLES, you fled? I thought you were disciplined, willing to stay with your Lord when the hard things happened. You said you were ready to die with him. (Matt 26:35) Peter, you said so this very night. Do you remember, Mr. Disciples, how Jesus aggressively confronted the teachers of the law? Do you recall how he had faithfully healed on the Sabbath, even though he was repeatedly criticized? You remember, don’t you, how Jesus had passionately cleansed the temple? You even showed some courage leaving your homes and your jobs to follow Jesus. Why are you fleeing now? Conflict is scary, isn’t it, Mr. Disciples? You expect when you’re following the Lord that everything will be easy. You thought you’d be sitting at his right and left hand by now, didn’t you James and John? But something is amiss. Something is wrong, horribly wrong, and you don’t know what to do about it. One thing you surely won’t do, though, is stay in the battle alongside your Lord. That’s too much to ask, isn’t it? Don’t feel badly, guys. Fear has sent most of us running from Jesus one time or another. Some of us run all the time. We stand for nothing, and we have no faith. Pause and consider fear is a faithless factor.

June 20, 2012 The Kiss

The Kiss Mark 14: 41-45 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” 43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. HAVE YOU seen such an unholy kiss? Judas, you betrayer, you’ve done your dirty work. You’ve brought to Gethsemane a crowd of people who will follow the crowd, regardless of where it goes even if it goes to Hell. What are you thinking? What are the disciples thinking when they see you kiss their rabbi? You call him, “Rabbi!” but really he is no longer your rabbi. You’ve turned on him, and you’ve turned him in. You brought along some cowards who have only courage to arrest Jesus in the dark. Evil works at night, Judas, and you’re leading the way. How could you do this, Judas? What do you think of Jesus standing there to receive your kiss? What is it like when your lips touched his cheek? Does he back off to repulse you? Do you have any regrets, Judas? Do you wonder why you answered his call to follow? Do you feel hollow inside? Do you perhaps want to turn and defend him? Or is it too late? Pause and consider it’s not too late to give your Lord a holy kiss.

June 17, 2012 Peter's Four Denials

Peter’s Four Denials Mark 14:29-31 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” 30 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today — yes, tonight — before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” 31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same. I KNOW. You’re saying, “Peter didn’t deny Jesus four times.” And so it was as recorded in Scripture. But let’s consider Peter’s words to Jesus in this Scripture. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth…you yourself will disown me three times.” What’s true when Jesus said, “I tell you the truth”? Of course, what he said was true. But Peter denied Jesus’ truth here. “I will never disown you.” He said. Peter, my friend, arguing with the Truth is futile. Wouldn’t it have been better for you to go into prayer about what Jesus had said? Wouldn’t you want to find strength to get through the trial you were about to face? Wouldn’t you pray for the Father to guard your heart amid the hurt that was about to happen? Wouldn’t you have sought the Lord’s strength to endure the agony of denying your Lord? Peter, you good man, why were you so eager to argue with Jesus? He’s your rabbi. You’ve seen him do miracles. You’ve seen his glory on the mount. You’ve heard him chastise the Pharisees for their unbelief. Peter! Wake up and see what the sovereign Lord has purposed for you. I know you don’t like this purpose. Jesus certainly didn’t like going to the cross, but he said, “Yes, Father.” But, Peter, All you can say is “No, Lord.” Pause and consider, Peter, you need to figure out who’s Lord of your life.

June 15, 2012 Jesus Sang

Jesus Sang Mark 14:26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. DID you know Jesus sang with his disciples? I mentioned this verse to someone, and the surprised person asked, “They sang a hymn?” I wonder what Jesus’ range was. Did Jesus have perfect pitch? Maybe he sang lead. Or perhaps Jesus sang supporting harmony. He was very good in either role. What did they sing? After a meal, it was customary for the Jews to sings psalms from the Hallel—a name for Psalms 113-118. Read through them and you will see many familiar phrases of praise to God, e.g. Psalms 116:1-6 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. 3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, save me!” 5 The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 6 The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Psalms 118:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Verse upon verse of the Hallel proclaim God’s salvation. Several have been incorporated into modern praise songs. Many used in hymns and calls to worship through the centuries. Jesus and his disciples sang on that emotional distressing night and received comfort. Isn’t it good to know God has gifted artists through the centuries to use his word to comfort you? Pause and consider how God’s music is so good for you.

June 14, 2012 Communion

Communion Mark 14:22-25 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” OH my. How deep the Father’s love for you that he would send his Son to commune with mankind on earth, then to establish a way you can commune with him through your life right now, that you may finally enter into Heaven, where you can commune with Jesus forever. As you think of communion, I pray you think of Jesus’ offering to you—his broken body and his shed blood. He sat that night in a ceremony similar to a Jewish betrothal when a man raised his glass of wine to commit his life to his bride. He makes a life commitment, offering himself to care for her as long as he lives. Jesus broke the bread, and he raided the cup. Then he said, “This is for you.” Grab hold of that and live in joy! His death is for your life if you but receive the cup and the bread from him. Yes, when you take communion in church, you are literally taking hold of elements that represent Jesus body and blood. Consider this gratefully. The God of creation offers his very essence to you to save you! Pause and consider how eternal it is to commune with Jesus and be thankful.

June 13, 2012 Surely Not!

Surely Not I Mark 14:19-21 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely not I?” 20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” OH, THE HURT! Here is Jesus sharing the Passover meal to remember the Lord’s extraordinary gift of freedom from Egypt. A devout Jew considers this one of the holiest nights of the year—similar to our feelings on Christmas and Easter. When you look at Jesus’ words here, you must understand how deeply Jesus felt the wound of betrayal in his heart, especially on this holy, intimate night. When he spoke “it is one of the Twelve”, he was clearly telling his closest students, the ones he had chosen, that one of them would betray him. How painful was his soul to admit this truth and to know the man, Judas, would be condemned to Hell. How deep was the grief in Jesus’ heart as he looked into the face of his beloved disciple and said, “Woe to that man.” Think about Judas’ fate, and then tell me it is okay to betray Jesus. Betrayal is eternally deadly, and you must stop it. You must also speak to others to tell them this truth. If your destiny is Hell, indeed, it would have been better for you not to have been born. Out of the deep emotions of the Passover meal, Jesus mourns his friend’s future. How would he view your future? Pause and consider your answer. Remember Jesus loves you to keep you from woe.

June 11 Eternal Mark

Lawful Obedience Mark 14:12-15 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” THE PASSOVER feast is God’s command to Israel to remember how he passed over their homes in Egypt, preserving the lives of all in the Hebrew households marked with the blood of a lamb as he killed the firstborn sons of Egypt. The Passover was God’s final plague in Egypt to free his people from their bondage of physical and spiritual slavery. On this night as Jesus goes to eat the Passover with his disciples, God is again passing over his people to save their lives from sin’s slavery. And this time he will not kill the firstborn sons of a pagan culture, but he will kill His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Jesus, the marked Son of God, dies on the cross to put his mark of salvation on those who confess him raised from the dead. Yes, that mark is for you. Put Jesus’ blood mark on your heart, and you will be saved. Sin’s evil will pass over you, and you will be free from sin’s bondage forever. Pause and consider how precious you are to be marked with the Savior’s blood.

June 10, 2012 Betrayed

Betrayal Mark 14:10-11 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. “BETRAYAL” is a terrible sin, isn’t it? If you want to hurt someone, betray their trust in you. They’ll harbor hard feelings against you for a very long time, perhaps for the rest of their lives. Betrayal is so hard to forgive. Why do people betray those who love them? Why would Judas betray Jesus? Perhaps the simplest answer was Judas’ greed. He bartered his rabbi’s life for 33 pieces of silver. Or maybe he thought Jesus was blaspheming—betraying—God and deserved death. Maybe he was disappointed that Jesus had failed to take military action to overthrow Rome. Regardless of his reasons, he betrayed Jesus for his own reason. He had no regard for anyone else. That’s the way betrayal works. Someone becomes motivated more about “me” than “we”. Betrayers put their own priorities above the relationship. We may feel superior or inadequate to the other, making a one-sided decision about the relationship or some aspect of the relationship. For example, a teen-aged driver betrays his parents’ trust to drive the car when he hides the truth of a speeding ticket. His main concern is “me” – that they continue to let him drive. Truth hides in the “back seat”. Honesty is relegated to “the trunk”. When dad opens “the trunk” to discover the truth, he feels betrayed. The father-son relationship suffers until forgiveness restores the relationship. Do you betray Jesus? Do you call him Lord, and then put his truths “in the trunk”? Pause and consider Jesus checks the trunk all the time. Seek his forgiveness.

June 9, 2012 Love Legacy

Love Legacy Mark 14:3-9 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. 4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. 6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” WHAT DO YOU remember most about people who have loved you? You remember how they showed their love for you. Even when romances break up, after the heartache or even anger have left your heart, you still have a place to remember how they loved you. A woman pours out her love to Jesus through the perfume. Think of her sacrifice. She had poured out a year’s income on Jesus. Perhaps she was wealthy, but if she were, she likely loved money. She found she loved her Lord more. If she were poor, she truly offered a life sacrifice. Apparently the others’ loved the money more. They berated her. But Jesus effectively said, “Stop it. She loves me. Do you?” Pause and consider your answer.

June 8, 2012 Watch!

Watch! Mark 13:30-37 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 32 “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back — whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’“ IF YOU knew for certain that someone was going to come into your house to threaten your family and your life, you would be on the watch, wouldn’t you? You would prepare as thoroughly as you could to save your family, yourself and your home from destruction. You would be on the watch, posting all the latest technology and knowledge available to you to know as soon as possible when the invader is coming. In all ways possible you would be awake to recoil the destruction. Are you doing all you can to guard your soul against God’s judgment? Are you “watching” what you read, “watching” what you hear, and “watching” what you believe? Are you “watching” your heart? Are you “watching” your loved ones’ hearts to guard and strengthen them? Pause and consider you must be an alert “watcher”.

June 7, 2012 Cowards

Cowards Mark 14:1-2 Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him. 2 “But not during the Feast,” they said, “or the people may riot.” WHY would the priests and teachers hide their actions? What guilt and shame defiled their heart! If Jesus were such a terrible threat to the Jews and to the nation, why didn’t they publicly arrest him? Surely they had the power of Rome on their side to keep the peace. Truth is, they knew the truth, and they wanted to kill him. They knew Jesus had spoken truth in all he taught. They had no reply to his truth. They gave up trying to trick him because he made fools of them. Jesus exposed their lies and their false motives. Only one thing motivated them—their love of power. What motivates you? Are you ready to “kill” Jesus because you have no reply to his truth? Yes, you can kill Jesus by avoiding him and what he teaches. Think of lessons you learned in school long ago. Actually, you can’t, can you? You’ve forgotten much of what you learned to pass the tests and to get your diploma. You retain only the information you use. You’ve killed the other stuff by neglecting it and not using it. Jesus’ truth is what you need in your life each day. Are you feeling guilt and shame for killing Jesus? Then pray to him, and ask him to revive his truth in you, to make his truth come alive in you. Pause and consider you must keep the truth alive in you.

June 4, 2012 Jesus' Prayer Request

Jesus’ Prayer Request Mark 13:18-22 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now — and never to be equaled again. 20 If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. DO YOU see Jesus’ “prayer request” here? Or perhaps you could say Jesus is strongly encouraging the people to pray for something specific. And notice, Jesus doesn’t say to pray that God will not destroy the temple and Jerusalem. Destruction is sure. God, the Father, has declared it to the Son, and Jesus prophesies God’s sure judgment. But Jesus does say there is something that praying could change amid the sure destruction. Jesus “prayer request” is taht the judgment will not come in winter. Leading up to this, he has warned that people will flee to the mountains and hide in caves. The winter’s cold would add more misery to the horrible events. As he prophesys destruction, Jesus is also offering priestly advice to pray for some measure of comfort and care amid the destruction. The same is true for you. Jesus came as a prophet to teach the Gospel truth. He prophesys you will face God’s judgment one day. Jesus also came as a priest to save you from the Father’s sure judgment. In his death for you, he takes the Father’s judgment upon himself. When you receive him as Lord, you receive the benefits of his prophetic teaching. You also receive the benefits of his priestly sacrifice for you. Pray for protection in the impending judgment, and you will be saved. Pause and consider the power of prayer to save.

June 3, 2012 What Are You Doing/

What Are You Doing? Mark 13:15-17 Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! JESUS’ warning continues. His words create a darker and darker picture of the doom to come. What will the people do? Probably nothing—that’s what most people do. As I’ve been reflecting on Jesus’ sternly correcting his disciples, upbraiding temple teachers and prophesying this approaching doom, I’ve spoken of the Christ’s judgments over his evil and disobedient people. What have you done? I’ll bet it’s nothing isn’t it? You’ve done absolutely nothing to change your life to more closely walk with your Lord Jesus. How do I know? It’s because that’s what most people do. I know. You tell yourself, “I’m good. Don’t worry about a thing. Keep living life as you are, going through the motions.” Guess what: you’re delusional. The Bible never talks to you that way. God the Father, Son and Spirit calls you to account. He knows sin is your nature, and you must receive Jesus to change your nature. He gives precise commandments and, calls you to a life of sacrificial cross bearing and suffering for his sake. He demands you are righteous—right with him. He tells you to resist evil and calls you to worship him, especially with other believers. Do you think you’re “good” with God? Think again. Get on your knees and ask him, “What would you have me do, Lord?” Then do what you hear him tell you. Stop doing nothing about your relationship with the Living God. Pause and consider you have something to do.

June 2, 2012 Where's the Love?

Where’s His Love? Mark 13:13-14 “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong — let the reader understand — then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” WHILE I’m looking at this scripture, I’m listening to Alan Jackson’s song “Where Were You” (When the World Stopped Turning)? The song reflects on the 9/11 twin towers’ destruction and reminds us amid the rubble that “Faith, hope and love are some good things (God) gave us, and the greatest is love.” Can you really match a God of faith, hope and love with the 9/11 tragedy? Jesus’ prophetic words here foretell Jerusalem’s destruction under God’s authority. Centuries before Jesus, God used Babylon to destroy his disobedient people and their temple. In 70 A.D., 40 years after Jesus’ words here, he used Rome – the new “Babylon” (see Revelation) to destroy his disobedient sinful people and the temple that refused to accept his Son. Rome’s soldiers murder priests and then destroy the temple. It will be a terrible, terrible time in Jerusalem. Why? Even in his love, God must judge his people’s disobedience—you must remember that. God is pure. He cannot tolerate sin. Even as he offers faith, hope and love, God ultimately will destroy the disobedient. In his love, Jesus warns his doomed people, telling them how to save themselves. That is ultimately the Gospel message—the message of “repent and be saved” comes from a loving God, who tells you how to be saved. If you do not repent of your disobedience, even in his love, God will judge you into eternal destruction. Pause and consider: you must remember that—for your sake.