The Story
Mat 4:18-22 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
The Words of Jesus
Matthew 4:19 Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Background
Jesus came to save the world (Joh 3:17)...That has always been His mission. And he was laser-focused on doing the will of His father and let nothing distract Him.
Here is an example: Jesus healed Peter’s mother one day and the next morning a crowd of people was looking for Him; but the scripture says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!" Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." Mar 1:35-38
Today’s story also shows another portion of His strategy. It was that after his death and resurrection He would commission the church to carry His message to the ends of the earth. He sets the tone for that when He calls these fishermen to follow Him...and that He would make them fishers of men.
Application
We are men & women who have also been captured by His message, and as we follow Him, we too will become fishers of men. Our highest priority in evangelism is to learn to FOLLOW Him. It was interesting that His decision to go “to the nearby villages” per Mar 1:38 was an outcome of having gone “off to a solitary place, where he prayed”. What better place to learn to follow, than by spending time with Him in the solitary place of prayer.
May we too find ourselves committed to the solitary place.
May we too learn to hear His voice to make those strategic decisions.
May we too follow Him so that the natural outflow of that relationship is we catch men.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Matthew 4:17 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.
The Story
Mat 4:16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
The Words of Jesus
Mat 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
Background
When Jesus walked the earth, people in darkness saw a great light; and Jesus called these same people to repent for the kingdom of heaven was near. Darkness describes the realm of Satan, whereas light describes the kingdom of God. This was clearly outlined in the commission of the apostle Paul. (see Act 26:17-18) Paul was given a task to turn the Gentiles from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
This is the great struggle that still exists in the world. There are still those who sit in darkness and must be called to repentance - and those who turn find themselves as followers of Jesus. And Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (see Joh 8:12)
Unfortunately there will be those who reject the light and will not turn or repent. John puts it this way. “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. Joh 3:19-21
Application
For those who have come into the light:
Mat 4:16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
The Words of Jesus
Mat 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
Background
When Jesus walked the earth, people in darkness saw a great light; and Jesus called these same people to repent for the kingdom of heaven was near. Darkness describes the realm of Satan, whereas light describes the kingdom of God. This was clearly outlined in the commission of the apostle Paul. (see Act 26:17-18) Paul was given a task to turn the Gentiles from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
This is the great struggle that still exists in the world. There are still those who sit in darkness and must be called to repentance - and those who turn find themselves as followers of Jesus. And Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (see Joh 8:12)
Unfortunately there will be those who reject the light and will not turn or repent. John puts it this way. “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. Joh 3:19-21
Application
For those who have come into the light:
- We can rejoice that we have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and have received forgiveness of sins. Col 1:12-14
- We can declare the praise of Him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1Pe 2:9
- We can live as children of light. Eph 5:8
- We can let our light shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. Mat 5:14-16
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Matthew 4:10 Worship the Lord Your God and Serve Him Only
The Story
Mat 4:8-10 Again the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
The Words of Jesus
Mat 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'
Background
This is the third temptation that Satan threw at Jesus at the end of His forty day fast. Satan had already failed to convince Jesus to turn stones to bread. And he failed to convince Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple. Now it seems the true motivation of his temptations is exposed - which is to have Jesus bow down and worship him.
Satan understands the power of worship...after all he once stood at the throne of God (see Eze 28:13-16) where angels worship the LORD continuously (see Rev 7:11 & Rev 4:8). Satan still desires to have the thing that caused his downfall from heaven in the first place...he still desires to exalt himself over God Isa 14:12-15.
Application
We humans were created to worship...and unfortunately we worship many things (money, fame, fortune, rock stars), rather than our creator. Satan would love to have our hearts turned to worship anything BUT the Lord.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego provide a great example for us in that they set their hearts to worship God - even if it meant death. They said:
God alone is worthy to be worshiped and when our worship is focused on Him it draws our hearts into a posture of serving Him. The power of worship is that the worshipper ends up serving the object of worship. May we commit to Jesus’ words and “worship the LORD our God and serve Him only”.
Mat 4:8-10 Again the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
The Words of Jesus
Mat 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'
Background
This is the third temptation that Satan threw at Jesus at the end of His forty day fast. Satan had already failed to convince Jesus to turn stones to bread. And he failed to convince Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple. Now it seems the true motivation of his temptations is exposed - which is to have Jesus bow down and worship him.
Satan understands the power of worship...after all he once stood at the throne of God (see Eze 28:13-16) where angels worship the LORD continuously (see Rev 7:11 & Rev 4:8). Satan still desires to have the thing that caused his downfall from heaven in the first place...he still desires to exalt himself over God Isa 14:12-15.
Application
We humans were created to worship...and unfortunately we worship many things (money, fame, fortune, rock stars), rather than our creator. Satan would love to have our hearts turned to worship anything BUT the Lord.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego provide a great example for us in that they set their hearts to worship God - even if it meant death. They said:
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Dan 3:17-18)
God alone is worthy to be worshiped and when our worship is focused on Him it draws our hearts into a posture of serving Him. The power of worship is that the worshipper ends up serving the object of worship. May we commit to Jesus’ words and “worship the LORD our God and serve Him only”.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Matthew 4:7 Do Not Put the Lord Your God to the Test
The Story
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
The Words of Jesus
Mat 4:7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Background
This is the second temptation that Satan threw at Jesus at the end of His forty day fast. Satan had already failed to convince Jesus to turn stones to bread. Jesus had told him that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. So Satan takes a different approach...since Jesus relied on Scripture in the temptation about the stones, Satan decides to use the Scripture to temp Him this time stating, “..."throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you...”
Satan perverted the word of God in Psalm 91:11 by adding his own commentary to it. The “throw yourself down” comment was Satan’s addition. He was trying to create a logical sequence...if the Scripture says angels will protect you, then let’s prove it by throwing yourself down and see what they do. Jesus’ response was taken from Deut 6:16 “Do not put the LORD your God to the test as you did at Massah.”
Application
Rightly divide the word of truth
As followers of Jesus, we need to be people who love the word of God (Ps 119:97)...who take it as true and who walk in obedience to the truth it provides (Matt 7:24). The more we know the word of God and the more we search it out makes it less likely that we will be deceived by a false doctrine, a Satanic misuse (as in the temptation of Jesus), or a philosophy of the world that is contrary to Scripture. Many false teachings have elements of truth.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2Ti 2:15 NIV
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Act 17:11 NIV
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
The Words of Jesus
Mat 4:7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Background
This is the second temptation that Satan threw at Jesus at the end of His forty day fast. Satan had already failed to convince Jesus to turn stones to bread. Jesus had told him that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. So Satan takes a different approach...since Jesus relied on Scripture in the temptation about the stones, Satan decides to use the Scripture to temp Him this time stating, “..."throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you...”
Satan perverted the word of God in Psalm 91:11 by adding his own commentary to it. The “throw yourself down” comment was Satan’s addition. He was trying to create a logical sequence...if the Scripture says angels will protect you, then let’s prove it by throwing yourself down and see what they do. Jesus’ response was taken from Deut 6:16 “Do not put the LORD your God to the test as you did at Massah.”
Application
Rightly divide the word of truth
As followers of Jesus, we need to be people who love the word of God (Ps 119:97)...who take it as true and who walk in obedience to the truth it provides (Matt 7:24). The more we know the word of God and the more we search it out makes it less likely that we will be deceived by a false doctrine, a Satanic misuse (as in the temptation of Jesus), or a philosophy of the world that is contrary to Scripture. Many false teachings have elements of truth.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2Ti 2:15 NIV
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Act 17:11 NIV
Friday, August 31, 2012
Matthew 4:4 Man Shall Not Live On Bread Alone
The Story
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
The Words of Jesus
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Mat 4:1-4 NIV
Background
While it may seem odd to us, it was the Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil - that much is clear. The tempter (always the opportunist) came to Jesus at a time of vulnerability; Remember, He had not eaten for forty days and was hungry.
The tempter made his appeal with food; something that would have met the immediate physical need; but what he was really after was to gain an advantage over the identity of Christ; Remember he prefaced the temptation by saying “If you are the Son of God” - as if turning stones to bread would somehow prove that.
Jesus (by stating “It is written”) showed us that the way to win the struggle against temptation is with the truth of God’s word. While Satan appealed to an immediate physical need, Jesus showed that the word of God is a greater, more valuable, more necessary source of nourishment. The more we know the truths of God's word the more we find ourselves "not ignorant of his devices" and can avoid succumbing to temptation.
Application
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Some of the trials we experience are by God’s design. But know this...if we are led by the Spirit into the wilderness it is to gain experience in the battle; it is to bring us victory. It is never to see us defeated.
The Lord takes us into the wilderness to give us victory.
When David brought food to his brothers (1 Sam 17) who were in the war, I think it was by God’s design. The Lord’s plan was to give David a great victory. David heard the taunting of Goliath, and the rest is history.
Psa 144:1 Of David. Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
He knows our strength and will never allow us to be tempted above what we are able.
1Co 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
More important than my daily bread
The temptation to fulfill an immediate need at the expense of something of greater value is common to man. As an example, I think of the story of Esau, who for a single meal, sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Heb 12:16
May we, like Job, come to this commitment. (Job 23:12) “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” His word will guide us and help us gain wisdom regarding true value.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
The Words of Jesus
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Mat 4:1-4 NIV
Background
While it may seem odd to us, it was the Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil - that much is clear. The tempter (always the opportunist) came to Jesus at a time of vulnerability; Remember, He had not eaten for forty days and was hungry.
The tempter made his appeal with food; something that would have met the immediate physical need; but what he was really after was to gain an advantage over the identity of Christ; Remember he prefaced the temptation by saying “If you are the Son of God” - as if turning stones to bread would somehow prove that.
Jesus (by stating “It is written”) showed us that the way to win the struggle against temptation is with the truth of God’s word. While Satan appealed to an immediate physical need, Jesus showed that the word of God is a greater, more valuable, more necessary source of nourishment. The more we know the truths of God's word the more we find ourselves "not ignorant of his devices" and can avoid succumbing to temptation.
Application
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Some of the trials we experience are by God’s design. But know this...if we are led by the Spirit into the wilderness it is to gain experience in the battle; it is to bring us victory. It is never to see us defeated.
The Lord takes us into the wilderness to give us victory.
When David brought food to his brothers (1 Sam 17) who were in the war, I think it was by God’s design. The Lord’s plan was to give David a great victory. David heard the taunting of Goliath, and the rest is history.
Psa 144:1 Of David. Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
He knows our strength and will never allow us to be tempted above what we are able.
1Co 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
More important than my daily bread
The temptation to fulfill an immediate need at the expense of something of greater value is common to man. As an example, I think of the story of Esau, who for a single meal, sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Heb 12:16
May we, like Job, come to this commitment. (Job 23:12) “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” His word will guide us and help us gain wisdom regarding true value.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Matthew 3:15 - It Is Proper For Us To Do This
The Story
It was difficult for John to wrap his arms around baptizing Jesus since his was a baptism of repentance, and Jesus had no need for repentance. Jesus, however, addressed John’s concerns by stating the following:
The Words of Jesus
Mat 3:15 NIV Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
Background
Jesus submitted to baptism, and emphasized His desire to do so with the words - “it is proper” [or fitting, or appropriate]. He said He wanted to be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness”. A similar word is used in Luke 1 and it describes Elizabeth and Zechariah as “righteous” because they were “observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly”.
What would happen if our motivation for obedience was to glorify the Father? What if we sought to obey Him simply because it is right, proper, fitting and appropriate? Jesus forever tied obedience to bringing glory to God in John 17:4 when He said, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”
In Tit 2:5-10 we find these motivations for walking in obedience and encouraging others to do the same.
It was difficult for John to wrap his arms around baptizing Jesus since his was a baptism of repentance, and Jesus had no need for repentance. Jesus, however, addressed John’s concerns by stating the following:
The Words of Jesus
Mat 3:15 NIV Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
Background
Jesus submitted to baptism, and emphasized His desire to do so with the words - “it is proper” [or fitting, or appropriate]. He said He wanted to be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness”. A similar word is used in Luke 1 and it describes Elizabeth and Zechariah as “righteous” because they were “observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly”.
Luke 1:5-6 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly.
In essence what Jesus is saying is, “let it be so now...it is fitting and appropriate for us to observe all the Lord’s commands.” In this brief comment He inspires a glorious motivation for obedience.
What would happen if our motivation for obedience was to glorify the Father? What if we sought to obey Him simply because it is right, proper, fitting and appropriate? Jesus forever tied obedience to bringing glory to God in John 17:4 when He said, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”
In Tit 2:5-10 we find these motivations for walking in obedience and encouraging others to do the same.
- vs 5...so that no one will malign the word of God.
- vs 8...so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
- vs 10...so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
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