THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 47

“Not Peace, but a Sword”

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.

 The Words of Jesus, Matthew 10:34-36

This hardly sounds like the Jesus we were taught about in Sunday school. Jesus has said things like, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”. (John 14:27); and the word peace is used and talked about over ninety times in the New Testament. Yet here we have it straight from the mouth of Jesus, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

These words are not spoken in anger.  Jesus did not come into this world to condemn, but to save. It is because of their unbelief that some are already condemned.

We know that Jesus is our Great Shepherd, and that He cares for and protects His sheep (His followers). But to those who reject Him, He is an obstacle and a stumbling block, creating division between the righteous and the unrighteous, believers and the rebellious, dividing households and even families.

This is the ‘great divide’ (my term). We hear that at the End of the Age, God will divide the ‘wheat from the tares’, and the ‘sheep from the goats’, and those whose names are written in the Books – the  ‘Book of Life’ and those whose names are not found in that book – some to everlasting glory with God, and some to eternal torment in the lake of fire.

We (Christians – disciples of Jesus) are to follow Him in His methods and His ways. We are to be gentle as doves, yet wise as a serpent. Filled with the fruit of the Spirit, (the result of His presence within us), resulting in love, unselfish concern for others, joy, inner peace, patience, not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Lifting the name of Jesus, so He will draw many to Himself through our lives.

Still, the Apostle Paul reminds us that, “There are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, who live as enemies of the cross of Christ [rejecting and opposing His way of salvation], whose fate is destruction, whose god is their belly [their worldly appetite, their sensuality, their vanity], and whose glory is in their shame–who focus their mind on earthly and temporal things. “But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3)

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Here is further reading on these matters that may be of help. Be blessed as you serve Him.

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Whoever love father and mother more than me Is not worthy of me”, Part 48.

PREVIOUS:   THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Everyone who acknowledge me before men”, Part 46

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 46

“Everyone who acknowledge me before men”

“So, everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 10:32-33

Have you ever been encouraged by your pastor, Sunday school teacher to memorize Matthew 10:32-33 as important verses in the Bible? (I didn’t think so. Me neither.)

The wording of these verses is of a highly technical nature. They also issue a grave warning.

The word ‘acknowledge’ (or ‘confess’ in some versions), is the Greek word ‘homologeó’, meaning to voice the same conclusion, i.e. agree, (“confess“); to profess because in full agreement; to align with, (to endorse). Covenant, acknowledge.

The word ‘denies’ (or ‘rejects’, in some versions), is the Greek word ‘arneomai’, means to deny (refuse); hence, contradict, refuse to affirm or to confess (identify with); disown (repudiate), to abnegate (To give up rights or a claim; to renounce. To deny. To deny and reject; to abjure.)

Is it possible that you ‘deny’ Jesus when you continually disobey Him? (This is different from sinning, feeling remorse and turning away from that sinful behavior).

Is it possible that you are denying Jesus in ways you are not recognizing? Do you pray? Do you treat your enemies with respect? Do you witness Christ to others? Do you regularly do things in private that you would be ashamed to do in public?

This is urgent because if you are denying Him, His commandments, His ways, His methods, you may be at grave risk.

Jesus says, plainly and flatly, “whoever denies (or rejects) me before men, I also will deny (and reject) before my Father who is in heaven.”

The funny thing about salvation is that it is ‘all in’ or ‘not in at all’.  I hear preachers say you can ‘squeak into heaven’ or you can ‘make it to heaven by the skin of your teeth’, but that is a dangerous lie.

Jesus warns us that the devil is shrewd, and that we are to be sober, well-balanced and self-disciplined; we are to be alert and cautious at all times. Because your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a fiercely hungry, roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, (see 1 Peter 5:8), and that ‘someone’ is you and me.

Many in the current-day, postmodern church are turning a blind eye to sin and sinful behavior. In fact, sin is in fashion in the world and has crept fashionably into the churches. (Look how many people dress, talk, act and reject the ‘old ways’ of Christ). They call themselves Christians. They go to church, and, they would never consider themselves as ‘tares’, waiting to plucked up in the Great Harvest, thrown onto the fire and burned up, but that is the risk some are taking. DON’T BE ONE OF THOSE.

Understand this, that in these last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them. (See 2 Timothy 3:1-5)

But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning]. (See 1 Timothy 4:1-2)

Dear brothers and sisters, let’s be on the alert and always ready to preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. (See 2 Timothy 4:2).

The day of His return is very near – let’s pray for one another to stay sober, ready and on the alert.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – WHAT ARE YOU TO DO WITH THEM? Part 45, “The disciple is not above his teacher”.

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THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 45

“A disciple is not above his teacher”

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 10:24-31.

This is both a final warning of what is coming and what to expect as a disciple of Jesus, and a strong word of encouragement.

Jesus is saying, that as His disciple (servant) you should expect no less than what the Master (Jesus) experiences. So, if Jesus is maligned and called Beelzebul, His disciples can expect equal if not greater ill-treatment.

Jesus previously taught extensively on the personal cost of being His disciple (see Matthew chapter 5:10, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Verse 11. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Verse 12. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you).

Much of the postmodern teachings of what it means to become a Christian omit Jesus’ teachings and warnings of the cost of discipleship. The modern subliminal message of the Gospel is that once becoming a Christian, your life will take a decidedly profitable and comfortable upward turn in trajectory and outcome. This teaching is errant in that it omits the extremely difficult path between your time on earth and your ultimate home in heaven.

HOWEVER, HAVE NO FEAR

“So have no fear of them, those wolves whose nature is to act in opposition to God; those who will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues.

“For nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.”

Jesus is telling his disciples (then and now) they are not to cover up your relation to Him, but to say out loud and bravely the message that He has given you. Those who believe in the present life of Christ and in the reality of present communications from him cannot fail to see here both the true source of their messages as preachers and the necessity of faithfulness to those messages.

Secondly, Jesus is calling His disciples they are to reveal the evil that is hidden in men’s hearts, minds and their hidden evil deeds. These are the secret dealings of those who reside within the church – the things that are counter to the transparent Truth of the Gospel and life of Jesus.

There is a verse found in Jeremiah 12:5 which warns, “If you have raced with men on foot, and they have tired you out, then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace [where you feel secure], Then how will you do [among the lions] in the [flooded] thicket beside the Jordan?”  This is similar to Jesus’ warning, as if to say, ‘if you think it’s been hard dealing with those outside of the church (i.e., ‘the men on foot’), just wait until you have to deal with those who are hiding their evil ways who are within the church (i.e., ‘the horses’).

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Jesus is referring to the threats and actions that will be leveled against you when you reveal those things which are hidden so that they will be known. When Jesus says ‘do not fear’, He is using a Hebraism expressing avoidance, shrinking, cowardly. God warns that He ‘takes no pleasure in those (cowards) who shrink back’ (see Hebrews 10:8).

Jesus has clearly prepared of His disciples – including you and me – about our calling, our mission, our methodology and about what will be coming upon us. Next, He will teach us about His authority, our relationship with Him and the Father; and about the ‘bigger picture’ of His purpose.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(If you have any questions or remarks, please contact me).

PREVIOUS:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – WHAT ARE YOU TO DO WITH THEM? Part 44, “Behold, I am sending you out”.

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – WHAT ARE YOU TO DO WITH THEM? Part 46, “Everyone who acknowledges Me before men”.

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 44

“Behold, I am sending you out”

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.

When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 10:16-23

Will you imagine, with me, standing before Jesus and hearing these words spoken – to you?  I hope you are able to do this because He is still speaking these words today. They are Creative, Causative, Prophetic, and Instructional.

He spoke His Word in ages past, and He is still speaking His Words to us, today; and so it shall ever be.

God is eternal, omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. He is all knowing, all present and all powerful. He was, He is, and He will forever be.

He is saying to you, this day. Let’s break this down into 5 important components:

YOUR ORDERS

“Behold, I am sending you out

You are His disciple. A Christian solider on mission, in God’s army. He is sending you into spiritual combat. Get ready.

YOUR RISK

as sheep in the midst of wolves,

You are potential prey to those who would behave as ravenous predators. You are at risk.

YOUR TACTICS

so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Be spiritually stealthy and without blame.

RECONNOITER AND KNOW YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake,

Don’t be surprised by their tactics. You will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony.

YOUR MISSION

to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.

Your mission is to bear witness of the Christ.

YOUR OFFENSIVE POWER

When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Do not be surprised that you will be ‘delivered over’ – you will be delivered over; prepare yourself now, so you will not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. Remember, it is not you who speaks, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

There are approximately 2,400,000,000 (2.4 billion) Christians worldwide and over 230 million Christians in America. Can you imagine the powerful impact this would have on our world if all the Christians, the disciples of Jesus, would submit themselves to these prophetic commands? Allowing the Spirit of the Father to speak through them.

Can you imagine the powerful impact on your life and your sphere of influence this would have if you would submit yourself to these prophetic commands? Allowing the Spirit of your Father to speak through you.

YOUR DEFENSIVE POWER

Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

Do not be unaware or be deceived, because brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

God is warning us now, that this time is at hand. Hebrews 10:32-36 tells us, “But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through insults and distress, and partly by becoming companions with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 

FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,

HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY.

BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH;

AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. But we are not among those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith for the safekeeping of the soul.”  ((It is coming again))

Be aware that there are many within the church, in leadership, pastors, preachers, theologians and Bible teachers who are saying this is not so. They are denying that we have entered into the breaking of the 5^th Tribulation Seal (The Great Apostasy and the Great Persecution) and matters will continue to intensify with the breaking of the 6^th Tribulation Seal, the Day of God’s Wrath and the beginning of the final 7 years of Tribulation.

YOUR MARCH TO VICTORY ASSURED

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

You will be persecuted, even now, if you will go outside the walls of your ‘church’. Go into the world with the Gospel of Christ; stay on the move, navigating through the enemy’s lines, reaching the lost, bringing good news to the humble; binding up the brokenhearted, proclaiming release to captives, and freedom to prisoners; proclaim the favorable year of the LORD and the day of vengeance of our God;

To comfort all who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

It is so. The day is now at hand. Remember: The one who endures to the end will be saved.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(If you have any questions or remarks, please contact me).

PREVIOUS:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – WHAT ARE YOU TO DO WITH THEM? Part 43, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – WHAT ARE YOU TO DO WITH THEM? Part 45, “A disciple is not above his teacher”.

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 43

“The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”

Matthew 10:5, These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them,

“Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 10:5-18

The disciples first step of training – their ‘basic training’, so to speak – completed; Jesus now sends them out, for the first time, to do His works, and He sends them to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

In this fashion, “Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; and James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;  Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;  Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him.” (Matthew 10:1-4)

This, being before Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, and before the establishment of His earthly Church, shows the order of things to come in God’s economy and of His plan to ‘save the world’, and to ‘graft the wild olive branch” into the Church.

Secondly, it is the pattern and the model for all future disciples, that is for all future Christians – you and me –  to obey and to fulfill His Great Commission. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you”, in the same manner Jesus demonstrated and taught these disciples.

Let’s remember, however, that these words of Jesus are much more than a ‘model’ or a ‘pattern’ for evangelism and more than a directive (the Great Commission), this is the Creative, Causative, Prophetic, and Instructional Word of God.

When this Word is implanted into the heart and mind of a follower and disciple of Jesus, it will come to pass:

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it produce and sprout, And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)

This is but ‘a first step’ in the establishment of His Church and the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus throughout the entire world. It is not just the first step, but the only step, but it is in the footsteps of Christ.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(If you have any questions or remarks, please contact me).

PREVIOUS:   THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? , “The Harvest is Plentiful”, Part 42.

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? , “Behold, I am sending you out?”, Part 44.

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 42

“The Harvest is Plentiful”

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 9:37-38

There is a chronological sequence of events leading up to the great harvest of souls. This preparation of this process actually begins with the breaking of the 6^th Tribulation Seal and leads to the Great Harvest and God’s Wine press of Wrath. (Please be patient as we trace this timeline. It is important.)

The First Seal: Conqueror on a White Horse, Revelation 6:1                               (Began around the time of the birth of Christ).

The Second Seal: War, Matthew 6:3                                                                      (Ongoing since the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry).

The Third Seal: Famine, Revelation 6:5                                                                      (Ongoing since the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry).

The Fourth Seal: Death, Revelation 6:7                                                                      (Ongoing since the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry).

The Fifth Seal: Martyrs, Revelation 6:9                                                                      (Ongoing since the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, intensifying).

The Sixth Seal: Terror, Revelation 6:12                                                                      (Future event, and it appears the time is near: The beginning of the Great 7-year tribulation period; The revealing of the antichrist; the rapture occurs).

An Interlude, Revelation 7:1                                                                                          (This and the following are future events).

The 144,000, Revelation 7:4

A Multitude from the Tribulation before God’s Throne, Revelation 7:9                (The rapture; a future event, and it appears the time is near).

The Seventh Seal: Revelation 8:1

The Trumpets, Silence for half an hour: Revelation 8:1

The first trumpet sounded: Revelation 8:7,

The second angel sounded: Revelation 8:8

The third angel sounded: Revelation 8:10

The fourth angel sounded: Revelation 8:12

The fifth angel sounded: Revelation 9:1

The sixth angel sounded: Revelation 9:13                                                                     (This is the mid-point of the 7-Year Great Tribulation period. No one will be saved beyond this point).

The Angel and the Little Scroll: Revelation 10:1

The Two Witnesses: Revelation 11:1

The seventh angel sounded: Revelation 11:15

(A recapitulation in symbols of this period:)

The Woman, Israel – A great sign appeared in heaven: Revelation 12: 1

The Red Dragon, Satan: Revelation 12:3

The Male Child, Christ: Revelation 12:5

The Male Child, Christ – War in heaven: Revelation 12:5

The Beast from the Sea: Revelation 13:1

The Beast from the Earth: Revelation 13:11

(The End of the Recapitulation).

The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion, Revelation 14:1

Vision of the Angel with the Gospel, Revelation 14:6

Doom for Worshipers of the Beast, Revelation 14:9

The Harvest: Revelation 14:14

The great wine press of the wrath of God: Revelation 14:20

The angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. And the wine press was trampled outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of 200 miles.

This entire process, sometimes called ‘the process of sanctification’ is part of God’s Work to perfect men and women who believe in Him, into the image of Christ. It is spoken of (prophesied) in Daniel 12:1,

(RECAP of Daniel 12:1-13):

1. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people,
2. everyone who is found, written in the book, will be rescued. Verse 2. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Verse
3. 3. And those who have insight will shine like the glow of the expanse of heaven,
4. and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Verse 4. But as for you, Daniel, keep these words secret and seal up the book until the end of time; many will roam about, and knowledge will increase.” Verse 5. Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the stream and the other on that bank of the stream. Verse 6. And someone said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream,
5. “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” Verse 7. And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that

(a)  it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish smashing the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. Verse  8. But as for me, I heard but did not understand; so, I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?”  Verse 9. And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words will be kept secret and sealed up until the end time.

1. Verse 10. Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but  those who have insight will understand.
2. Verse 11. And from the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Verse 12.

(a)  Blessed is the one who is patient and attains to the 1,335 days! Verse 13. But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will rest and rise for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”

The time of the Great Harvest is coming, and it will be swift and final. This is urgent as there will be no second chances. Jesus is calling – appealing for –  workers for this harvest, which includes you and me.

God is the Lord of the harvest (see also Luke 10:2). He chooses the right moment to do His work of salvation in the hearts of men and women. At the same time, God chooses to partner with us in that work (John 4:36–38). We must keep our eyes open, seizing the opportunities He presents, both to receive salvation and join with Him in offering it to others.

The fields are white for harvest means the right time to bring people into God’s kingdom is now. Paul tells Timothy (and us) to be prepared to preach the gospel “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:1–2). In the agricultural world, farmers must wait between the sowing and reaping seasons. In the spiritual realm, the time for gathering in the harvest is now—whenever and wherever a crop of white-ripe souls exists. (GotQuestions.org excerpt).

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:   THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Do You Believe I Am Able”, Part 41

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? , “And Proclaim as you go…”, Part 43.

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 41

“Do you believe I am able?”

“As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, screaming loudly, “Have mercy and compassion on us, Son of David (Messiah)!” When He went into the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus said to them,

“Do you believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that I am able to do this?”

They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying,

“According to your faith [your trust and confidence in My power and My ability to heal] it will be done to you.”

And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them:

“See that no one knows this!”

But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout that whole district.

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 9:27-31.

This may be one of the greatest teachings and greatest tests about faith. Please pay close attention. Pray, think, mediate and ask our God of mercy and compassion to reveal the truth and to give you wisdom.

QUESTION: Why would two blind men, following Jesus, cry out, “Have mercy and compassion on us, Son of David”?  What does ‘mercy and compassion’ have to do with being blind and crying out to the Son of God?

Earlier we read, in Matthew 4:23-24, “And Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having epileptics, and paralytics, and He healed them.”

You see, these blind men knew that Jesus had what they needed and wanted, and they knew Jesus could do what they needed and wanted. This is true faith.

Their faith is expressed (pressed out) in their cries, “Have mercy (and compassion) on us, Son of David”, in essence and in fact calling Jesus the Messiah! They knew!

Faith, in and of itself, is the clear and substantive evidence of things not yet seen with the natural eyes, and the conviction in your heart, mind and soul, of their reality. These blind men, by faith in Jesus and His ability, comprehended as fact what could not be experienced by the physical senses. ( see Hebrews 11:1-3)

PLEASE NOTE: The OBJECT of their faith is not on ‘being healed’. The OBJECT of their faith is Jesus and in Him alone!

If you find yourself praying and saying, “I stand, believing for my healing” you will be disappointed.

Romans 10:11 tells us that, “For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on JESUS] WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].”  (If you don’t get this, your faith will always fall short.)

What we have read here, and what Jesus has said and done, is the model of faith. Jesus tells us in Revelation 3:17, “you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked”.  So, please, put yourself in the position of these blind men and ask yourself:

THE TEST:  Are you willing, like these two blind men, to follow Jesus, screaming loudly, “Have mercy and compassion on me, Son of David – The Messiah”? (Most people would be too embarrassed and would feel foolish and would not).

Are you willing, like these blind men, to publicly come up to Him? And Jesus said to them, (Most people prefer to the “right where you are, while nobody is watching, say to Him…”)

In response to Jesus’ question, “Do you believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that I am able to do this?”, are you willing to say to Him, “Yes, Lord.”? (Or, do you prefer “if it is your will”, as if you don’t really know or believe you know His willingness).

Will your testimony be like these blind men when they were healed, that is, to go out and spread the news about Him throughout your town? (Most Christians will tell each other, but will not go throughout the region telling everyone).

Jesus knows the condition of your heart, and He is saying, “you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked”, Revelation 3:17.

Are you going to be like everyone else, or like these two blind men, and express (press out) your faith in Him?

It’s the only way!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS: Please do not get discouraged if you do not see your ‘success’ immediately. The Bible is replete with examples of those who doggedly pursued Jesus before finding relief. This is never easy – despite what you might hear from those wanting to ‘tickle your ears’. IT IS THE ONE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WHO IS SAVED!

(If you have any questions or remarks, please contact me).

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Additional Reading: DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW?

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 40

“New Wine is put into fresh Wineskins”

 “Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And, Jesus said to them,

“Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

“No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 9:14-17

First, let’s please remember that this is not just a study ‘about the Bible’ or ‘about Jesus’. This is not just a story. This is The Word of God being demonstrated in real life situations. These Words are for your learning, your rebuke, your correction and training in righteousness, so that you may be thoroughly equipped for every good work? (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

This Word of God, is creative, causative, prophetic and instructional, for you to live successfully; for you and ultimately, for others to see, ‘through you’.

So, let’s ask, “what do these Words say, and what do they mean to you and to me?  And, how do we apply them to our life?

There seems to be two separate thoughts or teachings in response to John’s disciples’ question, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus begins with, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

There were various reasons for fasting for a Jew. It could be as a custom or as a religious practice. It was traditional to fast during the mourning period following the death of a public figure, an acquaintance, a friend or a loved one.

Most importantly, here, Jesus is making a prophetic reference to Himself as the bridegroom and to His Body, the Church as the Bride, and about His coming death as the Sacrificial Lamb of God.

Jesus has recently condemned religious humanism and false ritual piety which was being practiced in so many churches and synagogues, when He said, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice”, quoting from Hosea 6:6. This was a teaching against the hypocritical Pharisees. Here He is reminding His listeners to “Go and learn what this means:  ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). In other words, without a loving relationship with God, all the rituals in the world couldn’t help the Pharisees and anyone like them.

Additionally, Jesus is saying that fasting is much more than just a religious ritual or a tradition. Furthermore, He is saying as long as He, the bridegroom, is still with them, it is not yet time for fasting. That day is coming. Now is the time for celebration of Jesus.

Jesus then seems to suddenly change the subject from fasting to metaphors, comparing “old and new ways” with “old and new fabrics and new wine and old wineskins”.

Actually, these subjects are related. If I put this in layman’s terms, Jesus is saying a change has occurred. “Old things have passing away; behold, new things have come” 2 Corinthians 5:17-19. The Old Covenant is fulfilled by Christ’s coming and the New Covenant is begun.

NOTE: The reference to the wedding feast of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and His bride (the Church) found in Revelation 19:7–10,

The first phase would be completed on when each individual believer places his or her faith in Christ as Savior. The dowry paid by the bridegroom’s parent (God the Father) would be the blood of Christ shed on the Bride’s behalf. The Church on earth, then, is “betrothed” to Christ, and, like the wise virgins in the parable, all believers should be watching and waiting for the appearance of the Bridegroom (the rapture).

The second phase symbolizes the rapture of the Church, when Christ comes to claim His bride and take her to the Father’s house.  “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

The third and final step is the marriage supper. It is then that the marriage supper of the Lamb takes place in heaven between immediately after the rapture, when a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, (see Revelation 6 & 7).

SET FREE FOR FREEDOM’S SAKE

Finally, and most importantly, “No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”  Jesus is saying He is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:4)

There is no longer a need for a continuing sacrifice and spilling of animal blood for forgiveness of your sins. You no longer need to endlessly repeat religious rituals for cleansing of your soul.

These two parables illustrate the fact that you can’t mix old religious rituals with new faith in Jesus. Jesus’ disciples were not fasting along with the Pharisees and John’s disciples because they were now under the new covenant of grace and faith in Christ. As mentioned earlier, Jesus fulfilled the law; therefore, there is no longer any need to continue with the old rituals. Jesus cannot be added to a works-based religion. In the case of the Pharisees, they were consumed with their own self-righteousness, and faith in Jesus cannot be combined with self-righteous rituals.

The New Covenant in Christ’s Blood need not and cannot be applied along with (in conjunction with) the Law no more than you can put new cloth on an old garment without making the tear worse, nor can you put New Wine (The New Covenant through the sacrificial Blood of Christ) into an old wineskin (The Law) for if you do, the Old Wineskin will burst and be destroyed and all the Wine will be lost.

“The Law and the writings of the Prophets were proclaimed until John; but now, the gospel of the kingdom of God has been and continues to be preached, and everyone tries forcefully to go into it. (Luke 16:16)

Jesus reminds us, however, “Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the Law of Moses or the writings of the Prophets; I did not come to destroy them, but to fulfill and complete their requirements of you. For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of the pen written in the Law will pass from the Law until all things which it foreshadows are accomplished. So, whoever breaks one of the least important of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least important in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them, he will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”.  Matthew 5:17-20.

The Bible states emphatically in Galatians 5:1 that believers are free in Christ: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”. Before Jesus died on a cross, God’s people lived under a detailed system of laws that served as a moral compass to guide their lives. The Law, while powerless to grant salvation or produce true freedom, nevertheless pointed the way to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:19–24). Through His sacrificial death, Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, setting believers free from the law of sin and death. God’s laws are now written in our hearts through the Spirit of God, and we are free to follow and serve Christ in ways that please and glorify Him (Romans 8:2–8). In a nutshell, this is the definition of Christian freedom. (GotQuestions.Org).

No longer condemned to grovel. You are released from the guilt and shame. You are no longer chained to the rock of your past sins.You are set free!

Jesus, has forgiven your past, secured your present life, and given you a future.

He has satisfied all the requirements of the Law of Moses, and has set you free from the law of sin and death.

The old way, that is the Law of Moses, is now fulfilled.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

(If you have any questions or remarks, please contact me).

PREVIOUS:   THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”, Part 39.

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THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 39

“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice”

 “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. ’For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 9:12-13

Next to the Great Commission, issued by Jesus before His ascension, (Matthew 28:18-20), this is Jesus’ greatest call and model for witnessing and evangelism.

Jesus is clearly saying, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” (Jesus is the great Physician).

 (“Sick” from the Greek, kakos, means to be amiss, badly, grievously; bad or evil, in the widest sense. “Inner malice”; inwardly foul, rotten (poisoned); inner malice flowing out of a morally-rotten character, (the “rot is already in the wood”), meaning, “wickedness, inner evil.”

 Many illnesses and diseases can be traced to their origins of “kakos”. This sickness can and does manifest as physical and mental illnesses if left spiritually untreated.

However, the postmodern church has increasingly turned inward, ministering almost exclusively to those claiming to already be righteous, rather than ‘going out and making disciples.”

JESUS GOES TO THOSE WHO WERE ‘SICK’

Jesus went about all the towns, cities and countryside preaching and teaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. His fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. (See Matthew 4:23-25)

JESUS SENDS HIS DISCIPLES TO THOSE WHO WERE ‘SICK’

And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;  Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

In the middle of His instructions, Jesus says, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’

In these few words, Jesus condemns the religious humanism and false ritual piety being practiced in so many churches and synagogues.

Hosea 6:6 reads, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, knowing God rather than burnt offerings.”  Why does God desire love and knowledge of Him instead of burnt offerings? The key to answering this question is found in the words of the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD, is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Love for God was the number-one priority for the people of Israel. The whole Law, including the offerings and sacrifices, was to serve as an expression of this love for the Lord.

However, over time, the Israelites began to worship other gods while continuing the ritual of the sacrifices. They “obeyed the Law,” yet they did not display love toward God, and they did not truly know Him. Hosea’s message was a response to Israel’s hypocrisy. God desired their love over external practices of piety. He longed for His people to long for Him rather than simply continue a religious tradition.

Scripture often notes that sacrifices to God are incomplete and even offensive without a changed heart that loves and knows the Lord. First Samuel 15:22 says, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” (See also Isaiah 1:11-17; Amos 5:21-24; Micah 6:6-8 and Matthew 7:21-23.) The same is said of other religious rituals, such as circumcision (Romans 2:28-29).

Jesus would later use Hosea’s teaching against the hypocritical Pharisees, saying, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13; cf. 12:7). Without a loving relationship with God, all the rituals in the world couldn’t help the Pharisees. (GotQuestions.Org)

JOB’S RELIGIOUS PIETY

Like in the case of Job, who was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil, and was the greatest of all the people of the east,” Job’s practice of religious piety did not save him.

His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus, Job did continually.”

Then one day the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” (See Job chapter 1).

WHERE ARE YOU?

Many religious people participate in Christian rituals, yet their hearts do not love God and seek to know Him. Those who practice empty rituals should heed Hosea’s words. God cares more about our heart’s love for Him than the things that we do in His name. We must not substitute religious traditions for a relationship with God. Let’s pray that we may never be like those whom Jesus described: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Mark 7:6). (GotQuestions.Org)

JESUS IS CALLING YOU

Finally, Jesus says, “For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”  This is your calling also.

1. There are some things Jesus told us to BE.
2. There are some things He told us to HAVE.
3. Then, there are the things He told us to DO. Please don’t be confused, they are not the same thing.

What we are told to BE and what we are told to HAVE should lead us to DO the things He told us to DO.

Example:

YOU SHALL BE HOLY FOR I AM HOLY. (The indwelling Christ makes us holy. It is not something we can DO on our own.)

You shall BE My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.”  (The indwelling Holy Spirit makes us witnesses. It is not something we can DO on our own.)

HAVE faith and Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. (When Jesus is the object of our faith, it is Jesus who does these works through us. It is not something we can DO on our own.)

FOLLOW ME and I will make you fishers of men. (Now, this is something we DO when we are drawn to the living God. This is something we can and must DO.)

If you DO these things, you shall never fall; give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  (This is something we DO when we are drawn to the living God. This is something we must DO.)

Jesus is asking, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not DO what I tell you?

I talk with so many Christians who resist witnessing Jesus to others. They have their excuses, and they say they have ‘alternate ways’ of witnessing, but they are not doing what Jesus has told them to do!

Here is what Jesus said, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you”.

 Again, Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses (martus = martyr), both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.”

We call on the name of the Lord in prayer, making many requests which have little to do with what He requires of His disciples. Yet, He is faithful.

You ask God for something and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives or out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda, so that when you get what you want you may spend it on your selfish desire for pleasure and the avoidance of pain.

He has told us He will provide all we need as we first seek Him and His Kingdom. He has told us we have overcome this world. Yet, we desire, even crave the things of this world, so we straddle the fences of earthly desires and the Kingdom of Heaven.

Many make excuses, but few have reasons. One day all of us will be called to explain why we called Him “Lord, Lord, but did not do what He has told us”.

Dear Loved Ones, listen to me.  Those who are well have no need of a physician. Bring Me those who are sick.

Now, go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. ’For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

My enduring love to you. –  Jesus.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:   THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? , “Your sins are forgiven”, Part 38.

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THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 38

“Your sins are forgiven”

 “And getting into a boat, he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,

“Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”

“And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said,

“Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he then said to the paralytic —“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.” 

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 9:1-7.

The paralytic in this account is a real man, lying on a real bed. He is representative of “every man” and “every woman”, for we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Ours beds are the beds of sickness, disease, infirmity, lack, want and death that come from our sin.

Jesus is speaking words of healing, health and life to you, this very moment. It does not matter how simple or how dreadful your condition. No matter the desperation of your situation, no matter how far you may have fallen, how remote your rescue and restoration may seem or how impossible your circumstances appear, your salvation is now at hand.

If you are willing, you will be made well, made whole, made safe and made healthy. It begins, as the Bible says, ‘in a twinkling of an eye’ and you will continue to improve over your lifetime. You will be saved.

You will become well, whole, safe and healthy in your relationships.

You will become well, whole, safe and healthy in your family, with your spouse and your children.

You will become well, whole, safe and healthy in your career, with your employment and co-workers.

You will become well, whole, safe and healthy in your finances and all your wealth.

You will become well, whole, safe and healthy in your mind, will, emotions, body and spirit.

Take in these Words of Jesus and of the Bible and make them your own. They are the flesh and blood of Christ. ‘Eat them’ by taking them into your heart, your soul and your mind, ‘chew on them’, meditate on them, absorb them into your spirit, and become whole!

First, please don’t overlook the significance of these few words: “When Jesus saw their faith”.  Jesus was moved and spoke Creative words, Causative words, Prophetic words and Instructional words when He saw their faith.

Let me say it again: faith moves God to speak. Jesus was moved by their faith, and He spoke prophetic, creative, causative and instructional words into the life of this paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”

Jesus will be moved by your faith.

Secondly, it is important to understand the true meaning and definition of ‘sin’.  From the Greek word, ‘hamartía’, meaning ‘not taking a part in or a share of’ creating a loss or a forfeiture because of not hitting the target; missing the mark. This comes from self-willed behavior.

Interestingly, in old England, during archery competition, when an archer would miss the target completely, the judge would shout, “SIN”, because the archer missed the target. Likewise, when we miss the target of God’s Righteousness and of God’s standards, we sin, and we miss out, we suffer loss of God’s presence and provision by forfeiture.

In the foregoing illustration, the archer has no recourse except to ‘suffer the loss’, sharpen his or her aim and try again.

In our case, however, as Christians, we have recourse. We can call on our advocate, Jesus Christ, by confessing our ‘sins’ and by pleading our case to Him, our loss is reversed. Jesus suffers our loss as His own, and we are given a renewed life. We are restored and ‘shoot our arrows again toward the heart of the target’.

Hebrew 11:1-3, correctly instructs us that the “Faith that restores us is the assurance, the absolute certainty, the title deed, a rock-solid confirmation of things hoped for, of things anticipated and expected by divine guarantee; this faith is proof-positive evidence of things not yet seen and the conviction of their reality; the comprehension as fact of what cannot be first experienced by the physical senses. For by this kind of faith the men of old gained divine approval.

“It is by the faith that comes from an inherent trust, an enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God, that we understand that the worlds, the universe, the cosmos of all the ages were framed, formed, created, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose by the word of God, so that what is now visible was not made out of things which are visible.”

This is the faith has no conclusion and no end. It is building and growing and enduring through all the ages until the end of time.

Thirdly, the outcome of this kind of faith is visible. It brings both amazement and fear to the hearts and minds of men and women, and it brings glory to God. “When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.”

“Do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he will become a sanctuary.” (Isaiah 8:12-13)

Finally, it is by this kind of faith that God grants authority to men and women; not to do works by and of themselves, but as living sacrifices, living instruments through which and by which God does His Works.

This faith is the reason God is saying to you, this day, “Take heart, my son (or daughter); your sins are forgiven.”

And behold, even in our day and time, some of our ‘scribes’, men and women, say “this man (Jesus) is blaspheming by the way they stand in judgment on His Works and His Words”.  

They call themselves interpreters, theologians, and teachers, educated in religious laws and doctrines, and in the sacred writings of the Bible, posturing with their lineage, educational degrees given by men.

Just like the Scribes of Jesus’ day, these modern day ‘Scribes’ say they examine the more difficult and subtle questions of the law; but they add to the law opinions of various kinds thought to elucidate its meaning and scope, to the detriment of The Gospel.

But Jesus, knows their thoughts, and He said then, and He continues to say today,

“Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”.

Jesus is saying to you, this day and at this moment: “Take heart, my son       (your name here)      or my daughter   (your name here)    ; your sins are forgiven.”  Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

Let’s humbly submit to God and live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:   THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? , “Oh, you of little faith…” Part 37.

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? , “I desire mercy, not sacrifice…” Part 39.

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 37

“Oh, you of little faith”

“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.”  And he said to them,

“Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”

Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

“The men wondered in amazement, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”  – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 8:23-27.

Jesus is God, incarnate. God is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. Why would He ask His disciples, “Why are you afraid?” Shouldn’t He know?

This is an ‘emphatic interrogative’ aimed at no one in particular and everyone in general. It is not necessarily meant to garner a response, as it is meant to make everyone aware of what is going on.

These words of Jesus are a proclamation similar to a colloquial expression such as, “What is wrong with you guys?!”  A more complete and accurate translation might be, “Which certain ones of you, which someone or anyone, afraid?”

It is also important to know that the word Jesus uses, “afraid”, in the Greek is ‘deilos’ means, “fear-driven, dreadful, describing a person who loses the moral gumption and fortitude that is needed to follow the Lord.”

This word refers to an excessive fear or dread. Being fainthearted and cowardly – hence, to fall short in following Christ as Lord.

This type of fear comes from a lack of faith, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”  This is not the typical fear that causes ‘fight or flight’. This kind of fear renders you helpless and vulnerable to circumstances and the wiles of the devil.

Although we, as English-speaking people, may not understand the nuance of what Jesus is saying, His disciples knew exactly what He is saying. It is not the first time, nor will it be the last time Jesus chides His disciples in this manner.

This was spoken to His disciples in the boat during a storm, and it is Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional. It was spoken and is written to you and to me, today!

The Bible instructs us to “fear not” or “do not be afraid” 63 times in the King James Version and 61 times in the New American Standard. Repetition is used to make a very strong and important point. “Without faith, it is impossible to please God”.

God knows all things. He knows what is coming upon you, and He even knows how you will respond and react. There is a Purpose in all things that come upon you. They may be bewildering, unpleasant, even deadly, but know this: “[With great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”  (Romans 8:28)

The Purpose of God’s Eternal Plan is Perfection.  He is maturing and perfecting His people into His image, ultimately to live in Perfect harmony with Him and with one another, in a New and Perfect heaven and earth.

Each and every chapter, verse and word in the Bible, when viewed within this context of God’s Eternal Plan of Perfection, begins to make perfect sense.

This is a Christian’s life experience, and without having been transformed and made new, you cannot inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

When you encounter times of trouble, trials and tribulations, fear not. Jesus says, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if you have faith, that is personal trust and confidence in Me, and do not doubt or allow yourself to be drawn in two directions, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen as God wills it.” (Matthew 21:21, Amplified version).

Let’s be strong and courageous and pray for one another that we endure to the end, for then we are saved!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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Isaiah 8:12-14

“You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’
In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy,
And you are not to fear what they fear nor be in dread of it.

“It is the Lord of hosts whom you are to regard as holy and awesome.
He shall be your fear,
He shall be your dread [not man].
 
“Then He shall be a sanctuary [a sacred, indestructible shelter for those who fear and trust Him];

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 35

“Foxes have holes”

“And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”  “Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 8:20-22.

This is one of the more misunderstood and mysterious of Jesus’ instructions. It seems out of place and a bit callous at first glance, and unless you gain its wisdom, you might well be left behind.

In its fuller context, begin reading in verse eighteen,

“Now when Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to depart to the other side of the sea. Then a scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Another of the disciples said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.”

That is an odd thing to say to someone who wants to follow you, isn’t it?  What does Jesus mean?

A scribe in the Bible, was a man learned in the Mosaic law and in the sacred writings, an interpreter, teacher. Scribes examined the more difficult and subtle questions of the law; added to the Mosaic law decisions of various kinds thought to elucidate its meaning and scope, and did this to the detriment of religion.

 Scribes were trained and enrolled in the Sanhedrin political and judicial council headed by the high priest (in his role as civil ruler); in the Talmud it is described as primarily a religious legislative body headed by sages, though with certain political and judicial functions. (notes from the Online Bible edition)

So, Jesus tells this Scribe, this judge and sage, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

Foxes retreat to the safety of their lair.  They live and remain in their holes, venturing out only to gather food and water, then they scurry back to the safety of the hole.  Their focus is on their hole in the ground.

Same for the birds.  They have the nest they build to lay eggs and raise their young.  A safe place.  They, too, venture out for food, but their focus is on the safety of a nest.

BUILDING HIS CHURCH

Jesus, however, is on mission.  He knows that He is the permanent sacrifice for the reconciliation of all people to God.  He is doing the work of His Father.  Time is short.

He is telling this scribe and His disciples that He has neither the time nor the intention of settling into a “hole in the ground” or building “a nest” into which they can settle down and feel safe.

He has no time for building programs, no time for social programs, no time for endless debate over the ‘cummin and dill’ of the Torah or the endless list of man’s constructs designed to explain and contain the Holy Scriptures.  No time for holes in the ground or nests.

Jesus is saying that He is the foundation of His Church, and He is on the move, building His Church.   He is the foundation for Temple of the Holy Spirit in the hearts, minds and souls of people.

His Church is Spiritually alive, organic and naturally fluid and on the move; It cannot be contained by a program or an institution. It is powerful, transformative, life changing, world altering and cannot be taught in a school on religion.

If you come to know Jesus, you will know His Church, and it is not to be found in a building, a hole in the ground or a nest.

THE CHURCH WAS, AND IS, A MOVEMENT

In A.D. 1, The Church of Jesus Christ, The Body of Christ, had no buildings, little money and no wealth. The Church was a Movement.

Jesus said to make disciples; collect no money except to make your journey.

Although the penalty for becoming a Christian was often death, the early Church grew exponentially.

Then, men became disobedient and proudly began to ‘cast their own vision’ for Jesus’ Church and

THE CHURCH BECAME A PHILOSOPHY

Then, by A.D. 49, The Church expanded into Greece. The Church became a philosophy to many. The Church grew and size and influence, and

THE CHURCH BECAME AN INSTITUTION

By A.D. 313, the Church expanded into Rome and it gained recognition. It grew in power and popularity. It obtained wealth, buildings, property and influence. It became an institution and

THE CHURCH BECAME A CULTURE

In A,D, 380, the Church expanded into Europe. It was becoming a worldwide phenomenon. It grew in wealth, stature, power and influence. It had become a culture, and

THE CHURCH BECAME A BUSINESS

A.D. 1607, the Church reaches America, and

By A.D. 1681, the Church became corporate. It had become a business and incorporated. It became regulated by the government.

The Corporate Church grew. It needed money to support growth and expansion, which meant the Corporate Church needed more people.

By A.D. 1777, with the best of intentions, the state of Virginia granted tax exemption to houses of worship, thereby slipping a governmental tax-noose around the neck of the church.

Then, by A.D. 1894, the corporate church was granted tax exemptions by the Federal Government and by

A.D. 1954, the Federal Government regulated what a church could and could not say in order to retain tax-exempt status.

The church worked to grow numerically, and in order to attract more people, the Corporate Church lowered its membership and doctrinal standards. More people became ‘members’ and gave more money to support more growth.

“The Church Incorporated” was complete with leaders, boards and membership and a business model.

Local churches began to compete against one another for members (customers). The church is selling itself in “three-line slogans”.

The Church members now have choices and have become religious consumers. Church people can shop around for the religious brand and standards that best suits them. (see 2 Timothy 3).

The Leadership (pastors and preachers) have become CEOs, disciples have become church leaders, growing their 501(c)(3) business models. The great apostasy is under way.

Church scandals fill media headlines. Record numbers of pastors quitting because of stress, burnout or are being fired by their congregations for misdeeds moral failures or low achievement. (some stats say 1500 – 1700 leave “the ministry” each month).

Church debt in America soars; church foreclosures soar.

A.D. 1968, The church ordains homosexuals as clergy.

A.D. 1972, The United church of Christ ordains homosexual clergy

A.D. 2010, The Lutheran church ordains homosexual clergy

A.D. 2012, The Presbyterian church ordains homosexual clergy

The Episcopal Church in the United States and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have also allowed ordination of openly gay and lesbian candidates for ministry for some years.

Internationally, churches that have ordained openly lesbian or gay clergy include the Church of Scotland, the Church of England, the Church in Wales, the Church of Sweden, the Church of Norway, the Church of Denmark, the Church of Iceland, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, the Evangelical Church in Germany, the Methodist Church in Britain, the Protestant Church in the Netherlands, the United Protestant Church in Belgium, the Swiss Reformed Church, the United Protestant Church of France, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Anglican Church in Canada, the Old Catholic Church, the Czechoslovak Hussite Church and the United Church of Christ in Japan.

AD 2020 The church is losing and has lost influence. The church in 2020 is losing members.

AD 2020 The church is teaching and living a different Gospel than that of the Apostles.

THE AGE OF APOSTASY IS WELL UNDER WAY

We, The Remnant Church, The Body of Christ, You and I, must return to Jesus. The time of His return is very near. We must found be doing what He has said, doing the Works of Jesus.

Your Brother and Co-Laborer,

Mike Young

The False Church Emerges

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Oh, you of little faith”, Part 37

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THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 35

“I will come and heal him”

“When He had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”

But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, Do this,’ and he does it.”

“Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.”

The Words of Jesus, Matthew 8:5-13.

Just for the interest of it, the name “Capernaum” comes from two Hebrew words, ‘kaphar’, meaning city and ‘Nachuwm‘ meaning an Israelite prophet. This word is creative, causative, prophetic and instructional. It would serve us all well to read, hear, understand and to do it.

Jesus, the supreme prophet of Israel, entered the city, and a centurion, ‘a captain of one hundred men’, a man of authority, came forward to Jesus and appealed, saying only, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” This is what we know from what scriptures say. The centurion asking for help and healing is implied, but not stated.

Jesus’ next words were not prompted by the centurion’s formality or accuracy of his request. Jesus knows, and He says, “I will come and heal him”.

There is no evidence that this centurion is a disciple of Jesus, and in fact all the information we have says he is not. But this man, a man of authority, comes to Jesus and submits himself in humility, and with his mouth confess that Jesus is “Lord”. He then confesses in faith the assurance, the title deed confirmation of the thing he hopes for, which is divinely guaranteed, knowing that faith is the evidence of things not yet seen, and is the conviction of their reality. This centurion’s faith comprehended as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses. ( see Hebrews 11:1-3)

He did not utter ‘that small little prayer’ we hear about at the end of so many church services, and then go on about his life. This man confessed with his mouth what he believed in his heart and was saved at that moment in that day. (see Roman 10:8-13)

Have you ever considered that God would be amazed at anything? Or perhaps ‘amazed’ is the wrong word here. Jesus says, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”  This is a statement of monumental significance.

Carefully consider the next words of Jesus, ” I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

NOTE Romans 11:20-21: “They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.”

And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.”

This centurion did not have faith in the authority of Jesus. His faith was not in healing. Although, he believed these things were possible, his faith was rooted, grounded and built up in Jesus and in Him alone!

Dear brothers and sisters, let’s keep our perspectives and priorities right: Jesus, first, last and always, then these other things are added!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Foxes have holes…”.

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PS: I remember, as a young boy, watching the older kids do acrobatic dives off a high-diving board. It looked thrilling and I wanted to try.

The first time, it was difficult to even climb the 10-foot ladder to the diving board. I had no confidence. I had to start the climb and come back down the ladder several times. I was getting discouraged, wondering if I could ever make it to the top and stand at that dizzying height.

It took the encouragement and chiding of my friends to simply climb the ladder.  Those same friends helped me muster the courage to finally jump off the end of the board. I was secretly praying that I didn’t die when I hit the water. But what a thrill!

Time after time I would climb the board and jump. The height was less intimidating each time, but the thrill was diminished over time. The time had come to dive in head first from 10 feet in the air! With that, the thrill returned.

After weeks of climbing and diving, my confidence and my courage grew. The time for acrobatics had arrived. First, a ‘jack-knife’ dive. Then, a single flip, followed later by a ‘one and a half’ dive and eventually a full array of flips and dives. The thrill and the challenge was back. I began to wonder if any and all dives were possible for me?

This may be a weak illustration of faith, but in some ways reminds me of the path to practicing and building our faith in Jesus. It is then that ‘all things are possible in God. (see Matthew 19:26)

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 34

“I will; be clean.”

”When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean. And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 8:1-4.

Imagine this scene with me, if you will: When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. Dozens, hundreds, thousands of people? Such an audience, full of questions, anticipation and perhaps, excitement.

And a leper came up to Him in this throng of perhaps thousands of people,  and bowed down before Him. Most likely, no one noticed at first. No one except Jesus. And, if anyone had noticed, they would have been, no doubt, terrified and repelled by this man’s disease.

The leper spoke, “Lord, if You are willing, You are able to make me clean (well).” Again, how could he have been heard above the crowd noise? Nonetheless, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him. He touched him despite the disease, despite the potential reaction from the crowd, and said, “I am willing; be cleansed.”

Immediately, his leprosy was cleansed.

There are many more millions who claim to be Christ followers, Christians, and deny that these things happen any longer. I have personally heard those who attend church regularly and open declare they are Christians, say these miracles have ceased, “ with no Biblical justification. They say that Jesus did these things to draw crowds, and since He has been crucified and His Church established, these things (miracles) are no longer necessary”, or so they say. And, by the words of their mouth, it has come to pass – at least in their presence.

Jesus said the reason miracles had ceased or slowed, or that even He could do few things in some places, was because of their “unbelief’ (see Matthew 17:20 and Mark 6:1-6 ).

Imagine, at any time, anyone standing in judgement on Jesus’ ability or standing in judgement on the veracity of the Holy Scriptures. A terrifying thought.

Nonetheless, Jesus said to the now-cleansed-leper, “See that you tell no one [about this]; but go, show yourself to the priest [for inspection] and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony (evidence) to them [of your healing].”

This man is restored physically, undoubtedly renewed spiritually and ready to be reintegrated into society. Made whole, made safe, healed; the very definition of ‘to be saved’ (sozo).

Finally, what about the crowd? Where have they gone? They aren’t mentioned again. They must still have been there, watching. Our attention is drawn away from the crowed and what they think. It doesn’t matter. The business at hand is Jesus healing a person in need. That is what matters. That is all that has ever mattered. You and Jesus, renewing your spirit, saving your soul, healing your mind, body and spirit.

If He calls you, come to Him. If you come to Him, ignore the crowds – they are just a curious distraction. Follow Jesus, only.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “I will come and heal him…”

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A seminary professor recently remarked that in his 40-something years in ministry as a pastor, teacher and professor, training young men and women for ministry, he has never seen such a dearth of young men desiring to become pastors. He attributes this decline to the complexities of requirements, the mounting pressures of becoming more than a pastor to be a pastor and fear; the fear of having to say things that society is becoming increasingly hostile toward. The fear of speaking Biblical truth that results in rejection, animosity and isolation from society at large and even in the church, in part.

TO ASPIRING PASTORS:  Don’t come if you are not called. If you are fearful of what you will have to say, don’t come.

If you do come, fear not! And, don’t let the crowds rule you – they are just a curious distraction. Follow Jesus, alone.