How Are We Hearing?

Mark 4:24 says, "Then He (Jesus) added, 'Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given and you will receive even more.'" (NLT)

I like the way the NIV says it, "with the measure you use it."

By the measure with which you measure, it will be measured to you.

And it really is important that we pay close attention to what we're hearing and how we are hearing it.

When we come to the Word of God we must come diligently, seeking to understand it, and passionate about it piercing us and igniting change within us.

Charles Spurgeon calls it the "art of attention."

I wonder if it's a question we've ever really given much thought to: How are we hearing?

Because scripture tells us that when we come hungry, we find food.

When we come with faith, we find assurance.

When we come needing warmth, we find fire.

The promise found in this passage is this. When we come desperately seeking Jesus in the pages of the Word, we shall have:

- even more desire to hear!

- more understanding and revelation!

- more proof of it's power!

- more ownership of divine blessings!

- more joy and delight in learning His ways!

- more practical application!

- more invitations to obedience!

God gives more to those who value what they have!

To hear is our duty. A duty we should attend to with great diligence and passion.

Otherwise, we are in jeopardy of becoming more worldly than righteous. And we begin exalting the world we are most aware of, thus compromising His good nature.

May we always most aware of what you see and how you see it!

 

 

What The Father Is Saying

I could feel it rise within me this morning. Already. And the enemy sneak attacks when you’re not fully armored. And perhaps I wasn’t. Because a sure fire way to ensure any kind of spiritual setback is to leave home unguarded and unprotected.

And I’ve been saying it for weeks now, and wrestling with it in my spirit: I must say what the Father’s saying. I must do what the Father’s doing.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Because the Son of Man left the example. “I say only what the Father taught Me.” John 8:28. “He gave Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.”

And so Jesus... He only did what He saw the Father do. And He only said what He heard the Father say.

And so must I.

The assignment is the same for me. And I’ve not been given liberty to change it.

And as the words rose nearer to the surface again, the Spirit interceded: “Is that what Jesus is saying?”

Ahh... instant conviction.
Conviction enveloped in grace.

“I can’t do it! I’m not strong enough!”
That’s not what Jesus is saying.

“It’s all about my comfort and convenience.”
That’s not what Jesus is saying.

“Can you believe they did that to me!”
That’s not what Jesus is saying.

“This just isn’t fair!”
That’s not what Jesus is saying.

And if I can’t find it in His Word... if I can’t find it in His nature... if I can’t see it demonstrated in His life and from His mouth... I have no authority to do it or say it.

I must uncover what He’s saying and what He has said... and insist on those things that breathe life.

It really... really... REALLY matters!

His Hand Must Lead Us To His Face

John 6:26-27 says this, "Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, you want to be with Me because I fed you, not because you understand the miraculous signs. But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given Me the seal of His approval."

The Passion Translation says, "... because I fed you by a miracle, not because you believe Me."

And the Message says, "... not because you saw God in My actions, but because I fed you - and for free!"

The students failed to enter into spiritual significance.

These disciples... these students of God... seemed to be entirely controlled by their physical natures while their spiritual lives lay fast asleep!

The people were demanding of Jesus. They wanted their physical man to be satisfied and their personal desires to be appeased.

And Jesus was perfectly familiar with their character. He understood well that their appetites superseded their affections.

Ahh yes... Jesus can see inward motives as well as outward movements.

And it's always the heart He's after.

The face-to-face encounter with Him.

Are we seeking what He can do for us as opposed to who He to us?

My prayer always must be: "May I always ensure that my motives for more of You, God, are for PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP and not gain by miracle."

Create in me a clean heart!

Seeking His hand isn't wrong, but it must lead us to an encounter with His face!

 

 

What We Say Matters

What we say matters.
The words that leave our lips are more important than we think.

1 Peter 3:9 says, "Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing."

In the KJV there's an interesting way the verse begins, "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing..."

The Greek for "not" here is a strong prohibition to "stop something that is already in progress." In other words, "STOP! Don't do it anymore! You should never have started!"

And the truth really is that a right response from me... from you... especially in the face of adversity can change everything!

For me it goes back to that sticky note I have hanging in various spots of my house, "Help me to get this right." 

I must get it right.

My spiritual growth is dependent on it.

We must begin thinking about the words coming from our mouths.

Do they speak LIFE to our situation?
Or do they speak DEATH?

I must bridle my tongue.
I must choose words that encourage and uplift and motivate.

1 Peter 3 goes on to say if I want to enjoy life and see good days, I must, "keep my mouth from speaking evil."

Ahh yes... so there's a connection between inward joy and outward speech?

Yes!

Guard your words. Protect the integrity of your heart. Keep close watch over what you say.
It matters!

Better Solutions For Better Results

Sometimes we unknowingly sabotage our own growth.

Sometimes we actually unintentionally douse the flames with lighter fluid, giving strength to an already raging blaze.

When we insist on venting about our situation and complaining about our current condition, we give power and strength to the problem itself.

We must be different.

We must find a way to navigate the waters of discomfort more successfully.

We must find better solutions if we desire better results.

Living in Response to His Nature

We have a choice.

When we live reactionary to what’s going on around us, we lose sight of who He is and the goodness of His nature. We become more keenly aware of a contradicting world, and subconsciously insist on remaining in an endless cycle of unnecessary suffering.

What Will I Resurrect?

And on the day following Easter I wonder about it.

Because we sing the songs on Sunday: “the resurrected King is resurrecting me...”, and “death has lost its grip on me...”, and “you called my name and I ran out of that grave.”

But I wonder.... did we?
Or are we still there?

Because Monday comes. And I wonder have we forgotten already?

Because I see it there in print and I cannot leave. I’m fixated on the words, “The spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you....”. (Rom 8:11).

And so the power that raised Jesus... the same resurrected power in Him, then, also lives in me? Yep. And in you too, if you’ve placed your faith in Him!

Resurrect: to raise from the dead; bring back to life again; to bring back into use, practice; revive; renew.

THAT power lives in me too.
And so I wonder why it might be there? What purpose is it for?

And I see it more clearly on this Monday following His resurrection.

It’s there for reason. For good purpose. Resurrection power is there for the sake of resurrecting.

Almost seems too logical.

Resurrection power comes with a resurrection assignment.
I must raise something from dead.
I must bring something to life again.
I must transform something back into use.
I must revive what’s been seduced by slumber.
I must renew that which has been damaged.

It’s my responsibility.

And I owe it to self. And to others.

To resurrect something.

And so I look again at the sticky note that hangs within eyeshot daily: I’ve been given resurrection power for the purpose of resurrecting something!

Dead bones come alive!
Forgiveness resurrected!
Joy resurrected!
Freedom resurrected!
Honor resurrected!
Praise resurrected!
Awe and Wonder resurrected!
Hope resurrected!
Unconditional love resurrected!
Expectancy of the impossible resurrected!

Today I stand... a yielded vessel brimming with resurrection power! And I’m ready to embark on the assignment given to me by a Father who knows my worth and value, and trusts me to raise from something now dead to life once again!

He doesn’t need me. But He chooses to co-labor with me... and I cannot allow another resurrection Sunday to leave me deadened to all that needs reviving!

He Answers

I know you feel alone in your pain.
I know how hard it is to wait.
I know how difficult this time of longing can be.

But He is still a God who is in the miracle-working business.

The story of the woman healed of a 12-year blood issue should be encouragement for us in our season of struggle.

Because the way in which Jesus healed her was the way of being inconvenienced.

He was already on His way to heal another. A little girl who had already died. Oh... a father who was believing Him for a miracle of raising to life!

And yet... we see Jesus allowing Himself to be inconvenienced for another. Jesus knows His own power and He's fully content to let the child lay "sleeping" while he heals a woman. Because the child who was alive lay asleep in death after 12 years, while the woman had been dying for 12 years and desperately needed life!

Jesus pauses to care for the need of the one who would demonstrate faith by touch of the edge of his garment.

Incomplete faith... but she brought Him what she had.

And it proved favor-full... healing would be extended by Grace.

Because the call of sorrow through human suffering always reaches the ear of God and the heart of Him who is able AND willing. And the cry for help is never deemed by Him to be an inconvenience.

Jesus healed everyone who came to Him regardless of manner. Regardless or weakened faith by mode of doubt, depression, or discouragement.

He is HEALER.
He is REDEEMER.
He is RESTORER.

And what He does for them... He can and will do for you.

By extension of your hand to touch the hem... you too can receive from the Father.

Jesus feels the touch of the one woman even though an entire universe presses in on Him for the miracle.

And He answers.

Oh friend... your answer is coming!

Easter Reading Plan / Devotional 2019: 16

DAY SIXTEEN

 

Read Luke 24:35-53

Write out verses 37-39 from the Passion Translation.

Pause and Ponder: The word “fear” found in verse 38 is translated to the word “imaginations” in Aramaic. I love this! Our “fear” so often is only in our imagination. We make it up reasons to fear when in reality Jesus has commanded us NOT to fear.

What are you afraid of today that you must find a way to lay at the cross and let go of?

The coming of the Holy Spirit was predicted in scripture (Joel 2:28-29, Ezekiel 36:26-27).

The Holy Spirit is described as an “Advocate” that comes as a representative of Jesus Christ, known also as the “Spirit of Truth.”

God, in His Divine mercy, love, and grace, has given us the Holy Spirit in place of Jesus. The Holy Spirit gives us power, guidance, and direction which marks the beginning of God’s salvation.

Suggested Prayer: Thank You, God, that You have mercifully provided a Savior for my sins. Thank You that You also provide me with an Advocate who shows me the way I should go and protects me from disaster and destruction. Amen.

 

 

Restore Us Lord!

Restore us, Lord.

 

Do it again.

 

We trust in what You're willing and able to accomplish.

 

And we are longing for the refreshment that only You can provide!

In our brokenness, in our loneliness, in our desperation we cry out... refresh us! Drench our hearts once again.

 

 

Easter Reading Plan / Devotional 2019: 15

DAY FIFTEEN

 

Read Luke 24:13-34

Even those closest to Jesus still didn’t understand what had happened. Jesus told them repeatedly what was to come (Matt 16:21, Mark 8:31, Mark 10:32-34, John 2:19, Luke 18:31-33), and yet they were still uncertain.

The crucifixion had broken their hopes that He (Jesus) was the true Messiah. “We had hoped He was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel.” (verse 21)

When were the eyes of the disciples opened?

Pause and Ponder: Verse 30 tells us that the the two individuals who had been with Jesus on the Emmaus Road were now sitting with Him to share in a meal. At this point they still didn’t know who He was. They watched Him as He, “took the bread, and blessed it. Then He broke it and gave it to them.” (verse 30). Ahh, yes. Just like our Jesus! He BLESSED what He had, BROKE Himself for others, and GAVE Himself away. And it was in the blessing, breaking, and giving, that He was recognized as the One they had known. The One who had molded this type of sacrificial living for all! Spend some time thanking Him for the example of blessing, breaking, and giving, and ask Him to weave these same characteristics into your own life.

Imagine for a moment the pure joy the disciples must have had when God opened their eyes and they reazlied that they were sharing a meal with Jesus in His resurrected body!

Suggested Prayer: God, keep my eyes opened so that I can see Jesus. Do not allow doubt and discouragement to keep me from seeing the glory of Jesus Christ. May praise ever leave my lips! Amen.

 

 

Borrowed Light

Because sometimes we forget. And we need reminded.

And as often as we can, we need to be the light. Shine for Jesus. Remember His Words, and speak them as much as we can.

And when others have lost their way, and when the glow has seemed to cease - give them some of your light.

Breathe hope into another today.

It matters!

Easter Reading Plan / Devotional 2019: 14

DAY FOURTEEN

 

Read Luke 24:1-12

Oh He has risen!!!

An empty tomb!

Re-write what the two men said to the women who found them empty grave in verse 5 here:

Read John 20:3-9. Peter and John were the first disciples to reach the tomb to see for themselves what the women had claimed of the empty burial. And even through they didn’t fully believe, they realized that God had been at work and understood that what had been prophesied (Ps 2:6-8; Is 53:10-12; Hosea 6:2) about Jesus had come to pass… He was alive!!!

Pause and Ponder: Verse 4 of John 20 tells us that it was John, the writer of this Gospel, who “outran Peter” to the tomb. The Passion Translation gives a short answer for this by telling us, “Love will always outrun curiosity.” John, well known as the One Whom Jesus Loved, was an authentic lover of Jesus. In fact, his entire Gospel account is depicted through the lens of a lover. He knew Jesus, perhaps, more intimately than the other band of misfit brothers did. Journal your thoughts about what it means to love Jesus verses being curious about Him. Ahh… intimacy and relationship will always trump knowledge.

Suggested Prayer: Jesus, help my unbelief! May I always remember the amazing work You did in the resurrection and may I always understand Your miracle of amazing, amazing grace! Amen.

 

 

 

Light in Contrast to Dark

And the truth really is that we all have sorrows. We all have trouble. We all suffer hardship and loss and disappointment. No one escapes this earthly home without any of it. It’s promised, “In this world you will have trouble.” (Jn 16:33)

And yet the real test of Christlike living is how we behave in the valley.

And I see it on the black canvas. Sorrow. Grief. Discouragement. Anxiety. Burden. And I remember verse ten of 2 Cor 4, “Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.”

“So that”. It’s an explanation for the suffering. Because it’s never in vain for the one who follows Him.

And I’ve been asking for it for years: to be brought nearer to the likeness of Him. And yet asking for His way of living includes, too, the resignation to dying.

And I see it like revelation on a Wednesday morning: I must choose living that His death may be evident by my resurrected living... and that His resurrected life may be evident in my dying body.
And I return to the black canvas. My despair. My disappointment. My hurt. And I wonder if the backdrop of my sorrows is a perfect showcase of His love and grace to shine brightest? Will others feel the glow in contrast of the darkness? On the background of all that hurts, will it be the steadfastness they saw? The sacrifice of praise that overshadows? The devotion and trust in God that takes center stage?

We can choose to live in contrast by illuminating the resurrection as opposed to confirming the gloom. Because in light of Friday... Sunday came. And in my dying self I must determine to expel darkness by living well, that others are captivated by the Light.

In my death experience, may the hope of His glorious resurrected be exposed!

Easter Reading Plan / Devotional 2019: 13

DAY THIRTEEN

 

Read Luke 23:44-55

Here we find that upon Jesus’ final moments on the cross, “the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle.” (verse 45). This signifies the curtain that blocked the entrance to the Most Holy Place (read Ex 26:33 ad Heb 9:3). This tearing signifies that the way into God’s Presence is now open to all through a new way.

Read Hebrews 10:19-22.

 

Pause and Ponder:

Hebrews 22 says, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…” (NIV)

The Hebrew word for “draw near” is lehitkarev and the word “to offer a sacrifice” is lehakriv. These words are almost identical and are taken from the same root word.

Drawing near to God is to offer a sacrifice. Journal your thoughts on this. In what ways is coming into His Presence a sacrificial offering?

Through His death on the cross, Jesus made a new way for all sinners to gain access into the Kingdom of God.

Suggested Prayer: Thank You, God, for sending Your dear Son as a sacrifice for me. Thank You, Jesus, for Your unbelievable grace and for making a way for a sinner like me to be reconciled with the Father. I pray that I might offer my sacrifice of drawing near to You all the days of my life. Amen.

 

 

Living a Resurrected Life!

Jesus has called us to live an empowered, resurrected life. He modeled for us what that means and how it’s possible.

But in order to successfully do that, Paul tells us that we’re to be participators in His death.

And so to experience the power found in a life raised with Him, we must consciously choose all manner of cross-carrying. And that’s found in living like Jesus. It’s found in our:

• self denial

• our readiness to suffer

• our patients in trials

• our meekness and gentleness

• our forbearing attitude

• our radical forgiveness.

We cannot experience resurrected life until we’ve participated in resignated death.

Easter Reading Plan / Deovotional 2019: 12

DAY TWELVE

 

Read Luke 23:26-43

Jesus speaks the most profound words ever spoken when He hangs on the cross at Calvary: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (verse 34)

They didn’t realize the full scope of their actions. They didn’t recognize Jesus as the One true Messiah. 1 Corinthians 2:8 says that if they would have understood, “they would not have crucified our glorious Lord.”

But even in their spiritual blindness, they still did not “deserve” forgiveness and grace. And yet we see Jesus offering just that…. radical forgiveness and life-altering grace and mercy. EVEN in the midst of enormous suffering, mocking, and painful ridicule and torture, we see Jesus exhibit an unbelievable expression of boundless compassion.

Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to extend grace to - not because they deserve it, but because you have been called to imitate Jesus by manner of ridiculous love and endless compassion?

Suggestion: Write a letter to someone you need to forgive. Maybe they don't even know they did anything wrong, but you just need them to know - and you need to be free! Express your desire to end the cycle of revenge and bitterness. Take responsibility for the ways you’ve allowed your feelings to affect your relationship and then lay it at the cross of Christ. Ask our good Father to help you let it go as you seek Him more fully in the process.

 

 

Divine Guidance

Divine guidance.

He will be our personal guide, directing us through unknown territory.

He’s promised to be a Pillar or Cloud by day, and a Pillar of Fire by night. (Exodus 13)

Our Sun and our Shield. (Psalm 84:11)

Always protecting.
Always providing.

And so we can trust.

There’s no leading without complete trust in the Leader.

Easter Reading Plan / Devotional 2019: 11

DAY ELEVEN

Read Luke 23:13-25

Pilate didn’t find anything wrong with Jesus and was willing to “flog” Him (punish/discipline) but continued to declare Him innocent.

Finally, Pilate’s desire to please the Jews for political reasons ultimately overcame his desire to set Jesus free.

Read John 18:39-19:16 for a more detailed account of Pilate’s tumultuous decision.
John record an earlier beating of Jesus not recorded elsewhere. This was likely Pilate’s attempt to satisfy the people.

Note: Pilate insisted that Jesus was innocent of the charges, but releasing Him was not part of the plan for redemption.

We, as humans, can be so easily swayed when it comes to our personal reputation. And that’s precisely what we see happening here with Pilate.

Think back on a time when you made an irrational decision based on fear of what others may think of you.

Spend time confessing this to God and asking Him to remove the concern of people pleasing and replace it with a sincere desire to please God and God only.

Easter Reading Plan / Devotional 2019: 10

DAY TEN

Read Luke 23:1-12

Because Jesus was being brought before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, they needed to accuse Him of something that would defend their theory that He (Jesus) was a threat to Rome. So, they falsely accused Him of leading people away from paying taxes to the Roman government, as the blasphemy wouldn’t have been a sufficient reason.

But even so, Pilate saw Jesus as no threat.

However, the crowds persisted, “But He is causing riots by teaching wherever He goes…” (verse 5)

Have you ever been wrongly accused of something you didn’t do? How did it make you feel?

Jesus, once again, doesn’t retaliate or even tirelessly defend Himself. Instead, He humbly says, “You said it” (verse 3) when asked if He was the King of the Jews. Pilate’s understanding of the word “king” was different and Jesus knew that. But He remained meek in His responses and didn't cause continued reasons for their disgraceful accusations.

What does the word meek mean?

Think of some other words that describe the character of Christ here.

Suggested Prayer: Father, teach me how to respond in love even in the face of those who try to accuse me and hurt me. May my words be honorable and pleasing to You. Amen.

 

 

Easter Reading Plan / Devotional 2019: 9

Day Nine 
 
Read Luke 22:66-71

Jesus responds to their question, “are you the Messiah?” (verse 67) by pointing out the hypocrisy of the question.  They had already made their minds up that He wasn’t the Messiah (not the one they were looking for), so answering would do no good.  Faith is so often a matter of emotion and feeling, and is influenced largely on the answers given that satisfy those two things.

Journal your thoughts on that last sentence.

Jesus didn’t need to defend Himself.  For He knew that soon He would be seated on the right hand of God, fully vindicated through His resurrection.

Read Psalm 110:1.

Sometimes we are called to defend our Christian faith, and other times we are asked to humbly suffer because arguing would serve no good purpose and certainly misrepresent the Savior who called us to radical forgiveness and enemy-love.

The emblem of the Christian faith is a cross.
And He’s forthcoming about the conditions that accompany your decision:
“Take up your cross daily and follow Me.”  Luke 9:23
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”  John 15:18
"You will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution.”  Mark 10:30
“In this world you will have trouble…”  John 16:33

Live By What He Says

Sometimes life doesn't look like what you thought it would like.

And the waiting for breakthrough can be so hard.

I get it.
I understand more than you know.

But that's when we have to know what the scriptures tell us about Jesus. Who was He? What did He say? How did He behave?

Human reasoning and worldly vision can be dangerous.

But there are truths packed within the pages of His Word that give me hope....

"He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless." Isaiah 40:29-31

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches.." Phil 4:19

"...overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." Romans 8:37

"'I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.'" John 14:27

"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:14

I must decide to live by what He says, not what I see!

Easter Reading Plan / Devotional 2019: 8

DAY EIGHT

Read Luke 22:54-65

Peter… the one who had just hours before uttered the words, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with You and even die with you” (22:33), was now the very man denying he even KNEW Jesus.

And at the moment following his third denial, Peter’s eyes met those of Christ and suddenly he is convicted. Oh this part should bring us to tears. It’s not just sin that causes us grief, oh but when our eyes meet His, that we are deeply wounded by despair.

Describe a moment when you were convicted by God about a committed sin:

But let’s not forget that despite Peter’s past, Jesus had already called Him for a great future works declaring him as the “Rock” in which His church would be built (Matthew 16:18).

God can indeed turn our greatest mess into our greatest message!

Suggested Prayer: Father God, thank You for loving me in spite of my sin. Thank You for the conviction of the Holy Spirit and thank You that You don’t leave me in my sin, but that You make a way for it to be used to bring You honor and glory. Amen.

May I Be MOVED With Compassion!

It’s my daily prayer: God help me to see WHAT You see and see HOW You see it.

But seeing isn’t enough.

Because I see the hurt clearly already.
The pain.
The unrest.
The anxiety.
The war.

I see it already.

And yet this is the asking for vision through new eyes. Fresh perspective.

But not just for the purpose of sight, but for the desire to fight.

Our faith is useless if we’re unwilling and unprepared to be moved to action. Isn’t it what we’ve read, “Faith without works is dead?” (James 2)

And so we must pray differently.
I must pray differently.

Because I’ve been ridiculed because of passion. And I’ve been scoffed at for desperately longing for others to “experience what I’ve been blessed to have experienced.” And it’s okay, we often reject that which is unfamiliar and unsatisfying to our flesh.

And I see it there in the book again, “but when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” (Matt 9:36)

Yes. This. And for it my heart aches.
Literally.. aches.

But an aching heart won’t fix the issue.
An aching heart won’t mend what’s broken.
An aching heart just isn’t enough.

Our faith must stir us to action and spur us to movement. Faith activated is found not only in an aching heart, but in animation and vigor. It’s found in the immediate response that offers hope and a better way of living than mediocrity and lack.

Faith in action is what offers redemptive solutions to external difficulties that eventually develops soul transformation to a hurting world at risk of an eternity separated from the One who calls them beloved.

And so I must allow myself to be as He was, “MOVED with compassion.”

I must offer the world another option. A better perspective. A greater solution. And it starts with me.. and YOU... being not filled with empathy.. not consumed with sympathy.. but MOVED with compassion!

Easter Reading Plan / Devotional 2019: 7

DAY SEVEN

Read Luke 22:47-53

Judas approached Jesus with a kiss.  Traditionally this would have been a typical greeting,  but here it serves as a signal to the arresting officers that would identify Jesus whole he was betraying.

___________________

Pause and Ponder:
A closer look at Judas: take note that he didn’t wait for the devil to come too him, He went after the devil.  He went looking for a way to benefit from the ultimate betrayal (see Matt 26:15-16, “… How much will you pay me to betray Jesus for you…?”  In other words, “What will I get to do this for you?”)  Charles Spurgeon says, “Alas!  Some people’s religion is grounded on that one question, ‘What will you give me?’”
___________________

The disciples retaliated the only way they knew - fighting by sword.  John 18:10 is the only gospel that identifies Peter as the swordsman.  But Jesus still displayed His love, right up to the end.

What did Jesus do to show love to His enemies?  (vs 51)

Jesus here is proving that the swords He had been speaking of earlier in scripture, were not for physical combat, but for spiritual warfare. Jesus never promoted or authorized violence.

Observe the manner of which Jesus met with enemies and tough circumstances:
1.) He was calm.
2.) He was gentle.
Look up the definitions of these words and journal them.

Jesus accepted and received with lamblike meekness what He knew to be treachery.

This is the only instance in all of scripture where Christ heals a flesh wound.  It was particularly unique in that Christ healed an enemy, unrequested, and without any evidence of faith in the recipient.  It also had no affect on altering the heart of the men who had come to arrest Him, even though His words, “I AM He” caused them to fall to the ground (see John 18:6).

In what ways can you show this type of enemy-love that Jesus had?