This is a great teaching video by Roma Waterman.
More from Roma here; www.romawaterman.com
Quote for the Day
There are great differences between law and grace. But for now, this will suffice—law requires, while grace enables. Bill Johnson et al
You are Worthy Lord!
Reflection on Matthew 21:1-17
Scripture
The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. And the crowds replied “It is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Observation
As Jesus and the disciples draw near to Jerusalem, Jesus sends two of them ahead to find a donkey with a colt. This fulfils the prophecy of Zechariah that the king comes riding humbly on a donkey.
So the two disciples bring the donkey and the colt, and Jesus rides on the colt. The crowds spread their garments and palm branches on the road ahead of Jesus. They shout “Hosanna to the King!”
The city of Jerusalem is in uproar at Jesus’s entry. They ask, “Who is this?” to which the crowds reply, “It is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth.”
Application
The city of Jerusalem, representing the political and religious elites in Israel, does not have a clue about who Jesus is. They see him riding a donkey into the city. They know of his reputation, but fail to join the dots.
The crowds, the ordinary people, the ones who love the Lord, but are without any claim to influence, they know who Jesus is and what He represents.
Today, there is a similar situation in many countries. The rulers and authorities seem to be in ignorance of the Gospel and the way Christianity has shaped Western culture for more than a thousand years. Yet, many ordinary people are hungry for a Saviour. They know they need Good News in this time.
Christians need to find ways to replicate Palm Sunday, to take the gospel to the streets and proclaim the kingship of Jesus.
Prayer
Hosanna! Blessed is the Lord Jesus! All glory to you my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
I Lift Up My Hands
Today’s Bike Ride
A nice ride to the end of Haire Drive this morning. #cycling #narrabri #Biketooter
Quote for the Day
Don’t skip over the bigger promises of Scripture simply because they are hard to believe because of their size. Bill Johnson et al
You are my refuge…
Reflection on Matthew 20:17-33
Scripture
“Whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Observation
Jesus tells the disciples that when they get to Jerusalem, He will be betrayed. He will be mocked flogged and crucified, but on the third day, He will be raised from the dead.
The mother of James and John comes to Jesus and asks that her sons be given the places of honour next to His throne. He tells them this right is not His to give.
Jesus tells His disciples that in the world rulers and officials lord it over people, but among them the one who wants to be a leader must be the servant of the others. The Son of Man came not to be served but to give his life as a ransom.
Application
Leadership in the world is about telling others what to do. It is often a power trip, boosting the ego of the leader. While this tends to tyranny and dictatorship in many government systems, in a democracy it can result in the person being perceived as autocratic and removed from real life, ad ultimately they will be voted out.
In the church, all leadership, must be servant leadership. Any hint of self-promotion or pride in a leader must be dealt with. Pastors and others who use their position for their own glory must repent or be fired.
Christian leaders are called to be servant leaders. The way of promotion in the church is to serve sacrificially. To be promoted is to be given more areas in which we die to ourselves.
Our model, as always, should be Jesus who gave His life as a ransom for us.
Prayer
Father, please remove all pride from my heart and equip me to serve others and to serve you. Amen
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