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Reflection on Matthew 11:2-11

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greater

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+11.2-11

Scripture

“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.”

Observation

John the Baptist is in prison and he sends his disciples to Jesus to ask Him, “Are you the Messiah?” Jesus’ response is to point out the miracles and the healings and the preaching of the gospel.

Jesus then tells the crowd about John. He asks them “What did you expect him to be?” He tells them that John is more than a prophet- he is the messenger preparing the way of the Lord.

Jesus concludes that there was no one greater than John until the present day. But even the least important person in God’s Kingdom is greater than John.

Application

What does It mean to be great? Why is John the greatest of all men until the Kingdom?

John was great because he saw and recognised Jesus the Messiah. He was uniquely called to proclaim “The King is coming!” His greatness was in his calling.

All the prophets in the Old Testament saw a partial picture. Looking back we can see that they saw the coming of the Messiah and how it would happen.

Nobody, until John, saw the fullness of the Kingdom of God. Even John had his doubts.

John was greater than Moses, Abraham, David, Isaiah and Elijah.

But the least in the Kingdom is greater than John.

Me in my ordinary humdrum existence, far from perfect, not always hearing God’s voice– I am greater than John the Baptist, greater than Moses, David, Abraham and all the “heroes” of the Old Testament.

Goodness in God’s Kingdom is not about heroic deeds and famous sermons. It’s about walking with God and listening to the Holy Spirit, determined to live the best life I can for Jesus.

Prayer

Lord it is too marvellous for words to think that you consider me to be greater than John the Baptist. Show me how to be even greater as I walk in surrender to you. Amen.

Reflection on James 5:7-10

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ben_cramer_0.jpg

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5.7-10

Scripture

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.

Observation

James encourages us to be patient as we wait for the Lord’s return. We should be like farmers who wait for the rain to bring on the harvest. We must have that kind of patience because the Lord is coming.

We must not grumble about our fellow believers, because the Judge- Jesus- is standing outside the door and about to come in to bring judgement.

Application

Faith and patience go hand in hand. Sometimes God intervenes quickly and miraculously. Often He intervenes slowly and gently. We see the goal of our prayers and want Him to act immediately, but God moves more slowly than we would like.

There is a right time for our prayer to be answered. It may be today, next year or 20 years away. Will my faith and persistence in prayer last over that time scale?

The farmer looks for the rain because his livelihood depends on that water coming down from heaven. The farmer cannot control the rain, and so his life is literally in God’s hands. He calls out to the Lord, believing for the rain that will bring life.

All of this waiting and praying is about the valuable harvest. The harvest is more than money in the bank- it is fulfilment and vindication of a lifestyle and a season of work. Every farmer I know will pluck a head of grain, sniff and taste it. They know by looking if the crop is good, but they need the personal touch- the taste and smell of their beautiful harvest.

We have a beautiful harvest- not our own but the Lord’s harvest. A harvest of souls who are coming into the kingdom. This harvest cannot be brought in my machines. It needs the personal touch- every head of grain individually touched and brought in.

Prayer

Lord I understand that your time scales are not the same as mine, that you deal by generations while I live in minutes. Help me to stay in step with you. Show me the harvest that is waiting to be brought in. Amen.

Reflection on Romans 15:1-13

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romans-15_7-accept-one-another

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15.1-13

Scripture

Therefore accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

Observation

We who are strong must always be considerate of those who are sensitive to different issues. We must seek to serve them and build them up.

We must accept our fellow believers just as Christ accepted us. Christ came as a servant for the sake of both Jews and Gentiles.

Application

Accept one another as Christ accepted you.

Accepting can be a loaded word. Do I accept everyone who claims to be a christian? How far do I go in “accepting” them?

We are very good at conditional acceptance. “I accept Anglicans, but…” “I accept charismatics, but…”

We may have doctrinal differences or issues over worship styles with some people. We accept them but with an unspoken condition that they aren’t quite as good as we are. Perhaps we see them as the “weaker believer” that Paul talks about in this chapter.

“Accept one another just as Christ accepted you.”

When I was saved, Christ accepted me whole-heartedly. No conditions. No “buts”. Total acceptance.

That means I must accept all christians in that unconditional way. No “A-class” and “B-class” people. They are all “A-class” to Jesus.

When people refuse to accept me because I don’t measure up to their standards, I have to accept them anyway. My responsibility is to receive people as they are. If they are not able to see that they have the same responsibility then that does not let me off the hook. The commandment is unconditional.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank you for accepting me into your kingdom. I am not perfect, but that does not stop your love. Help me to treat other people in exactly the same way. Show me those whom I overlook or reject and help me to love them with your love. Amen.

Reflection on Isaiah 11:1-10

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new_growth_from_cambium_root

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+11.1-10

Scripture

In that day, the heir to David’s throne

will be a banner of salvation to all the world

The nations will rally to him

and the land where he lives will be a glorious place

Observation

A Branch will come out of the stump of David’s family. The Spirit of the Lord will be on him- the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and might, of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will give justice to the poor. Even the natural order will be changed so that deadly enemies will live in peace together.

The heir to David’s thrown will be a banner of salvation to all the world.

Application

The great and mighty tree that was the royal line of Judah, the house of David, seemed dead. Like a mighty tree cut down and poisoned, just a stump remained. But, Isaiah says, that stump is going to spring forth a Branch who will bear fruit.

Jesus is the Branch. He is the one who comes out of David’s line bearing the Spirit of the Lord, and judging in righteousness and gentleness, and winning the whole world to His side.

Jesus carries the banner of salvation. He is the banner of salvation. This flag shows how to come back to the Lord. It is a sign of redemption, reconciliation, grace, forgiveness. We were far from God, but now Jesus is this banner, and the whole world rallies to Him looking for the miracle of restoration into the Kingdom of God.

Jesus is our King, a royal conqueror who over comes the world with His grace. What kind of King conquers with love? What kind of King wages peace on His enemies?

King Jesus- the Son of God, Son of David, redeemer of all.

Prayer

Jesus you are my King. No longer a branch growing from a stump, you are the banner of salvation to the nations. All who come to you will be free of the tyranny of sin. Thank you. Amen.

Reflection on Romans 13:11-14

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tailor

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13.11-14

Scripture

Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Observation

Time is running out. The day of salvation is closer than when we first believed. We belong to the light and should put away all the deeds of the darkness.

We must live decent lives and have nothing to do with wild parties, immorality, or quarrelling and jealousy. Instead we must put on the presence of Christ and train our brains not to think about indulging sin.

Application

Every morning I put on my clothes, and everywhere I go they go also. I don’t think about it, they just follow me.

I need to put on the presence of Christ in the same way. Every morning I seek His presence, surround myself with Him, letting Him cover me with His goodness. Then everywhere I go, He is there too, directing, encouraging and leading me in His ways.

Of course, it’s not that straight forward. Our minds want to indulge the flesh. Satan stirs up desires in our hearts, and we look for ways to serve ourselves not Christ.

Paul tells us we have to train our brains to indulge holiness not sinfulness. If I want to remain clothed with Christ, I must learn to think like Him, to decide to follow His way, not my way.

We find ways to excuse our sin. But Paul tells us we need to not only say “No” to sin but to also say “No” to the desire itself.

When the thoughts come up, I must say immediately “This is not Christ. This is not worthy of a Son of the King.”

And praise God- this is not just my responsibility alone. It is the grace of the Holy Spirit dwelling in me and making me holy. He will give me strength to change my thinking and reorient my desires towards Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, I clothe myself in you now. Come and cover me, surround me. Let my heart and mind be clothed in you so that I think and will your thoughts and your will. Help me to banish all desire for evil and only desire you. Amen.

Reflection on Isaiah 2:1-5

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Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+2.1-5

Scripture

Many people will come and say:

“Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord

to the house of the God of Jacob.

He will teach us his ways

so that we may walk in his paths.”

Observation

In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s Temple will be established. People from around the world will flock to Zion to learn from the Lord

Individuals will learn from the Lord how to walk in His ways, and disputes between nations will be settled by the Lord and not by war.

Application

We are living in the end times, and we already see many of these prophecies being fulfilled.

The mountain of the Temple, Jerusalem and Zion refer to the people of God- the church. All over the world people are flocking to the house of the Lord to seek His ways. Excluding some Western countries, this is literally the golden age of the church. Never before has the gospel been preached and accepted by so many people.

Despite the constant bad news coming out of Syria and a few other countries, there have never been so few wars. Some people attribute this to the McDonalds effect, but it is more likely the Holy Spirit laying an era of peace and prosperity in the world as the Kingdom of God grows.

This is the age of the Holy Spirit as more and more people listen to the “still small voice” and to prophecies and words of knowledge in order to learn of the ways of the Lord.

All of this is not without cost- the “birthpangs of the Kingdom.” Satan is enraged that his plan for undermining the Kingdom of God is coming to nothing.

The seeds planted many years ago are bearing fruit in many different ways. The fields are white to harvest, but satan looks for ways to stop the harvest coming in- from apathy to persecution.

But our God will prevail. The Kingdom of God will continue to grow,

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you told us to pray that workers will go out into the harvest field. So Lord as the harvest field is right before us, as you draw people to “Zion” and “Jerusalem,” may the gospel be preached in power and even more lives saved. Amen.

Reflection on Luke 23:33-43

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Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23:33-43

Scripture

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Observation

Jesus is nailed to the cross, between two criminals. He calls out “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”

The crowd watches; the leaders mock. The leaders say that if Jesus is the Messiah He should save Himself. The Romans scoff at His claim to be King of the Jews. Even one of the crucified criminals mocks Jesus.

But there is faith in the picture. The other crucified man calls out to Jesus, “Remember me,” and Jesus replies, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Application

So many mockers and scoffers! Next Sunday many churches around the world will read this passage to celebrate “Christ the King.”

What a declaration this makes. Christ rejected by many of his own people, deserted by His closest friends, and now mocked by all except one wretched man nailed to a cross; this is the King!

What sort of Kingdom is this? What King is this?

Jesus is lifted high for the world to see, on a cross not a throne. God declares “This is my beloved Son! This is your King!”

And the whole world mocks Him.

Just one man has the eyes of faith to see reality.

Where am I In this story?

Am I a “disciple” huddling fearfully in a house somewhere?

Am I the religious leader looking for personal power and prestige, rejecting God in the process?

Am I part of the ruling elite, so focussed on maintaining the status quo that I could crucify the Son of God?

Am I the mocking criminal?

Or am I that other man, the one man of faith?

Jesus is the King rejected by every layer of society. He is the King who comes to power by laying everything down- even His own life.

This is our God.

Prayer

“Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Lord please open my eyes to see the reality rather than illusion; to see the world as you see it; to see myself as you see me.

Today I identify with the man of no repute, a condemned and dying criminal, worshipping a King who made Himself a man of no repute. But I see through the veil to see the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, laying down His life for the world and for me.

Thank you for the promise, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Amen

Reflection on Colossians 1:11-20

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lights1528-resized

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians 1:11-20

Scripture

He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his dear Son who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Observation

Paul pays for the Colossians that they will be strengthened with God’s glorious power.

God has brought us out of the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His Son. Jesus purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Christ is God made visible. He preceded creation and reigns over all things. Everything in creation was made for Him and through Him.

Christ is the head of His church- and therefore my head. He is reconciling all things to Himself.

Application

We were trapped in a hostile, foreign country, but God rescued us. We were destined for hell, but God intervened and rescued us- He rescued me! I was dead and done, but He came and rescued me.

God’s way is not by might and power. He did not send in a military force with tanks, helicopters and bombs. No, He gave away His power, becoming flesh and dying on a cross.

This is our God. The God who spoke galaxies into existence with a word. The God who holds the whole of creation in His hand, who could crush everything instantly in his zeal to end evil. This God became weak, subjecting Himself to sinful men and women.

And He died.

In His death the great transfer took place. The guilty were forgiven and rescued from darkness.

At the cross I died and my sin died with me. I am a new creation, no longer bound by the chains of the dark kingdom. I am a citizen of a new kingdom, the kingdom of God. Reborn, released, refined.

Prayer

Jesus my Lord, you are my Saviour, my Redeemer. I was trapped in sin, but you rescued me. I was bound in chains, trapped in the kingdom of darkness, but you came and brought me out into your glorious Kingdom.

I never earned this, never deserved it. But your love is greater than my sin. Your mercy triumphs over my evil ways..

Your glorious majesty has won my heart. Thank you for setting me free, Help me to live as a child of the light not as a child of the darkness. Amen.

Reflection on Jeremiah 23:1-6

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jeremiah-23

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah+23.1-6

Scripture

And this will be his name: The Lord is our Righteousness. In that day Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety.

Observation

Sorrow is waiting for the shepherds of God’s people, for they have destroyed and scattered the ones they were supposed to protect. God promises to pour judgement over those people, but He will gather the remnant of His scattered flock. God will gather them into His sheepfold and they will be safe and increase in number.

At the right time the Lord will raise up a king who will do what is right and just. He will be called the Lord is our Righteousness.

Application

The Lord calls all of us, but especially leaders, to be righteous. This righteousness comes not from our own ethical standards or sense of fair play, but as a gift from the Lord.

The Lord is our Righteousness means that the Lord is our source of righteousness. He declares that us to be right on the basis of the cross. He then expects us to live right, that is, without sin.

This is a journey, a walk of one step after another. We take a few steps towards righteousness and then we stumble. But the goal is always to walk in the ways of the Lord our Righteousness.

Prayer

Jesus you are the Lord my Righteousness. Thank you for declaring me to be righteous in your blood. Please lead me in the right ways so that I learn to be like you. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

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2thes3-13

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3.6-13

Scripture

As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.

Observation

Paul commands the Thessalonians to have nothing to do with those brothers and sisters who refuse to work. He set the example himself of not depending on the people he ministered to. He had previously told them anyone who will not work should not eat.

Yet some of the Thessalonians remain idle and meddle in other people’s business. He encourages them to work and to never tire of doing good deeds.

Application

Having an ethic of work rather than idleness is a long-standing christian (even pre-Christian) virtue. The Thessalonians may have been expecting Christ to return any moment, but Paul says they must continue to work and to do good deeds.

Contributing positively to society- whether through working for wages or running a business or through volunteering- is a part of our witness.

Christians must not only talk about the Saviour them must live lives which show that following Jesus makes a difference.

Whatever our financial arrangements, we must all ensure that our lives reflect the holiness of Christ.

Prayer

Lord you command us to never get tired of doing good. Please show me how to live up to this commandment today. Amen.