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Day 50: Matthew 27:11-32 — Crucify Him

Friday, February 19th, 2010

In Matthew 27:3-5, Judas changed his mind about Jesus and tried to take back the 30 pieces of silver. Judas now claims Jesus is innocent. In Matthew 27:11-26, Pilate and the crowd have to deal with Jesus. Pilate is uncomfortable with this responsibility and tries to find a way to release Jesus. The crowd is given a choice to release Jesus the innocent or Barabbas the guilty. The crowd whom once praised Jesus now asks for him to be crucified. Pilate washes his hands of the incident.

There is so much going on here but our time is short and we know that Jesus went to the cross innocent so that we might all be saved. Yet, I wonder if this situation does not continue to happen everyday. There are those of us who trade Jesus for money. There are those of us who are envious like the Jewish leaders that create false stories about Jesus. There are those of us in positions to set the story right but we yield to the crowd and the popular crowd mentality and in the end, we try to wash our hands of it all. Then there is the crowd…fickle as all get out, swaying back and forth with no real conviction. One time praising Jesus and then another time we ask for his crucifixion.

There is one left that I should mention. It is Jesus – the Son of God!  He goes to the cross. Why? Because He loves us.

Where are you today? Following money? Following religious envy? Following the crowd? These all end up nowhere.

I wonder what would happen if we got to know the one who loves? I wonder really what it means to follow Jesus to the cross? Take some time to think about the one who goes to the cross. It may seem like the cross got Jesus nowhere but where is Jesus now? Jesus is exalted, resurrected, and sitting at the right hand of God. May we go to the cross and find the true meaning of love.

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Day 48: Matthew 26:56 –If Scripture is good enough for Jesus, it ought to be good enough for us

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

In Matthew 26:47-56, Jesus is betrayed and arrested. We know the story of Judas’ betrayal, the “kiss,” the disciple pulling out his sword to cut off the ear, Jesus’ reattachment of the ear, the discourse on violence, and the disciples fleeing. While I was reading, something caught my eye. Twice in this section, Matthew tells us that Scripture was fulfilled (Matthew 26:54 and Matthew 26:56). People always focus on Judas, the High Priest, the ear gets a lot of attention, violence, and the disciples fleeing. However, we ought to focus on Jesus and Jesus is focusing on Scripture. The Old Testament in Zechariah 13:7-9 tells us that the Shepherd will be struck and judgment will come upon the people because of their idolatry and sin. A time of refinement will be put in place where the people are tested and honed. Yet, the good news is that it will lead to a time when God will claim His people and the people will claim their God.

A few things:

1. Jesus was struck as the Good Shepherd as Scripture foretold.

2. The disciples fled as Scripture foretold.

3. We are being honed and tested as Scripture foretold.

4. We can call on the name of the Lord and He answers as Scripture foretold.

5. God claims His people and His people claim Him as our God as Scripture foretold.

6. The disciples return and in fact in the second chapter of Acts, Peter preaches about Jesus Christ and quotes scripture. His message cut to the heart (Acts 2:37) and they asked what they needed to do. If you would like to see the answer go read what Scripture says in Acts 2:38-40.

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Day 47: Leviticus 6:24-30 and Matthew 26:26-29 — Holy

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

I was reading our daily bible reading and we have these two passages from Leviticus and Matthew. The first focuses on the holiness of the offering that was to be used for the sin offering. It could be eaten by those who were holy. However, it could not be eaten if it was used for atonement in the Holy place. It would have to be burned with fire (Leviticus 6:24-30). The second passage is the account of Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper. He instructs his disciples to eat the bread and drink the cup of the new covenant (Matthew 26:26-29).

Each Sunday, we come together to eat the bread and drink the cup. We read about the holiness of the offering in Leviticus. Holy does not just mean special or pure. Holy means set a part or dedicated to God. The priests had been sanctified to serve God. They were allowed to participate in eating the parts of the offering that were not used in the Holy Place.

Questions:

How much more special is the sacrifice of Jesus for the atonement of our sins? How holy is the bread and the cup that we take each Sunday? How blessed are we to be the priests of God that can now participate in the Lord’s Supper? How much preparation is made in our lives to take Holy Communion? Do we profane the Lord’s Supper by not taking it when the Lord’s Church gathers together? Do we profane it by not getting our lives right with God and each other? What do you think?

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Day 46: Leviticus 4:1-6:7; Matthew 26:6-25 — I didn’t mean to…”Pay attention.”

Monday, February 15th, 2010

How many times do you remember saying, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to (do this, say that, break this, etc.)…” My mother likes to tell her grandchildren, to their chagrin, that a great and important rule of life is “Pay attention.”

Today’s two readings, and a few of the ones subsequent, seem to collide headlong. Our readings in Leviticus give directions for sacrifices and restitution to be made for sins, thoughtless and otherwise. Matthew begins narratives for that great, wondrous Sacrifice of sacrifices.

In Leviticus several paragraphs describe atonement one must make for the unintentional or thoughtless sins. Look at how the reading distinguishes between the anointed priest, a leader, and a common person. A few truths of life emerge immediately.

  1. Sometimes we just really make a mess of things. Sometimes we drown our God-likeness in a flood of human foibles. On top of that, sometimes we do not even know that we did it! What a great and gracious Creator to know what blundering feeble creatures we can be, and rather than extinguish us He provides for a way to come back, to be at one again with Him. God calls on us to acknowledge our sin and own up to it. He calls on us to take steps to apologize, make peace, set right what we have done, Matthew 5:23-24. What we do matters. Our actions affect others. There are no victimless crimes. We need to be thoughtful, purposeful. Ephesians 5:15-21.
  2. Family, friends, people will hurt us sometimes, and they may not even know that they did it! We must be the ones to bring up those uncomfortable discussions so that we not only can clear up what we may have misunderstood, but bring to the attention of that person an area of life that needs work. We need to exercise that part of our God-likeness that looks for grace, healing, and restoration. “Hey, I really need to talk to you. I am confused about something…” Oh! Judging judging judging!  No, rather this takes self reflection, repentance, and measuring by the righteous standard, and grace!  Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 7:1-5, Matthew 18:15-18, John 7:24, Ezekiel 3:17-21, Psalms 133:1.
  3. Some sins and mistakes have greater effects and consequences than others. The high priest, a leader of the people, a common person all sin. All must be made right with God. Yet the effects, the consequences of those sins can be quite different, and so their atoning sacrifices get separate treatment in the text. How does a person go from “oops, spilled milk” to “oops, broken life”? All start with perhaps a lack of commitment to God, a lack of holy living, an attitude of “oh, that is not a big thing!” to our own weaknesses or “mistakes” (as sin is called today). Rather, be holy, committed to God in all things, so that the practice of life leads us to holiness and grace in all things. 1 Peter 1:13-21.

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Day 45: Matthew 25:31-26:5 — A Familiar Stranger?

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

I drive into downtown Austin every day of the work week. I take the same route to work every day. However, the people that I see on my drive into work are never the same. I am amazed that no matter how many times I’ve driven downtown, I very rarely see the same person walking the street or driving their car. With the exception of one man.

I have no idea what his name is nor do I know anything about his history. I know he is homeless. I know he usually sleeps in the doorway of an abandoned building downtown across the street from where I work. He walks everywhere downtown and mumbles to himself. He is gaunt, malnourished and has hair that is matted to the side of his head. He wears the same clothes everyday. I meet him on the street as I walk to lunch or walk back from a meeting. As I type this paragraph I realize that I know quite a bit about someone I’ve never met but have a lot in common with Proverbs 22:2. But the most stunning thought about this man is this – I know that I have never done one thing for him.

I have read Matthew 25:31-46 many times in my life. I think about my dear Grandmother (Mama Do) who spent the better part of her life helping those in need and never turning anyone away. She delivered meals, sat with the sick, worked the Food Bank, volunteered at the church, gave work to those who needed to make a few dollars for food, gave people money for gas so they could get to work and the list goes on forever. When she was quite a bit older, and even when very sick with cancer, she would say, “There are people who need me…I must go help them.” We begged her to slow down, to rest. All fell on ears deafened by a mission that Christ sparked within her — seek the lost, help those in need. What an example she lived for us. I have not lived up to that example.

Some people have a very solid stance on the homeless downtown in Austin. When I first moved here I was told by several people emphatically — “Do NOT give them anything!  They’ll just use it for drugs or alcohol.” Admittedly, I was confused. I knew that it was very possible that if I gave a man a $10 that he’d buy some drugs. I also know that some of the people that beg downtown are not homeless and are very good scam artists. Re-read the passage again. I know you know it. One more time. Pay special attention to Matthew 25:45. I have come to the realization (with some help from my best friend Casey) that it isn’t up to me to decide what they do with my help. “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Read the rest of the passage to read the consequences of turning your back on the needy.

There is a man sleeping on a sidewalk downtown that I need to know. As Mama Do would say, “There are people who need me…I must go help them.”

Question: Have you ever been conflicted with helping someone in need?

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Day 43: Matthew 25:1-13 — Ten Virgins

Friday, February 12th, 2010

10 virginsChapter 25 of Matthew continues with the theme of the last few posts. Jesus has been answering his disciples’ question about the “close of the age” (Matthew 24:3). Jesus has told us that there will be cataclysmic events, i.e., earthquakes, wars, desolation of the temple, false Christs, etc. (Matthew 24:3-28). The Son of Man will come (Matthew 24:29-31). Then Jesus teaches us to interpret the end times like a fig tree. When it puts out leaves you know summer is near (when we see the signs Jesus talks about, we know judgment is near, not an exact date). In Matthew 24:36-51, Jesus tells us that no one knows the times and dates of His return except His Father.

So, Jesus tells a parable. The Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins (Read Matthew 25:1-13). The story is about ten virgins headed between locales on the way to meet the bridegroom. Five were prepared and five were not. To update the illustrations five had extra batteries for their cell phones and five did not. So while they waited they were talking on their phones sending text messages, emails, and saying “Oh my gosh.” As their power ran low because they were a little preoccupied with their lives instead of the important task of getting ready for the bridegroom, the five without extra batteries had to run to a friends house to get a power charge. They missed the bridegroom and subsequently not allowed to enter the wedding feast. It may seem harsh that these poor girls were not allowed in. However, new Texas State law prohibits the use of cell phones near school zones or while they are driving (Ok, I might have overdrawn on this analogy). The point is that they were not ready. The Kingdom of Heaven is for those who are ready. Read Matthew 25:13, and we are told to “Watch.” Jesus answers the question about the close of the age again, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor hour.”

Questions:

Are you ready for the end times? Are you watching? Do you know God’s word? Are your batteries/lamps charged and ready to go?

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Day 42: Matthew 24:32-51 — When is the end of the world?

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Second Coming of ChristYesterday, we looked at Matthew 24:3-12 and we talked briefly about the end of the world. I promised at the end of the post that I would give dates, times, and a biblical text for the end of the world. So here it is, there is no date, no time, and I have one biblical text from our reading today (what a shameless plug for daily Bible reading). Matthew 24:36, tells us that only One knows the day and the hour of the coming of our Lord. We don’t know but God knows. The angels don’t know! The preachers don’t know! The televangelists don’t know!  Nostradamus doesn’t know! The Mayans don’t know!. The only one who knows is our Father in Heaven. Matthew goes on to give us an illustration that the coming of the Son of Man (Jesus) is like in the days of Noah. Remember the story? God goes to a good man and gives him an impossible task. The man balks but then gives in and obeys God and then God saves the world. Everyone else was caught up in their own lives. They were marrying, drinking, eating, and just doing whatever they wanted. Then the floods came and they were not aware. Noah was aware because he listened to God. He built an Ark. Took on ridicule and missed out on life. Or did he? Matthew 24:45-47, tells us about who is a faithful and wise servant. Read it!

I don’t know the day and hour of Jesus’ return. However, I do know that when He comes, He will look for those doing the will of His Father. Are you ready (Matthew 24:44)?

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Day 41: Matthew 24:4-31 — The End of the World

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

the end of the worldAll my life, I have heard about the end of the world. From days in elementary school when we had bomb drills to prepare for the possibility of a USSR attack; to military drills in the Marine Corps; there was popular biblical tripe that predicted the end of the world on multiple occasions; and then of course, there is the biblical account. One of the biblical accounts is from our reading in the 24th chapter of Matthew. In Matthew 24:3, the disciples ask Jesus when the “close of the age” will be. Jesus responds that many will come in His name and will lead “you astray” (Matthew 24:4). Jesus is right because in the period between the resurrection and today, we have had many come in Jesus’ name that have led others astray. Part of this deception has created a weariness of predictions and the world distrusts Christians when we speak of the end of the age.

So now, we have the new gospels of the end times. One is better known today as the environmental movement. Man has become so terrible that he holds with in his/her hand the power to take out the world and bring it to the end (so much for God and His plans). We have the Mayan calendar that some interpret as the end of the world. We have media hype in popular movies like 2012, The Letter of Eli, and Superbowl commercials introducing the Green Police.

Jesus goes on to tell us not to be alarmed (Matthew 24:6) because all of these catastrophic events like wars, earthquakes, famines, false prophets, falling astray of believers, increase in lawlessness, betrayals, loss of love, etc. is going to be part of our lives prior to Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:6-12).

So what do we do? Jesus tells us to endure till the end (Matthew 24:14). Oh by the way, where did we get the idea that everything will be over? I think the promise is that we will go to heaven and live our lives with Jesus Christ. The end of the world is not that bad because it is replaced with something better.

Are you ready for the end of the world? To be honest I am not because in Christ there is no end to our lives. The death, burial, resurrection, and glorification of Jesus Christ is Good News. We will rise like Christ not be destroyed in some cataclysmic event that is made popular by computer generated special effects in Hollywood. I am not going to be the wolfman, vampire, zombie, or some reincarnated flesh trying to find peace. I like the song we sing about Jesus, “I am the resurrection, I am the life. He who believes in me shall never die.”

So, when is the end time? Come back tomorrow and I will give you dates, times, and a biblical text.

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Day 39: Ex. 27:1-28:43 & Matt. 23:1-12 — Beautiful, intricate, masterfully planned

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Our Old Testaments readings for several chapters might capture the attention of anthropologists, those who study the sacrificial system, and building engineers, and costume designers. Our New Testament reading for today may raise the eyebrows of those who wonder who the real Pharisees are. Oddly enough, both of these readings meld together beautifully.

The design of God for the tabernacle, the traveling temple — focal point for the presence and cult of the LORD — portrays majesty, beauty, complexity, intricacy, purposeful direction, and provided a physical expression of the greatness, power, presence, and loyalty commanded of the God of this wandering desert people. The vestments of the priests had to be impressive, that of the high priest, breathtaking. The design and composition, all came from the Divine genius of the Creator. Those chosen to serve God must be very important, look how He dresses them.

Meanwhile, Jesus informs the people of the covenant His day, that what the Creator, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has deemed desired and necessary in the life and worship offered by the community is perfect, and cannot be augmented, expanded, or derived by those humans who unlawfully elevate themselves above their brethren.

So what do we have? A kingdom of priests, Exodus 19:3-4, 1 Peter 2:9, a beautiful, holy people, all peers, under Master Jesus, and under the discernible earthly leadership of our elders. No Christian more important, more holy, more precious than the other. All of us, every one of us beautiful stones built into a dwelling place for the Holy One, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. All of us as priests ministering before God, clothed in the wondrous robes of the Righteous Son of God, Galatians 3:27. This is how He sees us, the reality of what He has made of us. His workmanship in us demands that we each recognize the plan and will of the Creator in each of us individually and as He has placed us together in that building we are now, the church, Ephesians 2:10, 19-22. We comprise the part of this world among mankind rejoined to the rule and blessing of God. How great and precious that life, how wonderful the promises. How compelling is His will in our lives. Be brave and courageous in this present world, serve Him with confidence and loyalty,  and one day His true design and work in us will be seen, and His glory inescapably revealed to the universe, 1 John 3:1-3, 2 Thessalonians 1:10.

Question: What do you see when you look in the mirror? When you look at the church and the people there? What does God see? How can you see with the eyes of God?

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Day 38: Matthew 23:1-12 — Rank and File

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

phylacteriesIn 2005 I was working as a civilian contractor for the United States Army. More specifically, I worked for the United States Army Accessions Command (USAAC) located at Fort Knox, Kentucky. I won’t get into what I was doing for them because it would take too long to explain and it would keep me up all night reliving 6AM conference calls and flying all day for a two hour meeting.

However, I will tell you that I learned so many things working for and with the men and women serving our country. My time there was an experience I value greatly. Two things you learn very quickly when working for the U.S. Army is how to recognize rank and that you DO NOT BREAK PROTOCOL. As I type, I can still hear a grizzled Master Sergeant growl that in my ear while I was on-base at Fort Sam Houston. I had mistakenly kicked off the meeting while I had a “full bird” Colonel in the room. Oops. No, I wasn’t a soldier but that didn’t spare me from a good old-fashioned dressing down. As a matter of fact, recognition of rank and following protocol really go hand in hand. I didn’t go to Colonel Vasek for an issue that Major Sizemore could (and should) handle.

The Jews of Jesus’ time recognized rank as well and it was fairly easy to do. They associated phylacteries, broad tepillin, long and elaborate tassels or fringes attached to the outer cloak’s four corners (Num 15:38-40, Deut 22:12) as someone of importance. In short, anyone living at that time could easily recognize the Pharisees. The Pharisees relished the attention and the honor (Matt 23:5-7). In that culture virtually everything was done by social rank or status. Who sat where at meals, who ate first and how you were greeted are just some of the many examples of this social protocol that was strictly maintained. Keeping in mind that the book of Matthew was written to show the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah and that a new law was in place, Jesus takes every opportunity to sharply rebuke the way and manner of the Pharisees. “Do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” “Everything they do is for man to see.”

The Pharisees set themselves apart not to honor God, but to call attention to themselves and be honored. Jesus makes it more than clear that we are not to set ourselves apart for honor or reverence. We are to be humble servants in His name. I think Colossians 3:17 works well here.

Question: When working in the Lord’s service, do we sometimes want to be recognized for our efforts?  How does that align with the above text?

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