Dear brethren
Today's readings
Deuteronomy 32-34;Psalm 13; Luke 13
Luke 13:9 (KJV)
And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
This parable is only mentioned by Luke and it seemed to be an extension of what Jesus was teaching previously about the need for repentance.
The allusion here is to the Jews. We notice that Jesus' earthly ministry as well as that of the disciples was primarily to the Jews (c.f. Mat 10:5-6) yet there seems to be much rejection (Luk 10:13-16).
Yet God is long-suffering! And God continues to be so even to us. And moreover as described in the parable, not just in terms of time but also the providence toward fruit bearing. We do not know when Christ will come again, when there will be the final "cutting down", neither do we know when we will pass on in this world. All of us have a personal timeline that God only knows. Wherefore Jesus said in Matthew 6:34 "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Not to say that Christians should not plan for the future or hope for anything to come but that on the daily basis yeah even by the moment, we need to be prepared, we need to be fruitful.
Fruit-bearing is often neglected. Besides our personal development as a Christian, we need to remind ourselves that we are "created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Eph 2:10). And even as we go back to the background context in the passage, we realise that that is what it means by true repentance - not just a verbal acknowledgement but a continual bearing of fruit meet for repentance.
Let us be forewarned! Be diligent in fruit bearing, lest we too be cut down as the barren fig tree on the day of reckoning.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Who Is My Neighbour?
Dear brethren,
Today's readings:
Deuteronomy 19-22; Psalm 6; Luke 10
Luk 10:36 — Luk 10:37 (KJV)
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Only Luke records this parable of the good Samaritan that have become so well known, that it made its way into the common English language.
Obviously the more well known part has its application but the context was really Jesus trying to address the heart issue of the lawyer (v. 25, 29).
So who is our neighbour? If we were to take the parable just by itself, it would seem as if only those who does good to us or shows mercy to others! But how can that be when Jesus clearly taught about impartiality and rising above the "good" of the world by loving our enemies? (c.f. Mat 5:43-48; Luk 6:27-36)
The key lies in the fact that it was the Samaritan, rather than the priest and Levite who had showed mercy.
In the eyes of the Jews, it was inconceivable that a Samaritan would render help to a Jew! (it's so telling that the lawyer would not even simply say "the Samaritan" but go the long winded and indirect way of say "he that showed mercy on him"!) And yet he did and even went a second mile.
Thus, on the very contrary to the thinking of a neighbour being one that did good to us or one who is related or useful to us (as probably what the lawyer was thinking), the true neighbour is anyone and everyone, yes even those who are perceived as "enemies".
And thanks be to God who through Christ had exemplified this impartial love for us (Gal 3:28).
Let us do likewise and love our neighbour as ourselves and render our help to all around us (c.f. Gal 6:10) and especially where the preaching of the gospel is concerned.
Today's readings:
Deuteronomy 19-22; Psalm 6; Luke 10
Luk 10:36 — Luk 10:37 (KJV)
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Only Luke records this parable of the good Samaritan that have become so well known, that it made its way into the common English language.
Obviously the more well known part has its application but the context was really Jesus trying to address the heart issue of the lawyer (v. 25, 29).
So who is our neighbour? If we were to take the parable just by itself, it would seem as if only those who does good to us or shows mercy to others! But how can that be when Jesus clearly taught about impartiality and rising above the "good" of the world by loving our enemies? (c.f. Mat 5:43-48; Luk 6:27-36)
The key lies in the fact that it was the Samaritan, rather than the priest and Levite who had showed mercy.
In the eyes of the Jews, it was inconceivable that a Samaritan would render help to a Jew! (it's so telling that the lawyer would not even simply say "the Samaritan" but go the long winded and indirect way of say "he that showed mercy on him"!) And yet he did and even went a second mile.
Thus, on the very contrary to the thinking of a neighbour being one that did good to us or one who is related or useful to us (as probably what the lawyer was thinking), the true neighbour is anyone and everyone, yes even those who are perceived as "enemies".
And thanks be to God who through Christ had exemplified this impartial love for us (Gal 3:28).
Let us do likewise and love our neighbour as ourselves and render our help to all around us (c.f. Gal 6:10) and especially where the preaching of the gospel is concerned.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Circumcise the heart
Dear brethren
Today's readings
Deuteronomy 10-14; Psalm 5; Luke 8
Deuteronomy 10:16 (KJV)
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
It is interesting that even right from the start, the "circumcision" of the heart is far more important than that of the flesh. (c.f. Rom 2:25-29) But as it was, the Jews chose to focus on the symbol rather than what it actually entails. Such stiffneckedness and hypocrisy was taken "to the next level" when the Pharisees peddle the religion of profit and human tradition. Choosing to focus on the superficial and ommit the "weightier matters of the law" (Mat 23:23)
If we are not careful, we too can find ourselves caught in this situation.
Obviously, fleshly circumcision does not apply to us anymore, yet the principle of a circumcised heart still remains. And similarly, when we choose to disobey or neglect the Word of God, out hearts remain uncircumcised. And just as the uncircumcised Jew was to be cut off (Gen 17:14), the Christian whose heart becomes and remain uncircumcised will ulimately be rejected.
Let us continue to be admonished, learning from the mistakes of the past and not allow ourselves to be stiffnecked and hardened, but be contrite and tender-hearted, and make our election sure, all the days of our lives.
Today's readings
Deuteronomy 10-14; Psalm 5; Luke 8
Deuteronomy 10:16 (KJV)
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
It is interesting that even right from the start, the "circumcision" of the heart is far more important than that of the flesh. (c.f. Rom 2:25-29) But as it was, the Jews chose to focus on the symbol rather than what it actually entails. Such stiffneckedness and hypocrisy was taken "to the next level" when the Pharisees peddle the religion of profit and human tradition. Choosing to focus on the superficial and ommit the "weightier matters of the law" (Mat 23:23)
If we are not careful, we too can find ourselves caught in this situation.
Obviously, fleshly circumcision does not apply to us anymore, yet the principle of a circumcised heart still remains. And similarly, when we choose to disobey or neglect the Word of God, out hearts remain uncircumcised. And just as the uncircumcised Jew was to be cut off (Gen 17:14), the Christian whose heart becomes and remain uncircumcised will ulimately be rejected.
Let us continue to be admonished, learning from the mistakes of the past and not allow ourselves to be stiffnecked and hardened, but be contrite and tender-hearted, and make our election sure, all the days of our lives.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
At Thy Word
Dear brethren
Today's readings
Deuteronomy 1-3; Psalm 36; Luke 5
Luke 5:5 (KJV)
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
Three simple words "at thy word" and yet within in encapsulates the essence of being right before God.
Far too often, man thinks we are too clever and we think we know better and yet time and again, man has been proven wrong.
The exploits of the Israelites were recounted in Deuteronomy and especially we read of the incident of their defeat by the Amorites (the accounts in Num 14:40-46 records Amalekites and Canaanites. Canaanites is a general term describing the inhabitants in that area which includes the Amorites but nevertheless they were in the hill. Numbers give the further detail that the Amalekites joined them in battle).
The interesting thing was that they were seemingly so repentant and so eager to do God’s will, or so they think, by rushing into eliminating the enemy (Deu 1:40-44), but the fact of the matter is, they had acted only according to their own desires and not according to God’s will. They had acted “at their own word” and not “at thy word”.
Brethren, let us not be deceived - there can be no righteousness before God if it is not under God’s terms! No matter how right it may seem or how fervent we are, the greatest works, the greatest zeal is but nought if not done according to the will of God (c.f. Mat 7:21-23)
Let us continue to learn from the mistakes of the past and strive to always think and act “at thy word” and not at our own whims and fancies.
Today's readings
Deuteronomy 1-3; Psalm 36; Luke 5
Luke 5:5 (KJV)
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
Three simple words "at thy word" and yet within in encapsulates the essence of being right before God.
Far too often, man thinks we are too clever and we think we know better and yet time and again, man has been proven wrong.
The exploits of the Israelites were recounted in Deuteronomy and especially we read of the incident of their defeat by the Amorites (the accounts in Num 14:40-46 records Amalekites and Canaanites. Canaanites is a general term describing the inhabitants in that area which includes the Amorites but nevertheless they were in the hill. Numbers give the further detail that the Amalekites joined them in battle).
The interesting thing was that they were seemingly so repentant and so eager to do God’s will, or so they think, by rushing into eliminating the enemy (Deu 1:40-44), but the fact of the matter is, they had acted only according to their own desires and not according to God’s will. They had acted “at their own word” and not “at thy word”.
Brethren, let us not be deceived - there can be no righteousness before God if it is not under God’s terms! No matter how right it may seem or how fervent we are, the greatest works, the greatest zeal is but nought if not done according to the will of God (c.f. Mat 7:21-23)
Let us continue to learn from the mistakes of the past and strive to always think and act “at thy word” and not at our own whims and fancies.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Tempting God
Dear brethren,
Today's readings
Numbers 34-36; Luke 4
Luke 4:12
And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
In most other versions, the expression is rendered as “test” or putting to test. Most notable example is that mentioned in Exodus 17:1-7.
So how does one tempt God?
1) By doubting His ability
As in the case of Ex 17 and most other events for example, the provision of mana and quail (Ex 16). The Psalmist wrote of this quite extensively in Psa 78:18ff.
And this was despite the fact that God had provided for them again and again, and not just in small ways but in major, earth shattering ways! The most impactful at that time being the 10 plagues and crossing of the Red Sea which had left a deep impact even in the Gentile world, years later (c.f. Jos 2:10; 1Sam 4:8).
God expects us to trust Him! And it is not a “blind”, “mindless” belief but backed by centuries of undisputed evidence.
This is a broad category and in a sense what the succeeding points boil down to. In this case of Satan’s temptation, is a direct challenge to God’s ability. Satan was of course ripping the passage out of context but nevertheless, it is not right for Christians to engage in reckless behavior. It is as good as violating what Paul mentioned in Rom 6 - sinning that Grace may abound!
2) Hypocrisy
This was mentioned in the case of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:9
The problem was not that they did not give up the entire proceeds of the sale (v.5:4, it was in their power i.e. completely up to them to give what they wanted. Nobody had any right to compel them) but that they made it seem like that was so. This was a major issue with the Pharisees, that Jesus so sternly rebuked of (c.f. Mat 23). It is as if God is a fool that as long as we look good before men, we’re good with God!
3) Own righteousness
When we think we know better, that we can do better than what God had stated. As in the case of some of the early Jewish converts trying to impose parts of Judaism on the Gentile converts. Luke recorded in Acts 15:10
“Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” When we think we can “up the game” by going beyond God’s Word or substituting it, we have tempted Him to overlook our insubordination even as “legit” or “sincere” as it appears.
Let us therefore be reminded of the examples before us (1Co 10:11) and walk confidently and simply and in a straightforward manner as God instructs, and not tempt God lest we be caught with our “pants down” in the day of Judgment.
Today's readings
Numbers 34-36; Luke 4
Luke 4:12
And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
In most other versions, the expression is rendered as “test” or putting to test. Most notable example is that mentioned in Exodus 17:1-7.
So how does one tempt God?
1) By doubting His ability
As in the case of Ex 17 and most other events for example, the provision of mana and quail (Ex 16). The Psalmist wrote of this quite extensively in Psa 78:18ff.
And this was despite the fact that God had provided for them again and again, and not just in small ways but in major, earth shattering ways! The most impactful at that time being the 10 plagues and crossing of the Red Sea which had left a deep impact even in the Gentile world, years later (c.f. Jos 2:10; 1Sam 4:8).
God expects us to trust Him! And it is not a “blind”, “mindless” belief but backed by centuries of undisputed evidence.
This is a broad category and in a sense what the succeeding points boil down to. In this case of Satan’s temptation, is a direct challenge to God’s ability. Satan was of course ripping the passage out of context but nevertheless, it is not right for Christians to engage in reckless behavior. It is as good as violating what Paul mentioned in Rom 6 - sinning that Grace may abound!
2) Hypocrisy
This was mentioned in the case of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:9
The problem was not that they did not give up the entire proceeds of the sale (v.5:4, it was in their power i.e. completely up to them to give what they wanted. Nobody had any right to compel them) but that they made it seem like that was so. This was a major issue with the Pharisees, that Jesus so sternly rebuked of (c.f. Mat 23). It is as if God is a fool that as long as we look good before men, we’re good with God!
3) Own righteousness
When we think we know better, that we can do better than what God had stated. As in the case of some of the early Jewish converts trying to impose parts of Judaism on the Gentile converts. Luke recorded in Acts 15:10
“Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” When we think we can “up the game” by going beyond God’s Word or substituting it, we have tempted Him to overlook our insubordination even as “legit” or “sincere” as it appears.
Let us therefore be reminded of the examples before us (1Co 10:11) and walk confidently and simply and in a straightforward manner as God instructs, and not tempt God lest we be caught with our “pants down” in the day of Judgment.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Him-possible
Dear brethren
Today's readings
Numbers 22-25; Luke 1
Luke 1:37
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Indeed, God is omnipotent, all powerful and as bro Demar Elam would put it, all things are Him-possible!
Obviously there are things that God, because of His nature would not do (e.g. Lying! Heb 6:18), but the point here is the fact that only God can bring about things that are supernatural. The contrast is given between 2 women - Elisabeth and Mary. The interesting thing was that the one whose situation was far more likely to happen was the one who had disbelief. But wait, didn't both raise objections over the angel's claims? (v. 18, 34) Yet only Zachariah was "punished". This fact showed the difference in hearts and attitudes. Zachariah was filled with doubt but Mary was more will awe and wonder. She was not doubting but just curious how could a virgin give birth.
Her reaction was precious. Not only was the prospect of a virgin birth incredible but she would have realised the dire consequences of one in her situation to be pregnant! What would her husband think? What would her community think? Yet thanks be to God, she said, "be it unto me according to thy word." A simple statement yet oftentimes so hard for us to comply. A simple statement yet so crucial for us to follow through if we were to be pleasing to God.
Wherefore let us continue to allow God's word to guide us and be believing and not in doubt and trust in Him who is able to do all things, even the salvation of our souls.
Today's readings
Numbers 22-25; Luke 1
Luke 1:37
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Indeed, God is omnipotent, all powerful and as bro Demar Elam would put it, all things are Him-possible!
Obviously there are things that God, because of His nature would not do (e.g. Lying! Heb 6:18), but the point here is the fact that only God can bring about things that are supernatural. The contrast is given between 2 women - Elisabeth and Mary. The interesting thing was that the one whose situation was far more likely to happen was the one who had disbelief. But wait, didn't both raise objections over the angel's claims? (v. 18, 34) Yet only Zachariah was "punished". This fact showed the difference in hearts and attitudes. Zachariah was filled with doubt but Mary was more will awe and wonder. She was not doubting but just curious how could a virgin give birth.
Her reaction was precious. Not only was the prospect of a virgin birth incredible but she would have realised the dire consequences of one in her situation to be pregnant! What would her husband think? What would her community think? Yet thanks be to God, she said, "be it unto me according to thy word." A simple statement yet oftentimes so hard for us to comply. A simple statement yet so crucial for us to follow through if we were to be pleasing to God.
Wherefore let us continue to allow God's word to guide us and be believing and not in doubt and trust in Him who is able to do all things, even the salvation of our souls.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Covetousness is Idolatry
Colossians 3:5
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
It is interesting that "covetousness" is equated to idolatry.
Why is that so?
If you think about it - covetousness is basically greed. The inordinate desire for material objects. It could be something as simple as a certain collectible right up to desiring fame and fortune to the point that they get in the way of us serving God. And that is the underlying concept behind idolatry - putting something above God.
It hit the rich young man who loved his riches more (May 19:22). It hit the chief rulers who loved the praise of men more (Jhn 12:42,43). It hit Hymenaeus and Alexander who loved their past lives more (1 Ti 1:20). Covetousness can hit everyone and anyone and is often closer than we think.
What is the solution? Paul already preempted this predicament and gave the solution in the opening verses - recognising where our true affections lie and setting our sights upon them.
Easier said than done. But it begins with taking baby steps to move ourselves away from the world and closer to God. It begins by seeking every opportunity to be with God's people, by resolving to put effort into serving God is whatever capacity we are able.
And we become so focused on the Lord's work and people, where would we find time and space to covet worldly things?
It's not easy but neither is it impossible! And very often it is not that we are unable but unwilling. The most common excuse we give ourselves is - oh I need to work hard now so that I can be in a better position to serve God. Guess what? The time for service waits for no one. Besides what makes us so sure about tomorrow? (Jam 4:14)
Therefore just as NOW is the time of salvation, NOW
is the time of service! Don't delay and later regret when we face the final call.
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
It is interesting that "covetousness" is equated to idolatry.
Why is that so?
If you think about it - covetousness is basically greed. The inordinate desire for material objects. It could be something as simple as a certain collectible right up to desiring fame and fortune to the point that they get in the way of us serving God. And that is the underlying concept behind idolatry - putting something above God.
It hit the rich young man who loved his riches more (May 19:22). It hit the chief rulers who loved the praise of men more (Jhn 12:42,43). It hit Hymenaeus and Alexander who loved their past lives more (1 Ti 1:20). Covetousness can hit everyone and anyone and is often closer than we think.
What is the solution? Paul already preempted this predicament and gave the solution in the opening verses - recognising where our true affections lie and setting our sights upon them.
Easier said than done. But it begins with taking baby steps to move ourselves away from the world and closer to God. It begins by seeking every opportunity to be with God's people, by resolving to put effort into serving God is whatever capacity we are able.
And we become so focused on the Lord's work and people, where would we find time and space to covet worldly things?
It's not easy but neither is it impossible! And very often it is not that we are unable but unwilling. The most common excuse we give ourselves is - oh I need to work hard now so that I can be in a better position to serve God. Guess what? The time for service waits for no one. Besides what makes us so sure about tomorrow? (Jam 4:14)
Therefore just as NOW is the time of salvation, NOW
is the time of service! Don't delay and later regret when we face the final call.
Monday, March 4, 2019
Preeminence of Christ
Dear brethren
Today's readings
Numbers 8-11; Colossians 1
Colossians 1:15-18
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Aha! There you have it! Christ is the image and hence a created being. Really? And yet immediately, Paul goes on to state the fact that Christ is the Creator! How can a creator in this sense be also a creature?
Image here is used in contrast to invisible. Here is a assurance that Christ, as a human was the very manifestation of God. Wherefore as the prophet Isaiah spoke of and later confirmed by Matthew, Christ was "Emmanuel" or God with us. As is the use of "firstborn of every creature" which in no way saying Christ was a creature but the very begotten of God and that he had the preeminence over ALL creation, as we read in the last part of v. 18
What about first born from the dead? The word "from" should really be better rendered "out of" or "from among". And "dead" is quite obviously not talking about physical death but since there is the previous reference to the church, which consists of those saved from spiritual death, the "dead" refers to the spiritual dead, those separated from God, and Christ being the first to die AND be resurrected set the pattern for salvation in Him, hence in that sense the "firstborn".
All in all, the unmistakable message sent to the saints is the preeminence of Christ both from the creation and salvation standpoint. Why was Paul being so thorough and even to the point of bordering on redundancy (which really is not. Any repetition in the scripture means emphasis)? It was partly because of the so-called "Colossians heresy" that had arose which was largely due to the influence of the gnostics (which was a movement promoting mysticism and what we often term now the "conspiracy theories"), that had thumbed down the role and status of Christ.
Rest assured, there is no "conspiracy"! Everything is crystal clear to whom would hear and take heed (v. 26-28). Christ is the only answer. It is through Him that we have peace and reconciliation with God (v. 20). Let us continue to take comfort and be diligent to keep ourselves and teach others so, that we may finally attain the hope of eternal glory.
Today's readings
Numbers 8-11; Colossians 1
Colossians 1:15-18
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Aha! There you have it! Christ is the image and hence a created being. Really? And yet immediately, Paul goes on to state the fact that Christ is the Creator! How can a creator in this sense be also a creature?
Image here is used in contrast to invisible. Here is a assurance that Christ, as a human was the very manifestation of God. Wherefore as the prophet Isaiah spoke of and later confirmed by Matthew, Christ was "Emmanuel" or God with us. As is the use of "firstborn of every creature" which in no way saying Christ was a creature but the very begotten of God and that he had the preeminence over ALL creation, as we read in the last part of v. 18
What about first born from the dead? The word "from" should really be better rendered "out of" or "from among". And "dead" is quite obviously not talking about physical death but since there is the previous reference to the church, which consists of those saved from spiritual death, the "dead" refers to the spiritual dead, those separated from God, and Christ being the first to die AND be resurrected set the pattern for salvation in Him, hence in that sense the "firstborn".
All in all, the unmistakable message sent to the saints is the preeminence of Christ both from the creation and salvation standpoint. Why was Paul being so thorough and even to the point of bordering on redundancy (which really is not. Any repetition in the scripture means emphasis)? It was partly because of the so-called "Colossians heresy" that had arose which was largely due to the influence of the gnostics (which was a movement promoting mysticism and what we often term now the "conspiracy theories"), that had thumbed down the role and status of Christ.
Rest assured, there is no "conspiracy"! Everything is crystal clear to whom would hear and take heed (v. 26-28). Christ is the only answer. It is through Him that we have peace and reconciliation with God (v. 20). Let us continue to take comfort and be diligent to keep ourselves and teach others so, that we may finally attain the hope of eternal glory.
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