Tag: puzzle

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God has a Plan and it includes YOU!

ImageDo you believe that God has a plan for your life and that because of that you have a unique place at this particular moment in history? Long before Dr. Luke penned this book we are studying, the prophet Jeremiah wrote to the exiles in Babylon: “29:11 For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” The principle of that verse held true then as it holds true today—-God has a plan for each of us and it is one that He has uniquely designed to bring about His purpose.

Today in Luke 8, Jesus moves from a violent windstorm on a lake to a violent demonic storm within a person who had lost all hope, lost all idea of a future, lost his identity but Jesus had a plan to restore him and bring about the truth of Jer 29:11 in his life and to teach two principles:  Every life is valuable to God and Jesus will not stay where he is not wanted. Whereas the disciples wondered, the demon within the man from the tombs proclaimed the answer that Jesus is the very Son of God, the Son of the Most High just as James later wrote:  Jam 2:19 Even the demons believe [God is one]– and tremble with fear.

As Jesus commanded the evil spirits to leave their possession, a remarkable thing happened! The man was restored, resurrected in a way to a new life free from the power of sin. He had been dehumanized in many respects, ostracized and separated from people and God. After his encounter we see him clothed in his right mind sitting at the feet of Jesus listening.  The townspeople do not praise God but instead become fearful and ask Jesus to leave. As Jesus began to leave our eyes are opened to God’s eternal plan for this former demon possessed man and in doing so show a third principle: once transformed you have a mission in life. For this man his mission was not to follow but to “Return to your home, and declare what God has done for you…” and he did. For the rest of his life he proudly wore the mantel of the man freed from demonic possession. He had a story that no one could top and that was Jesus restores one life at a time. He proclaimed it through the whole town and most likely beyond. He became the light that Jesus could not.

I really struggle with the throw away’s of society and what little I am doing for them. Do you also feel this way? I just feel uncomfortable and yet I do not know what to do about it. Secondly, I know that there are many principles and truths but the main one comes from Jer 29:11: God has a plan and we are part of it because we are valuable to Him seemed to resonate for me. I often find that one of the deadliest d’s for me is feeling less worthy and that I am not a real part of the jigsaw puzzle God is building. It is then that I have to remind myself that I am a part of a tapestry not a puzzle.  Image

I am and you are to be His light and His word that others see or hear which comes about from being transformed by the power of Jesus.

What one truth has God taught you through this demon possessed man’s story for your own situation?

 

 

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Hail King Jesus…Worship or Ignore…how say you?

ImageThe Apostle Matthew introduced us to the genealogical record of our Messiah in chapter 1. At the end of that chapter we know that two times the angel of the Lord came to righteous Joseph to lead and protect the divine conceived Messiah in Mary’s womb. In chapter 2 we see once again his immediate obedience. Joseph is a role model for all of us who seek to be obedient to Messiah.

Matthew wants us to focus in on one thing: the OT prophecies were inspired, true, and fulfilled “right on schedule.”  First note the timing—King Herod is the ruler of Palestine from 37BC to when he died 4BC. Also, it was at this time that the census was ordered according to Dr. Luke in chapter 2. Secondly, note the  geographical location, Bethlehem of Judea or Judah. Thus Christ, as we noted in chapter 1, had not only the legal right of inheritance to the throne of David but he was born in that province to therefore claim it.  Thirdly Matthew as a master researcher listed three sets of people and their reactions.

The Magi. Coming to Jerusalem from the east, which would thus give us the clue as to their ethnicity: Gentiles. Gentiles were “dogs” to the Jews, if we remember from our study of Jewish history. Thus the populace were alarmed.

“King” Herod, thus noted here but after this never noted as “king.” He ruled by fear and brutality. He was a half-Jew, Idumean or Edomite by birth. His ancestry line was from Esau who hated Jacob. Just as Pharaoh sought to eradicate the Jews through infanticide, so did Herod.  Our newspapers and blogs are filled with the numbers of abortions. Infanticide has been the enemy’s tool and is even today.

The religious leaders were apathetic even with the scriptures before them. They knew the scriptures  to the last detail about the birth of the Christ but beyond this did nothing. Matthew is showing us that to just know the scriptures is not enough, we must act upon them.

What are the lessons Matthew wants us to glean?

  1. God’s ways are not man’s ways. [Is 55:8] He orders and brings about His plan for His glory. Both in 2Kings and Isaiah we read: In ancient times I planned it; and now I am bringing it to pass.
  2. Jesus is the King of the Jews no matter the response made by men. He was so noted by the Magi who worshiped him. He was ironically noted the same by the ones who crucified him and the title over His cross was God’s testimony.
  3. Jesus’ kingdom includes all men regardless of their lineage. Jesus told the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations thus fulfilling the blessing given to Abraham.
  4. Men are held accountable for the knowledge they are given. The Magi had the stars and perhaps the writings of Daniel and pursued it. The religious leaders had the OT with the revelation of prophecy and rejected it. [Job 21:14 21:14 “So they say to God, ‘Turn away from us! We do not want to know your ways.’”
  5. The OT prophets sought to understand and put the puzzle together. In the end they noted: 1Pet They were shown that they were serving not themselves but you… Even though we sometimes find ourselves in the same frame of reference we can be certain of this: 1 Cor 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then we will see face to face.”

Today the question is before us: how have you responded to the evidence before you? Is Jesus the Messiah and if yes, are you following Him?

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