Matthew 11:29-30 KJV
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Why should a person take up the yoke of Christ? Christ is meek and lowly. Some owners of oxen were mean and harsh both in their training and in their working of the oxen, but not Christ. He was meek and lowly, considerate (thoughtful) and understanding, mild and gentle, long-suffering and encouraging to every person who came to Him.
Christ’s yoke is easy; and His burden is light. The “yoke” refers to oxen’s yoke. The yoke was a wooden collar-like instrument placed on the neck and shoulders of the oxen. It was used for tying the ropes of a plough to the oxen or for tying whatever load he had to pull. It was very important that the yoke be fitted for the shoulders of the oxen to prevent rubbing the flesh raw and causing sores. At first the oxen might have rebelled against the yoke, but he soon learned that it eased the burden of pulling. The yoke refers to a man’s life and work while on earth. The word “easy” can also mean well-fitting. Christ is saying that His yoke, His life and work, are fitted to a person. Christ is meek and lowly. He cares and looks after us; He is concerned. He has compassion, knowing how far we can go and how capable we are.
How do we find rest in Christ? We could simply take Christ’s yoke and begin to learn from Him. This is team work. It means that we are to learn how to live and labor under His leadership, direction, guidance, and care. Jesus said, “Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The teaching that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light [Mat.11:29-30 ncv]. Here’s a song that came to my heart.
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home…
[Lyrics: Elizabeth Mills;
Music William Miller]
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Come to Me
Matthew 11:28
NCV: Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. KJV: Come unto me, all ye that labour and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
First, Jesus talked to the people of Israel from Matthew 11:16a “But whereunto shall I liken (compare) this generation?” From Matthew 11:16b-19 Jesus compared the kind of generation, the people who were not responsive to God’s call, but when John the Baptist and Jesus came, the generation criticized them. From Matthew 11:20-24 Jesus prophesied judgments against this generation for their unbelief and not willing to change their lives and stop sinning. Still Jesus encouraged them to “Come to Him” for salvation. He was the Messiah. It brought a whole new light when I read from Matthew 11:16a and come to the end of Matthew 11:28-30.
The great invitation to this generation is “Come to Me.” The question is why? What did Jesus noticed about what people were going through? During that time, Rome Empire ruled most part of the world. They had millions of slavery. Rome was powerful. In the land of Israel, many were slaves for Romans. Slaves worked hard and carried a lot of loads. Some of the Pharisees and Religious leaders were not always kind to the people. This caused many souls to become despair. They felt empty and lonely as if God was so far away from them.
Jesus noticed the weary and burdened people. They were exhausted, very tired, weighted down, ready to stop and collapse. Jesus said, “Come to Me.” The question was why those who are tired and have heavy loads should come to Christ? Very simply, Christ will give them rest. What kind of rest is Jesus talking about? Christ is offering salvation, companionship, life-changing attitude, refreshment for body, mind and spirit, encouragement, motivation, new enthusiasm, new endurance, and new strength.
Jesus is saying to us, Come to Me. I want your friendship. I want to be with you. I want to talk to you. I want to share everything I have with you. Remember Rev. 3:20 if you will open the door, I will come in and have supper with you.
NCV: Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. KJV: Come unto me, all ye that labour and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
First, Jesus talked to the people of Israel from Matthew 11:16a “But whereunto shall I liken (compare) this generation?” From Matthew 11:16b-19 Jesus compared the kind of generation, the people who were not responsive to God’s call, but when John the Baptist and Jesus came, the generation criticized them. From Matthew 11:20-24 Jesus prophesied judgments against this generation for their unbelief and not willing to change their lives and stop sinning. Still Jesus encouraged them to “Come to Him” for salvation. He was the Messiah. It brought a whole new light when I read from Matthew 11:16a and come to the end of Matthew 11:28-30.
The great invitation to this generation is “Come to Me.” The question is why? What did Jesus noticed about what people were going through? During that time, Rome Empire ruled most part of the world. They had millions of slavery. Rome was powerful. In the land of Israel, many were slaves for Romans. Slaves worked hard and carried a lot of loads. Some of the Pharisees and Religious leaders were not always kind to the people. This caused many souls to become despair. They felt empty and lonely as if God was so far away from them.
Jesus noticed the weary and burdened people. They were exhausted, very tired, weighted down, ready to stop and collapse. Jesus said, “Come to Me.” The question was why those who are tired and have heavy loads should come to Christ? Very simply, Christ will give them rest. What kind of rest is Jesus talking about? Christ is offering salvation, companionship, life-changing attitude, refreshment for body, mind and spirit, encouragement, motivation, new enthusiasm, new endurance, and new strength.
Jesus is saying to us, Come to Me. I want your friendship. I want to be with you. I want to talk to you. I want to share everything I have with you. Remember Rev. 3:20 if you will open the door, I will come in and have supper with you.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
John Bear Witness of Me
John 5:31-36 NCV
If only I tell people about myself, what I say is not true. But there is another who tells about me, and I know the things he says about me are true. You have sent people to John, and he has told you the truth. It is not that I accept such human telling; I tell you this so you can be saved. John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were happy to enjoy his light for a while. But I have proof about myself that is greater than that of John. The things I do, which are the things my Father gave me to do, prove that the Father sent me.”
John the Baptist’s ministry was to bear witness of Christ. John had been around two to three years preaching repentance and baptism of water. Jesus said that John the Baptist was His witness [John 5:32 KJV “There is another that beareth witness of Me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of Me is true”]. This is just one of the witnesses about Jesus because Jesus said, “I have greater witness than that of John.” Jesus being the Son of God should be enough to prove the strongest witnesses, but the people always need testimony before they could believe.
The witness of John was that a burning and shining light. His light was clearly seen to be of God, lit by God as the light of God. John showed men the way to God, just as a light shows men the way out of darkness. The people rejoiced in John’s light, but only for a short time. They looked to John as a moment of excitement, listening, and accepting until John introduced Christ, the Messiah. Then John’s work was finished. Now it was the time for all the people to focus on Jesus, the Son of God. The people have a greater responsibility to listen to Him.
Dorothy: With this devotion, we have a responsibility too! Let us believe that Jesus is the Messiah and let us hear His Word, the Bible. I heard Jesus singing this short song. May Jesus bless you!
“Hear Christ’s calling come unto Me,
Come unto Me, come unto Me.
Hear Christ’s calling come unto Me,
I will give you rest, I will give you rest,
I will give you rest…
Hear Christ’s calling come unto Me,
I will give you rest.”
If only I tell people about myself, what I say is not true. But there is another who tells about me, and I know the things he says about me are true. You have sent people to John, and he has told you the truth. It is not that I accept such human telling; I tell you this so you can be saved. John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were happy to enjoy his light for a while. But I have proof about myself that is greater than that of John. The things I do, which are the things my Father gave me to do, prove that the Father sent me.”
John the Baptist’s ministry was to bear witness of Christ. John had been around two to three years preaching repentance and baptism of water. Jesus said that John the Baptist was His witness [John 5:32 KJV “There is another that beareth witness of Me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of Me is true”]. This is just one of the witnesses about Jesus because Jesus said, “I have greater witness than that of John.” Jesus being the Son of God should be enough to prove the strongest witnesses, but the people always need testimony before they could believe.
The witness of John was that a burning and shining light. His light was clearly seen to be of God, lit by God as the light of God. John showed men the way to God, just as a light shows men the way out of darkness. The people rejoiced in John’s light, but only for a short time. They looked to John as a moment of excitement, listening, and accepting until John introduced Christ, the Messiah. Then John’s work was finished. Now it was the time for all the people to focus on Jesus, the Son of God. The people have a greater responsibility to listen to Him.
Dorothy: With this devotion, we have a responsibility too! Let us believe that Jesus is the Messiah and let us hear His Word, the Bible. I heard Jesus singing this short song. May Jesus bless you!
“Hear Christ’s calling come unto Me,
Come unto Me, come unto Me.
Hear Christ’s calling come unto Me,
I will give you rest, I will give you rest,
I will give you rest…
Hear Christ’s calling come unto Me,
I will give you rest.”
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Wise and the Babe
Matthew 11:25-26
KJV: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and has revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
NCV: At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the people who are wise and smart. But you have shown them to those who are like little children. Yes, Father, this is what you really wanted.
The spiritual truth is “hid.” Where? In God. He has taken spiritual truth and lock it up in Himself. The only way to truth is to come to Him. The only key to spiritual truth is faith and trust in God. The man who thinks himself wise and intelligent and smart and sufficient enough without God, he will never come to know God as a personal relationship. The things of the Spirit and of the gospel are hid from those who think he is smart enough to depend on himself. The fault is pride and selfish. God made man to think, reason, seek, search in order to discover something new and build it. But God expects man “not to think of himself too highly.”
God’s heart and truths are open to anyone who comes to Him, who would depend on Him and trust Him. His hidden truth is always open to the “Babe.” The babe who are humble and receptive (easily receive) and teachable or easy to teach. [Mark 10:15-16 I tell you the truth, you must accept the kingdom of God as if you were a little child, or you will never enter it. Then Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.]
Dorothy: Have you ever wondered what does God, the Father really want? He wants closeness, a cuddle of love like a child who held a little cute puppy with a sigh. A closeness to hold you like a person holds a baby close to one’s heart. What He wants is for us to hold God so very close to our hearts. Then He gets excited to reveal everything to us and nothing is “hidden” from us. Everyone is being so close to the marvelous love of God and we would all feel close to one another. That’s what makes heaven so rich!
Heaven is a wonderful place.
Filled with glory and grace.
I want to see my Savior’s face.
Oh, heaven is a wonderful place.
[Song collection]
KJV: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and has revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
NCV: At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the people who are wise and smart. But you have shown them to those who are like little children. Yes, Father, this is what you really wanted.
The spiritual truth is “hid.” Where? In God. He has taken spiritual truth and lock it up in Himself. The only way to truth is to come to Him. The only key to spiritual truth is faith and trust in God. The man who thinks himself wise and intelligent and smart and sufficient enough without God, he will never come to know God as a personal relationship. The things of the Spirit and of the gospel are hid from those who think he is smart enough to depend on himself. The fault is pride and selfish. God made man to think, reason, seek, search in order to discover something new and build it. But God expects man “not to think of himself too highly.”
God’s heart and truths are open to anyone who comes to Him, who would depend on Him and trust Him. His hidden truth is always open to the “Babe.” The babe who are humble and receptive (easily receive) and teachable or easy to teach. [Mark 10:15-16 I tell you the truth, you must accept the kingdom of God as if you were a little child, or you will never enter it. Then Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.]
Dorothy: Have you ever wondered what does God, the Father really want? He wants closeness, a cuddle of love like a child who held a little cute puppy with a sigh. A closeness to hold you like a person holds a baby close to one’s heart. What He wants is for us to hold God so very close to our hearts. Then He gets excited to reveal everything to us and nothing is “hidden” from us. Everyone is being so close to the marvelous love of God and we would all feel close to one another. That’s what makes heaven so rich!
Heaven is a wonderful place.
Filled with glory and grace.
I want to see my Savior’s face.
Oh, heaven is a wonderful place.
[Song collection]
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
John, the Promised Elijah
Matthew 11:14-15
KJV: And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. NCV: And if you will believe what they said, you will believe that John is Elijah, whom they said would come. You people who can hear me, listen!
John the Baptist was the promised Elijah. John was to come first before the Messiah. John was Elijah, the fulfillment of the last prophecy of the Old Testament: “Behold, I send you Elijah” [Malachi]. God gave the clue; someone likes Elijah. Note: John was not Elijah in person, but he was like Elijah in spirit and power and work [Jn.1:21-23].
Some believe that John was the promised Elijah and some do not. Everyone knows the story of Elijah and he was an illustration of what John the Baptist would be like. This is what Jesus was talking about: “If ye will receive it.” To receive the truth means that a person also has to receive Jesus as the Messiah, the One whom John predicted. Jesus encouraged the people to listen to Him.
Dorothy: There was a reason why Jesus brought up John, the promised Elijah. The rest of the story from Matthew 11:16-24 related to the generations who did not believe John was the Elijah and then they could not believe Jesus was the Messiah either. They accused John as the devil and they also accused Jesus several bad things. Jesus mentioned the greater judgment falls on them because some of them did not believe that God had send a “forerunner,” the one came to announce the coming Messiah. God’s anger falls on those who do not believe that Christ is the Messiah. The word Messiah means “The Anointed One.” I have come to love this, “The Messiah!” Let us believe His Word and trust Him. Here’s a song to encourage us to sing, “I Believe God.”
I believe God, I believe God,
Ask what ye will and it shall be done.
Trust and obey, believe Him and say,
“I believe, I believe God.”
KJV: And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. NCV: And if you will believe what they said, you will believe that John is Elijah, whom they said would come. You people who can hear me, listen!
John the Baptist was the promised Elijah. John was to come first before the Messiah. John was Elijah, the fulfillment of the last prophecy of the Old Testament: “Behold, I send you Elijah” [Malachi]. God gave the clue; someone likes Elijah. Note: John was not Elijah in person, but he was like Elijah in spirit and power and work [Jn.1:21-23].
Some believe that John was the promised Elijah and some do not. Everyone knows the story of Elijah and he was an illustration of what John the Baptist would be like. This is what Jesus was talking about: “If ye will receive it.” To receive the truth means that a person also has to receive Jesus as the Messiah, the One whom John predicted. Jesus encouraged the people to listen to Him.
Dorothy: There was a reason why Jesus brought up John, the promised Elijah. The rest of the story from Matthew 11:16-24 related to the generations who did not believe John was the Elijah and then they could not believe Jesus was the Messiah either. They accused John as the devil and they also accused Jesus several bad things. Jesus mentioned the greater judgment falls on them because some of them did not believe that God had send a “forerunner,” the one came to announce the coming Messiah. God’s anger falls on those who do not believe that Christ is the Messiah. The word Messiah means “The Anointed One.” I have come to love this, “The Messiah!” Let us believe His Word and trust Him. Here’s a song to encourage us to sing, “I Believe God.”
I believe God, I believe God,
Ask what ye will and it shall be done.
Trust and obey, believe Him and say,
“I believe, I believe God.”
Monday, January 26, 2009
John the Baptist, the Last Prophet
Matthew 11:13 Jesus said:
KJV: For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. NCV: All the prophets and the Law of Moses told about what would happen until the time John came.
John the Baptist was the last of a long line of prophets who predicted the coming of the Messiah. John ended the age of Old Testament prophecy. John was “the bridge” that spanned from the predictions of the Messiah to the coming of the Messiah; “the bridge” that spanned the Old Testament to the New Testament. John the Baptist was the one whom God raised up to be the end of Old Testament time and the beginning of New Testament, the long line of new ministers to introduce the Messiah [2 Cor.3:6 …made us able ministers of the new testament]. Since the New Testament time the believers and ministers have spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, and also the Messiah is coming again.
Dictionary: Span [spanned] means distance of time from the beginning of Genesis 3:15, the first prophecy of Christ and through all the prophets of Old Testament predicted the coming Messiah until John’s time.
Dorothy: Jesus was telling the people of Israel during His time, “I am here now. I am the Messiah. John was the last prophet to tell you about My coming.” No wonder John was more than a prophet. He was the “bridge” for the Messiah. John was the last prophet to predict and introduce the Messiah. It was an honor for John to have Jesus spoke about him to the people. Truly John the Baptist was a “soldier for Christ.”
Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before;
Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle, See His banners go!
Chorus:
Onward Christian solders! Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
[Sabine Baring-Gould & Arthur S. Sullivan]
KJV: For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. NCV: All the prophets and the Law of Moses told about what would happen until the time John came.
John the Baptist was the last of a long line of prophets who predicted the coming of the Messiah. John ended the age of Old Testament prophecy. John was “the bridge” that spanned from the predictions of the Messiah to the coming of the Messiah; “the bridge” that spanned the Old Testament to the New Testament. John the Baptist was the one whom God raised up to be the end of Old Testament time and the beginning of New Testament, the long line of new ministers to introduce the Messiah [2 Cor.3:6 …made us able ministers of the new testament]. Since the New Testament time the believers and ministers have spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, and also the Messiah is coming again.
Dictionary: Span [spanned] means distance of time from the beginning of Genesis 3:15, the first prophecy of Christ and through all the prophets of Old Testament predicted the coming Messiah until John’s time.
Dorothy: Jesus was telling the people of Israel during His time, “I am here now. I am the Messiah. John was the last prophet to tell you about My coming.” No wonder John was more than a prophet. He was the “bridge” for the Messiah. John was the last prophet to predict and introduce the Messiah. It was an honor for John to have Jesus spoke about him to the people. Truly John the Baptist was a “soldier for Christ.”
Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before;
Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle, See His banners go!
Chorus:
Onward Christian solders! Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
[Sabine Baring-Gould & Arthur S. Sullivan]
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Heaven Suffer Violence
Matthew 11:12
NCV: Since the time John the Baptist came until now, the kingdom of heaven has been going forward in strength, and the people have been trying to take it by force. KJV: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
Luke 16:16
NCV: The law of Moses and the writings of the prophets were preached until John came. Since then the Good News about the kingdom of God is being told, and everyone tries to enter it by force. KJV: The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. AMP: Until John came, there were the Law and the prophets; since then the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God is being preached, and every one strives violently to go in—would force his (own way, rather than God’s) way into it.
John the Baptist stirred people to repentance and prepared them to meet the coming Messiah. There might have been a big excitement among the people of Israel for the long awaiting Messiah. Everyone wanted to be part of the Messiah’s ruling kingdom on earth. Satan was shaken badly who knew that Jesus had the power to overthrow Satan’s kingdom of this world. Satan fought and there were wars in spiritual realm. The people of Israel thought that the Messiah would take over and rule over Roman Empire and the whole world. A few times people tried to take Jesus by force to become the King of Israel, but Jesus quietly escaped. It wasn’t the right time. He had to die on the cross to save us from hell. He arose and went to heaven. He is coming back again and that is when it is the right time to rule the world when men have already accepted Christ as their personal Savior in their hearts.
Let us believe that He is coming and we diligently seek Him. Let us be strong like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Let us take up His cross daily and follow Him. Let us be renewed with God’s Word. Let us grow in Him. I pray that we all stay close to Jesus and grow in Him in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Song: Stand Up for Jesus
3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, Each piece put on with prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger, Be never wanting there.
[George Duffield & George James Webb]
NCV: Since the time John the Baptist came until now, the kingdom of heaven has been going forward in strength, and the people have been trying to take it by force. KJV: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
Luke 16:16
NCV: The law of Moses and the writings of the prophets were preached until John came. Since then the Good News about the kingdom of God is being told, and everyone tries to enter it by force. KJV: The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. AMP: Until John came, there were the Law and the prophets; since then the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom of God is being preached, and every one strives violently to go in—would force his (own way, rather than God’s) way into it.
John the Baptist stirred people to repentance and prepared them to meet the coming Messiah. There might have been a big excitement among the people of Israel for the long awaiting Messiah. Everyone wanted to be part of the Messiah’s ruling kingdom on earth. Satan was shaken badly who knew that Jesus had the power to overthrow Satan’s kingdom of this world. Satan fought and there were wars in spiritual realm. The people of Israel thought that the Messiah would take over and rule over Roman Empire and the whole world. A few times people tried to take Jesus by force to become the King of Israel, but Jesus quietly escaped. It wasn’t the right time. He had to die on the cross to save us from hell. He arose and went to heaven. He is coming back again and that is when it is the right time to rule the world when men have already accepted Christ as their personal Savior in their hearts.
Let us believe that He is coming and we diligently seek Him. Let us be strong like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Let us take up His cross daily and follow Him. Let us be renewed with God’s Word. Let us grow in Him. I pray that we all stay close to Jesus and grow in Him in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Song: Stand Up for Jesus
3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, Ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, Each piece put on with prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger, Be never wanting there.
[George Duffield & George James Webb]
Friday, January 23, 2009
John Is Greater!
Matthew 11:11
NCV: I tell you the truth, John the Baptist is greater than any other person ever born, but even the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. KJV: Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
John was the greatest man ever born of a woman. John was neither a prince nor a king. He was not a man of wealth, fame, or power. Who was he? He was a simple man who believed in the Messiah and who totally committed his life to that belief.
So what does Jesus means when there is a least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist? The people since the New Testament time may not have anything important like John announcing the coming Messiah, but God would find the humblest person who may have the privilege to be greater than John. Jesus did say something about this when the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus called a little child and had him stand among them. Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” [Matthew 18:1-4 NIV].
One of the song collections:
If you want to be great in God’s kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all.
If you want to be great in God’s kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all.
Learn to be servant of all, learn to be servant of all.
If you want to be great in God’s kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all . . .
God bless you!
NCV: I tell you the truth, John the Baptist is greater than any other person ever born, but even the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. KJV: Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
John was the greatest man ever born of a woman. John was neither a prince nor a king. He was not a man of wealth, fame, or power. Who was he? He was a simple man who believed in the Messiah and who totally committed his life to that belief.
So what does Jesus means when there is a least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist? The people since the New Testament time may not have anything important like John announcing the coming Messiah, but God would find the humblest person who may have the privilege to be greater than John. Jesus did say something about this when the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus called a little child and had him stand among them. Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” [Matthew 18:1-4 NIV].
One of the song collections:
If you want to be great in God’s kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all.
If you want to be great in God’s kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all.
Learn to be servant of all, learn to be servant of all.
If you want to be great in God’s kingdom,
then learn to be servant of all . . .
God bless you!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
More Than a Prophet
Matthew 11:9-10 NCV
So why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, and I tell you, John is more than a prophet. This was written about him: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare the way for you’ [Malachi 3:1].
John the Baptist was a prophet. He was chosen by God. He was chosen to proclaim the message of God. He was a man who God could trust and be faithful to the mission. John had the courage to proclaim God’s Word. Jesus said that John was more than a prophet. What does this mean? Very simply, his message included more than the message of the other prophets. John’s message was the heralding [announcing], the actual proclamation [telling everyone] that the Messiah had come. In this John had a greater job than all the prophets before John. The other prophets only saw the future of the Messiah’s coming, but John saw the Messiah in person. The Messiah came to John to be baptized in water. So it was John’s responsibility to tell everyone that this Messiah is the Lamb of God.
John was more than prophet: he was the subject of prophecy as well as the messenger. Isaiah and Malachi prophesy about John, “The voice cried out in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord” and “God will send messenger to prepare the way for Him.” And then in the book of Matthew, it was fulfilled, “John the Baptist came to preach repentance and prepared the people to meet the actual Messiah.” No other prophets did this. This is why John the Baptist was more than just a prophet. He was a messenger for Messiah.
Dorothy: I pray that the Holy Spirit open our spirit to grasp Jesus’ words. From this devotion, it was the first time I finally understood why Jesus said “John was more than a prophet.” John did not have to prophecy about Christ. It was the fulfillment that Christ had finally arrived. Whoa! He is the King of kings, He is the Lord of lords, the everlasting One, God’s beloved Son, The beginning and the end, the sinners’ only Friend, His name is Jesus. His name is Lord…
Song: He is the King
He is the King of kings; He is the Lord of lords,
The everlasting One, God’s beloved Son.
The Beginning and the End. The sinners’ only Friend.
His name is Jesus. His name is Lord…
So why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, and I tell you, John is more than a prophet. This was written about him: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare the way for you’ [Malachi 3:1].
John the Baptist was a prophet. He was chosen by God. He was chosen to proclaim the message of God. He was a man who God could trust and be faithful to the mission. John had the courage to proclaim God’s Word. Jesus said that John was more than a prophet. What does this mean? Very simply, his message included more than the message of the other prophets. John’s message was the heralding [announcing], the actual proclamation [telling everyone] that the Messiah had come. In this John had a greater job than all the prophets before John. The other prophets only saw the future of the Messiah’s coming, but John saw the Messiah in person. The Messiah came to John to be baptized in water. So it was John’s responsibility to tell everyone that this Messiah is the Lamb of God.
John was more than prophet: he was the subject of prophecy as well as the messenger. Isaiah and Malachi prophesy about John, “The voice cried out in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord” and “God will send messenger to prepare the way for Him.” And then in the book of Matthew, it was fulfilled, “John the Baptist came to preach repentance and prepared the people to meet the actual Messiah.” No other prophets did this. This is why John the Baptist was more than just a prophet. He was a messenger for Messiah.
Dorothy: I pray that the Holy Spirit open our spirit to grasp Jesus’ words. From this devotion, it was the first time I finally understood why Jesus said “John was more than a prophet.” John did not have to prophecy about Christ. It was the fulfillment that Christ had finally arrived. Whoa! He is the King of kings, He is the Lord of lords, the everlasting One, God’s beloved Son, The beginning and the end, the sinners’ only Friend, His name is Jesus. His name is Lord…
Song: He is the King
He is the King of kings; He is the Lord of lords,
The everlasting One, God’s beloved Son.
The Beginning and the End. The sinners’ only Friend.
His name is Jesus. His name is Lord…
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Soft Raiment
Matthew 11:8
KJV: But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. NCV: What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes live in kings’ palaces.
Jesus continues to pay tribute to John the Baptist. Jesus described what kind of a man John was. John was not a man who dressed up with soft raiment or clothing. He did not live in the kings’ houses to be lazy and be fed with fancy food and to take it easy. John was a man of discipline and self-denial even with foods.
In another scripture of Matthew 3:4 NCV: “John’s clothes were made from camel’s hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food, he ate locusts and wild honey.” John ate locusts? Yuck! Was that allowed? According to God’s law in Leviticus 11:22 KJV: “Even these of them ye [the prophet] may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.” Wow! God does allow that kind of eating for prophets who set themselves for God’s work.
In order to be a fine Spirit-filled Christian, it calls for a disciplined and self-denial life. Are you discipline to study God’s Word . . . in prayer life . . . in righteous living . . . bear forth spiritual foods? Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father we pray that we will listen to the Holy Spirit’s urges to help us keep in touch with You through prayers, through Your Words and helping others with their needs. Thank You for the story of John the Baptist that inspire us and give us a new enthusiasm to stay close to You in Jesus' name we pray. Amen!
Song: Stand Up for Jesus
2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict, In this His glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve Him, Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
[George Duffield & George James Webb]
KJV: But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. NCV: What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes live in kings’ palaces.
Jesus continues to pay tribute to John the Baptist. Jesus described what kind of a man John was. John was not a man who dressed up with soft raiment or clothing. He did not live in the kings’ houses to be lazy and be fed with fancy food and to take it easy. John was a man of discipline and self-denial even with foods.
In another scripture of Matthew 3:4 NCV: “John’s clothes were made from camel’s hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food, he ate locusts and wild honey.” John ate locusts? Yuck! Was that allowed? According to God’s law in Leviticus 11:22 KJV: “Even these of them ye [the prophet] may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.” Wow! God does allow that kind of eating for prophets who set themselves for God’s work.
In order to be a fine Spirit-filled Christian, it calls for a disciplined and self-denial life. Are you discipline to study God’s Word . . . in prayer life . . . in righteous living . . . bear forth spiritual foods? Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father we pray that we will listen to the Holy Spirit’s urges to help us keep in touch with You through prayers, through Your Words and helping others with their needs. Thank You for the story of John the Baptist that inspire us and give us a new enthusiasm to stay close to You in Jesus' name we pray. Amen!
Song: Stand Up for Jesus
2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict, In this His glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve Him, Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
[George Duffield & George James Webb]
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Reed Blown
Matthew 11:7 NCV
As John’s followers were leaving, Jesus began talking to the people about John. Jesus said, “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed blown by the wind?
Jesus was giving a tribute or respect to John the Baptist from Matthew 11:1-19. This statement interests me to study and share this devotion. Jesus meant that John was not like “a reed shaken with the wind.” John was not ordinary or weak like grass blown by the wind. He was referring to John’s righteous character and to his reputation as a preacher who refused to compromise his convictions. John preached God’s commandments without fear of others, never yielding to popular opinion. Herod’s sin was passed by in silence by all the Jewish authorities, but never for a moment by John. He rose against it as a rock, showing complete faithful to God and to His Word. He stood with God against sin, even though it cost him his life. John the Baptist gets a great reward in heaven.
Matthew 5:12 NCV
Rejoice and be glad, because you have great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember this verse that there is a reward waiting for us when we stand up for You and Your Word in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!
Song: Stand Up for Jesus
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye solders of the cross,
Lift high His royal banner, It must not suffer loss;
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed.
[Lyrics:George Duffied; Music:George James Webb]
As John’s followers were leaving, Jesus began talking to the people about John. Jesus said, “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed blown by the wind?
Jesus was giving a tribute or respect to John the Baptist from Matthew 11:1-19. This statement interests me to study and share this devotion. Jesus meant that John was not like “a reed shaken with the wind.” John was not ordinary or weak like grass blown by the wind. He was referring to John’s righteous character and to his reputation as a preacher who refused to compromise his convictions. John preached God’s commandments without fear of others, never yielding to popular opinion. Herod’s sin was passed by in silence by all the Jewish authorities, but never for a moment by John. He rose against it as a rock, showing complete faithful to God and to His Word. He stood with God against sin, even though it cost him his life. John the Baptist gets a great reward in heaven.
Matthew 5:12 NCV
Rejoice and be glad, because you have great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember this verse that there is a reward waiting for us when we stand up for You and Your Word in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!
Song: Stand Up for Jesus
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye solders of the cross,
Lift high His royal banner, It must not suffer loss;
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed.
[Lyrics:George Duffied; Music:George James Webb]
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Wilderness
Matthew 11:7a KJV
As they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see?
Jesus was giving a tribute or respect to John the Baptist from Matthew 11:1-19. John the Baptist through the messengers had just questioned if Jesus was the true Messiah. The questions had been asked in the presence of all. Some thought John was wavering in his faith, that he was weak and not consistent. The question began if Jesus was the true Messiah. It had affected the crowd and those who already believed that Jesus was the true Messiah that John claimed in his message. So now Jesus had to remind the people who John the Baptist was. There will be several short devotions to focus one topic at a time from the scripture what Jesus said about John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:5-6 NCV “Many people came from Jerusalem and Judea and all area around the Jordan River to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.” John ministered in the wilderness of Judea. This was not a desolate, desert-like area. It was a country area with at least six cities around, probably small communities or villages. God uses the wilderness (quiet places) to prepare John’s ministry for 15 years. When John began to preach, the gospel began in wilderness about the coming of the Messiah.
Quietness With God
There is one point that I could share and that is “Quietness” with God is important. Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” God has the very place for every one of us to serve. John’s place was in the wilderness; Christ’s place was in the cities and synagogues as well as the countryside. Where is your place that God has called you to? At home to pray? That is a great calling. Remember “Be still and know that I am God.” There is a message of a song:
In the Quiet of the Morning.
In the quiet of the morning, I will worship Your name.
I will lift my heart with singing, to praise You again.
For it fills my heart with gladness that remains through the day,
In the quiet of the morning, I will worship Your name.
[Music and Word: Couldn’t find the names]
As they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see?
Jesus was giving a tribute or respect to John the Baptist from Matthew 11:1-19. John the Baptist through the messengers had just questioned if Jesus was the true Messiah. The questions had been asked in the presence of all. Some thought John was wavering in his faith, that he was weak and not consistent. The question began if Jesus was the true Messiah. It had affected the crowd and those who already believed that Jesus was the true Messiah that John claimed in his message. So now Jesus had to remind the people who John the Baptist was. There will be several short devotions to focus one topic at a time from the scripture what Jesus said about John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:5-6 NCV “Many people came from Jerusalem and Judea and all area around the Jordan River to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.” John ministered in the wilderness of Judea. This was not a desolate, desert-like area. It was a country area with at least six cities around, probably small communities or villages. God uses the wilderness (quiet places) to prepare John’s ministry for 15 years. When John began to preach, the gospel began in wilderness about the coming of the Messiah.
Quietness With God
There is one point that I could share and that is “Quietness” with God is important. Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” God has the very place for every one of us to serve. John’s place was in the wilderness; Christ’s place was in the cities and synagogues as well as the countryside. Where is your place that God has called you to? At home to pray? That is a great calling. Remember “Be still and know that I am God.” There is a message of a song:
In the Quiet of the Morning.
In the quiet of the morning, I will worship Your name.
I will lift my heart with singing, to praise You again.
For it fills my heart with gladness that remains through the day,
In the quiet of the morning, I will worship Your name.
[Music and Word: Couldn’t find the names]
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Art Thou Christ? 3
John the Baptist asked “Are you the One?”
Matthew 11:1-6 NCV: After Jesus finished telling these things to his twelve followers, he left there and went to the town in Galilee to teach and preach. John the Baptist was in prison, but he heard about what Christ was doing. So John sent some of his followers to Jesus. They asked him, “Are you the One who is to come, or should we wait for someone else?” Jesus answered them, “Go tell John what you hear and see: The blind can see, the crippled can walk, and the people with skin diseases are healed. The deaf can hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is preached to the poor. Those who do not stumble in their faith because of me are blessed.”
Why was John the Baptist in prison?
Matthew 14:3-5 NCV: Sometimes before this, Herod had arrested John, tied him up, and put him into prison. Herod did this because of Herodias, who had been the wife of Philip, Herod’s brother. John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful (not permitted) for you to be married to Herodias.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they believed John was a prophet.
Now John the Baptist had heard what Jesus was doing. He asked question if Jesus is the One or should he look for another. Have you wonder why John seems to be in doubt whether or not if Christ was the really Messiah? John wondered why he was in prison when he may have thought Christ came to rule and John the Baptist would be set free from prison, but Jesus didn’t do that. John may have been in doubt if he had truly introduced the “right Messiah”.
Jesus understood John the Baptist and told his followers to tell him the Good News. The powerful proof that Jesus could give to John the Baptist was miracle of healings that had never been done before. This would prove He is the Christ and helped John to believe that God was doing His work, His way. John the Baptist was satisfied and later on he died.
Have you ever been in doubt of Him whether He is Christ or not? Jesus’ answer is simple, “Search the Scriptures for they speak of Me.” Now all 66 books of the Bible do speak of Christ. Jesus encourages us to search and study the Scriptures to help us believe, and not be in doubt. The Bible is a wonderful book to study and helps us to “see” God in action and Holy Spirit makes the Word of God alive in our hearts and in our spirits. May God bless you today.
Matthew 11:1-6 NCV: After Jesus finished telling these things to his twelve followers, he left there and went to the town in Galilee to teach and preach. John the Baptist was in prison, but he heard about what Christ was doing. So John sent some of his followers to Jesus. They asked him, “Are you the One who is to come, or should we wait for someone else?” Jesus answered them, “Go tell John what you hear and see: The blind can see, the crippled can walk, and the people with skin diseases are healed. The deaf can hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is preached to the poor. Those who do not stumble in their faith because of me are blessed.”
Why was John the Baptist in prison?
Matthew 14:3-5 NCV: Sometimes before this, Herod had arrested John, tied him up, and put him into prison. Herod did this because of Herodias, who had been the wife of Philip, Herod’s brother. John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful (not permitted) for you to be married to Herodias.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they believed John was a prophet.
Now John the Baptist had heard what Jesus was doing. He asked question if Jesus is the One or should he look for another. Have you wonder why John seems to be in doubt whether or not if Christ was the really Messiah? John wondered why he was in prison when he may have thought Christ came to rule and John the Baptist would be set free from prison, but Jesus didn’t do that. John may have been in doubt if he had truly introduced the “right Messiah”.
Jesus understood John the Baptist and told his followers to tell him the Good News. The powerful proof that Jesus could give to John the Baptist was miracle of healings that had never been done before. This would prove He is the Christ and helped John to believe that God was doing His work, His way. John the Baptist was satisfied and later on he died.
Have you ever been in doubt of Him whether He is Christ or not? Jesus’ answer is simple, “Search the Scriptures for they speak of Me.” Now all 66 books of the Bible do speak of Christ. Jesus encourages us to search and study the Scriptures to help us believe, and not be in doubt. The Bible is a wonderful book to study and helps us to “see” God in action and Holy Spirit makes the Word of God alive in our hearts and in our spirits. May God bless you today.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Art Thou Christ? 2
Religious Leaders Question John the Baptist, ‘Who are you?’
John 1:19-28 NCV
Here is the truth John told when the Jews in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” John spoke freely and did not refuse to answer. He said, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He answered, “No, I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” they asked. He answered, “No.” Then they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to tell those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? John told them in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am the voice of one calling out in the desert: ’Make the road straight for the Lord.’” (Isaiah 40:3) Some of the Pharisees who had been sent asked John: “If you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet, why do you baptize people?” John answered, “I baptize with water, but there is one here with you that you don’t know about. He is the One who comes after me. I am not good enough to untie the strings of his sandals.” This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing people.
The priests, Levites, and Pharisees had been questioning John over and over if he is the Christ whom they were waiting for. Everyone in Israel was expecting the Messiah and they had assumed that John was the Christ. He kept telling them over and over that he is not the Christ. John quoted Isaiah 40:3 that he was ‘the voice’ to introduce the coming Messiah, the Christ. Jesus grew up among them and they didn’t know He was the one. Can you imagine that? Jesus was among the people all His life and they had no clue that was really HIM! Even Jesus’ own brothers didn’t know it. It was like they would say, ‘Him? Nah, He’s too human. We grew up with Him. He ate with us. He slept with us. He played with us. He teased us. He gets tired. He works as a carpenter. Him, the Messiah? No way!’ [Note: Jesus appeared to His brothers later and they finally believed that He was the Christ before He ascended to heaven.]
John 1:29-34 NCV: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him. John said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the One I was talking about when I said, ‘A man come after me, but he is greater than I am, because he was living before me.’ Even I did not know who he was, although I came baptizing with water so that the people of Israel would know who he is.” Then John said, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven in the form of a dove and rest on him. Until then I did not know who the Christ was. But the God who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘You will see the Spirit come down and rest on a man; he is the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen this happen, and I tell you the truth: This man is the Son of God.”
It took John’s testimony to tell the people about Jesus. The whole 39 books of the Old Testament foretold the coming of Christ and He was finally ‘here.’ The whole books of the Bible were all about Christ. Boy, doesn’t that blow your mind? [To be continued]
John 1:19-28 NCV
Here is the truth John told when the Jews in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” John spoke freely and did not refuse to answer. He said, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He answered, “No, I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” they asked. He answered, “No.” Then they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to tell those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? John told them in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am the voice of one calling out in the desert: ’Make the road straight for the Lord.’” (Isaiah 40:3) Some of the Pharisees who had been sent asked John: “If you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet, why do you baptize people?” John answered, “I baptize with water, but there is one here with you that you don’t know about. He is the One who comes after me. I am not good enough to untie the strings of his sandals.” This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing people.
The priests, Levites, and Pharisees had been questioning John over and over if he is the Christ whom they were waiting for. Everyone in Israel was expecting the Messiah and they had assumed that John was the Christ. He kept telling them over and over that he is not the Christ. John quoted Isaiah 40:3 that he was ‘the voice’ to introduce the coming Messiah, the Christ. Jesus grew up among them and they didn’t know He was the one. Can you imagine that? Jesus was among the people all His life and they had no clue that was really HIM! Even Jesus’ own brothers didn’t know it. It was like they would say, ‘Him? Nah, He’s too human. We grew up with Him. He ate with us. He slept with us. He played with us. He teased us. He gets tired. He works as a carpenter. Him, the Messiah? No way!’ [Note: Jesus appeared to His brothers later and they finally believed that He was the Christ before He ascended to heaven.]
John 1:29-34 NCV: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him. John said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the One I was talking about when I said, ‘A man come after me, but he is greater than I am, because he was living before me.’ Even I did not know who he was, although I came baptizing with water so that the people of Israel would know who he is.” Then John said, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven in the form of a dove and rest on him. Until then I did not know who the Christ was. But the God who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘You will see the Spirit come down and rest on a man; he is the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen this happen, and I tell you the truth: This man is the Son of God.”
It took John’s testimony to tell the people about Jesus. The whole 39 books of the Old Testament foretold the coming of Christ and He was finally ‘here.’ The whole books of the Bible were all about Christ. Boy, doesn’t that blow your mind? [To be continued]
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Art Thou Christ?
Luke 3:15
NCV: Since the people were hoping for the Christ to come, they wondered if John might be the one. John 3:28 You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.’
What make this people wondered whether or not if John the Baptist was the expectant One that is to come, the Messiah? It starts with John 3:22-26 that Jesus and his followers went into the area of Judea and baptizing the people. John the Baptist was also baptizing people nearby because there was plenty of water. His followers told John the Baptist that everyone was coming to Christ and being water baptized. There were more numbers of people coming to Christ than John. John the Baptist had an answer.
John 3:27-30 NCV: John answered, “A man can get only what God gives him. You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.’ The bride belongs only to the bridegroom. But the friend who helps the bridegroom stands by and listens to him. He is thrilled that he gets to hear the bridegroom’s voice. In the same way, I am really happy. He must become greater, and I must become less important.
John’s Testimony to Jesus
John 3:31-36 NCV: The One who comes from above is greater than all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and talks about things on the earth. But the One who comes from heaven is greater than all. He tells what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts what he says. Whoever accepts what he says has proven that God is true. The One whom God sent speaks the words of God, because God gives him the Spirit fully. The Father loves the Son and has given him power over everything. Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life. God’s anger stays on them.
John the Baptist quoted from John 3:30 KJV: He must increase, but I must decrease. NCV quoted, ‘He must become greater, and I must become less important.’ John the Baptist is a true prophet who would admit that he is not the Christ and a perfect example who would exalt Christ. Why is this important? Because in Luke 21:8 Jesus said, ‘Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ… go ye not therefore after them.’ Let us hear the words of Christ and prepare our hearts to watch out for those who might try to deceive us. Satan is out to destroy us. Prayers will keep us close to God and be filled with Holy Spirit. May God bless you.
[To be continued]
NCV: Since the people were hoping for the Christ to come, they wondered if John might be the one. John 3:28 You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.’
What make this people wondered whether or not if John the Baptist was the expectant One that is to come, the Messiah? It starts with John 3:22-26 that Jesus and his followers went into the area of Judea and baptizing the people. John the Baptist was also baptizing people nearby because there was plenty of water. His followers told John the Baptist that everyone was coming to Christ and being water baptized. There were more numbers of people coming to Christ than John. John the Baptist had an answer.
John 3:27-30 NCV: John answered, “A man can get only what God gives him. You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.’ The bride belongs only to the bridegroom. But the friend who helps the bridegroom stands by and listens to him. He is thrilled that he gets to hear the bridegroom’s voice. In the same way, I am really happy. He must become greater, and I must become less important.
John’s Testimony to Jesus
John 3:31-36 NCV: The One who comes from above is greater than all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and talks about things on the earth. But the One who comes from heaven is greater than all. He tells what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts what he says. Whoever accepts what he says has proven that God is true. The One whom God sent speaks the words of God, because God gives him the Spirit fully. The Father loves the Son and has given him power over everything. Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life. God’s anger stays on them.
John the Baptist quoted from John 3:30 KJV: He must increase, but I must decrease. NCV quoted, ‘He must become greater, and I must become less important.’ John the Baptist is a true prophet who would admit that he is not the Christ and a perfect example who would exalt Christ. Why is this important? Because in Luke 21:8 Jesus said, ‘Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ… go ye not therefore after them.’ Let us hear the words of Christ and prepare our hearts to watch out for those who might try to deceive us. Satan is out to destroy us. Prayers will keep us close to God and be filled with Holy Spirit. May God bless you.
[To be continued]
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
John the Baptist’s Insight
Matthew 3:1, 8,9
NCV: v1. About that time John the Baptist began preaching in the desert area of Judea. v8. Do the things that show you really have changed your hearts and lives. v9. And don’t think you can say to yourselves, ‘Abraham is our father.’ I tell you that God could make children for Abraham from these rocks.
Matt. 3:9 AMP: And do not presume to say to yourselves, We have Abraham for our forefather; for I tell you God is able to raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones!
John the Baptist began his ministry as ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness’ and he was bringing attention to the people to get ready for the Messiah to come. He was quoting from Isaiah, the prophet prophesied about him. This brought attention to many of the Pharisees and Sadducees and other religious leaders who came to hear him preach. As they were listening to John the Baptist’s preaching about ‘bring forth fruits meet for repentance,’ they thought to themselves and said, ‘We are descendants of Abraham. We are important people. We do not need to repent and be water baptized. We just came to find out if he is the Messiah and would help Israel to rule the nations and force all people to obey God’s law. We have the law of Moses as well.’
John the Baptist, the prophet had an insight of their thoughts. God opened his spiritual eyes and John the Baptist read their thoughts. He rebuked them for thinking that just because they were from ‘Abraham’s descendants, they did not need to repent or change their lives.’ Do you ever wonder what John the Baptist meant when he quoted, “God is able to raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones?” This was really an insult to the religious leaders. It meant that God can turn the stones which are nothing to become people and to say they were from Abraham. Their being so religious that kept them from repentance do not save them from the ‘wrath of God.’ John the Baptist warned them that if they do not repent and show forth good fruit, they would be cut down and cast into hell. This is an ‘ouch, ouch’!
John the Baptist as a prophet had an insight of their thoughts and nothing was hidden from God. This story reminds us that our hidden thoughts are open to God and let us repent whatever our thoughts may not be pleasing to God. My favorite verse from the Bible: James 4:10 “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.” Holy Spirit often reminds me of James 4:10 to correct my secret thoughts and keep me from judging others. Keep yourself humble before the Lord even if others have wrong you or hurt you. The Lord will bless you and He will lift you up into His presence of joy.
NCV: v1. About that time John the Baptist began preaching in the desert area of Judea. v8. Do the things that show you really have changed your hearts and lives. v9. And don’t think you can say to yourselves, ‘Abraham is our father.’ I tell you that God could make children for Abraham from these rocks.
Matt. 3:9 AMP: And do not presume to say to yourselves, We have Abraham for our forefather; for I tell you God is able to raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones!
John the Baptist began his ministry as ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness’ and he was bringing attention to the people to get ready for the Messiah to come. He was quoting from Isaiah, the prophet prophesied about him. This brought attention to many of the Pharisees and Sadducees and other religious leaders who came to hear him preach. As they were listening to John the Baptist’s preaching about ‘bring forth fruits meet for repentance,’ they thought to themselves and said, ‘We are descendants of Abraham. We are important people. We do not need to repent and be water baptized. We just came to find out if he is the Messiah and would help Israel to rule the nations and force all people to obey God’s law. We have the law of Moses as well.’
John the Baptist, the prophet had an insight of their thoughts. God opened his spiritual eyes and John the Baptist read their thoughts. He rebuked them for thinking that just because they were from ‘Abraham’s descendants, they did not need to repent or change their lives.’ Do you ever wonder what John the Baptist meant when he quoted, “God is able to raise up descendants for Abraham from these stones?” This was really an insult to the religious leaders. It meant that God can turn the stones which are nothing to become people and to say they were from Abraham. Their being so religious that kept them from repentance do not save them from the ‘wrath of God.’ John the Baptist warned them that if they do not repent and show forth good fruit, they would be cut down and cast into hell. This is an ‘ouch, ouch’!
John the Baptist as a prophet had an insight of their thoughts and nothing was hidden from God. This story reminds us that our hidden thoughts are open to God and let us repent whatever our thoughts may not be pleasing to God. My favorite verse from the Bible: James 4:10 “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.” Holy Spirit often reminds me of James 4:10 to correct my secret thoughts and keep me from judging others. Keep yourself humble before the Lord even if others have wrong you or hurt you. The Lord will bless you and He will lift you up into His presence of joy.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Faith in the Son of God
I John 5:1-5 NCV
FIVE QUESTION TO ASK YOU.
1. What do you believe?
v1. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is God’s child, and whoever loves the Father also loves the Father’s children.
2. How do you know?
v2. This is how we know we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands.
3. What action can you prove?
v3. Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us,
4. How do you conquer the world?
v4. because everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world—our faith.
5. How do you win against the world?
v5. So the one who wins against the world is the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
BELIEVE . . . LOVE.
True faith will show our thankfulness to and love for the Father and Jesus Christ His Son. So faith and love comes together, and they cannot be separated. Why? Because when we are born of God, the Holy Spirit pours forth the love of God into our hearts.
BY THIS WE KNOW.
KJV says in verse 2, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments.” Love for others is a true Christian love only if it comes together, love for God and keeps His commandments.
OVERCOME THE WORLD . . . OUR FAITH.
There are lots of problems in this world that could “scare” us what future holds for us. This is where we need our faith to overcome the world’s problem and keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ through constant prayers and study His Word and let it dwell in our hearts to have complete trust in Him.
Dorothy:
The purpose of five questions would help us to know what we believe and be able to stand upon the Word of God against false teachings. John talks a lot about false teachers and how to watch out for it. I like this short song that helps us to stand for Him.
Song: CHRIST FOR ME
Christ for me, yes it’s Christ for me,
He’s my Saviour, my Lord and King;
I’m so happy I shout and sing;
Every day as I go my way it is Christ for me.
[Words & Music by Alex Burns]
FIVE QUESTION TO ASK YOU.
1. What do you believe?
v1. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is God’s child, and whoever loves the Father also loves the Father’s children.
2. How do you know?
v2. This is how we know we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands.
3. What action can you prove?
v3. Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us,
4. How do you conquer the world?
v4. because everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world—our faith.
5. How do you win against the world?
v5. So the one who wins against the world is the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
BELIEVE . . . LOVE.
True faith will show our thankfulness to and love for the Father and Jesus Christ His Son. So faith and love comes together, and they cannot be separated. Why? Because when we are born of God, the Holy Spirit pours forth the love of God into our hearts.
BY THIS WE KNOW.
KJV says in verse 2, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments.” Love for others is a true Christian love only if it comes together, love for God and keeps His commandments.
OVERCOME THE WORLD . . . OUR FAITH.
There are lots of problems in this world that could “scare” us what future holds for us. This is where we need our faith to overcome the world’s problem and keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ through constant prayers and study His Word and let it dwell in our hearts to have complete trust in Him.
Dorothy:
The purpose of five questions would help us to know what we believe and be able to stand upon the Word of God against false teachings. John talks a lot about false teachers and how to watch out for it. I like this short song that helps us to stand for Him.
Song: CHRIST FOR ME
Christ for me, yes it’s Christ for me,
He’s my Saviour, my Lord and King;
I’m so happy I shout and sing;
Every day as I go my way it is Christ for me.
[Words & Music by Alex Burns]
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Malachi Prophecy Elijah
Malachi 4:5-6a NCV
But I will send you Elijah the prophet before that great and terrifying day of the Lord’s judging. v6. Elijah will help parents love their children and the children love their parents.
Note: Malachi prophesies that Elijah would come and minister before the coming day of the Lord. The New Testament reveals that this prophecy refers to John the Baptist, who, “in the spirit and power of Elijah,” prepared the way for the Messiah.
Luke 1:16-17 Angel spoke to Zechariah about John being like Elijah.
And he will turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the Spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children and the disobedient to the attitudes of the righteous so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. [New American Standard]
Matthew 11:13-14 NCV
All the prophets and the Law of Moses told about what would happen until the time John came. And if you will believe that John is Elijah, whom they said would come.
Dorothy:
I find this interesting because I notice how they fit together about the theme: Elijah, the prophet who refers to John the Baptist. Malachi was the last 39th books of the Bible to talk about the coming of the “Elijah” and he was to prepare the way of the Lord. John the Baptist like Elijah preached to the people to turn their hearts back to the Lord. At those times, John the Baptist focused on the families to get right with God and each other. John encouraged the fathers to love their children by praying for them and teaching them God’s word. Pastors, like John the Baptist is to prepare the people for the Lord’s coming again.
What this means to me?
I was inspired how the Lord arranged things. After the book of Malachi, there was silent for 400 years. In the book of Luke, the angel Gabriel met with Zechariah and he was to name a son, John and he was to introduce Christ to the people. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells us that now He is the One whom all the prophets prophesied about Him. It is like Jesus is saying, “Hey, this is Me. I am finally here.” Oh, the wonder of it all just to think how God loves you and me.
But I will send you Elijah the prophet before that great and terrifying day of the Lord’s judging. v6. Elijah will help parents love their children and the children love their parents.
Note: Malachi prophesies that Elijah would come and minister before the coming day of the Lord. The New Testament reveals that this prophecy refers to John the Baptist, who, “in the spirit and power of Elijah,” prepared the way for the Messiah.
Luke 1:16-17 Angel spoke to Zechariah about John being like Elijah.
And he will turn back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the Spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children and the disobedient to the attitudes of the righteous so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. [New American Standard]
Matthew 11:13-14 NCV
All the prophets and the Law of Moses told about what would happen until the time John came. And if you will believe that John is Elijah, whom they said would come.
Dorothy:
I find this interesting because I notice how they fit together about the theme: Elijah, the prophet who refers to John the Baptist. Malachi was the last 39th books of the Bible to talk about the coming of the “Elijah” and he was to prepare the way of the Lord. John the Baptist like Elijah preached to the people to turn their hearts back to the Lord. At those times, John the Baptist focused on the families to get right with God and each other. John encouraged the fathers to love their children by praying for them and teaching them God’s word. Pastors, like John the Baptist is to prepare the people for the Lord’s coming again.
What this means to me?
I was inspired how the Lord arranged things. After the book of Malachi, there was silent for 400 years. In the book of Luke, the angel Gabriel met with Zechariah and he was to name a son, John and he was to introduce Christ to the people. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells us that now He is the One whom all the prophets prophesied about Him. It is like Jesus is saying, “Hey, this is Me. I am finally here.” Oh, the wonder of it all just to think how God loves you and me.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Elijah, the Prophet 3
Theme: A True Prophet's Characters, Elijah.
Story from1 King 19:1-7 and 1 King 19:8-14,18. See part 2 for reading.
King Ahab returned home to tell his wife, Jezebel, the Queen all that Elijah had done. This anger Jezebel which she wanted to kill Elijah because he had all 850 false prophets killed. Elijah escaped from her and went on a long trip to south. This story is interested because there is a difference between the false prophets and the true prophet, Elijah. What kind of a person was the Old Testament prophet like? Since we read the story of Elijah, I would like to share few of the examples, the kind of character the true prophet have.
First, Elijah was a person who had a close relationship with God and Elijah became God’s confident. God could trust Elijah to do the job He asked him to. Secondly, since Elijah was close to God, Elijah was in sympathy with God because God was suffering because of the sins of His people. Elijah not only heard God’s voice but also felt His heart, and experienced His emotional reactions of anger toward sins. Elijah understood God’s purpose, will and desires. Thirdly, Elijah like God, deeply loved the people of Israel. When the people were hurting, the true prophet felt the deep pain. The true prophet wanted God’s best for them and the messages was not only a warnings but also words of hope and comfort. Fourth, Elijah put his complete trust in God and he was loyal to God. A true prophet warned against trusting in other things, such as human wisdom, wealth, power, or other gods. Elijah, like a true prophet continued to encourage the people to live by God’s covenant in order to receive God’s redemptive blessings. Fifth, Elijah, the true prophet had a deep sensitivity to sin and evil. A true prophet shared God’s love of righteousness and His hatred of iniquity or sins. Sixth, Elijah was totally dedicated to God and he hated halfhearted commitment, shunned the middle road, and demanded complete faithfulness to God. Elijah, constantly challenged the people of Israel to worship only God of Israel and not turn to other gods. Seven, Elijah was in conflicts with false prophets who often predict peace, prosperity and security for God’s sinful people. Elijah was often a man of loneliness because he was willing to stand alone for God. Finally, Elijah had succeed changed the hearts of people to choose God only. That is a character of a true prophet of the Old Testament. Since 2000 years ago, it still applies to a “true prophet, true preacher, true teacher and a true Christian who helped others to turn their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.”
The purpose of these characters of a true prophet helped us to see the difference between the false prophets, and false teachers. Jesus spoke a lot about them. So I pray that the Holy Spirit will open our spiritual eyes to be able to compare our characters with Elijah's characters and be changed through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' name. Amen! God loves you and so do I.
Story from1 King 19:1-7 and 1 King 19:8-14,18. See part 2 for reading.
King Ahab returned home to tell his wife, Jezebel, the Queen all that Elijah had done. This anger Jezebel which she wanted to kill Elijah because he had all 850 false prophets killed. Elijah escaped from her and went on a long trip to south. This story is interested because there is a difference between the false prophets and the true prophet, Elijah. What kind of a person was the Old Testament prophet like? Since we read the story of Elijah, I would like to share few of the examples, the kind of character the true prophet have.
First, Elijah was a person who had a close relationship with God and Elijah became God’s confident. God could trust Elijah to do the job He asked him to. Secondly, since Elijah was close to God, Elijah was in sympathy with God because God was suffering because of the sins of His people. Elijah not only heard God’s voice but also felt His heart, and experienced His emotional reactions of anger toward sins. Elijah understood God’s purpose, will and desires. Thirdly, Elijah like God, deeply loved the people of Israel. When the people were hurting, the true prophet felt the deep pain. The true prophet wanted God’s best for them and the messages was not only a warnings but also words of hope and comfort. Fourth, Elijah put his complete trust in God and he was loyal to God. A true prophet warned against trusting in other things, such as human wisdom, wealth, power, or other gods. Elijah, like a true prophet continued to encourage the people to live by God’s covenant in order to receive God’s redemptive blessings. Fifth, Elijah, the true prophet had a deep sensitivity to sin and evil. A true prophet shared God’s love of righteousness and His hatred of iniquity or sins. Sixth, Elijah was totally dedicated to God and he hated halfhearted commitment, shunned the middle road, and demanded complete faithfulness to God. Elijah, constantly challenged the people of Israel to worship only God of Israel and not turn to other gods. Seven, Elijah was in conflicts with false prophets who often predict peace, prosperity and security for God’s sinful people. Elijah was often a man of loneliness because he was willing to stand alone for God. Finally, Elijah had succeed changed the hearts of people to choose God only. That is a character of a true prophet of the Old Testament. Since 2000 years ago, it still applies to a “true prophet, true preacher, true teacher and a true Christian who helped others to turn their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.”
The purpose of these characters of a true prophet helped us to see the difference between the false prophets, and false teachers. Jesus spoke a lot about them. So I pray that the Holy Spirit will open our spiritual eyes to be able to compare our characters with Elijah's characters and be changed through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' name. Amen! God loves you and so do I.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Elijah, the Prophet 2
Theme: I Am the Only Prophet Left.
I King 19:1-7 KJV
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. v2. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. v3. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. v4. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. v5. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. v6. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. v7. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
The Lord Speaks to Elijah.
I King 19:8-14,18 NCV
v8. So Elijah got up and ate and drank. The food made him strong enough to walk for forty days and nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. v9. there Elijah went into a cave and stayed all night. Then the Lord spoke his word to him: “Elijah! Why are you here?” v10. He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I have always served you as well as I could. But the people of Israel have broken their agreement with you, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with swords. I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” v11. The Lord said to Elijah, “Go, stand in front of me on the mountain, and I will pass by you.” Then a very strong wind blew until it caused the mountains to fall apart and large rocks to break in front of the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. v12. After the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a quiet, gentle sound. v13. When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat and went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. Then a voice said to him, “Elijah! Why are you here?” v14. He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I have always served you as well as I could. But the people of Israel have broken their agreement with you, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with swords. I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” v18. I have seven thousand people left in Israel who have never bowed down before Baal and whose mouths have not kissed his idol.” [Verse 15-17 God gave Elijah a job to do: to anoint two future kings and Elisha, the new prophet].
Continued to Elijah, the Prophet 3
I King 19:1-7 KJV
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. v2. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. v3. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. v4. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. v5. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. v6. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. v7. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.
The Lord Speaks to Elijah.
I King 19:8-14,18 NCV
v8. So Elijah got up and ate and drank. The food made him strong enough to walk for forty days and nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. v9. there Elijah went into a cave and stayed all night. Then the Lord spoke his word to him: “Elijah! Why are you here?” v10. He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I have always served you as well as I could. But the people of Israel have broken their agreement with you, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with swords. I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” v11. The Lord said to Elijah, “Go, stand in front of me on the mountain, and I will pass by you.” Then a very strong wind blew until it caused the mountains to fall apart and large rocks to break in front of the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. v12. After the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a quiet, gentle sound. v13. When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat and went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. Then a voice said to him, “Elijah! Why are you here?” v14. He answered, “Lord God All-Powerful, I have always served you as well as I could. But the people of Israel have broken their agreement with you, destroyed your altars, and killed your prophets with swords. I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” v18. I have seven thousand people left in Israel who have never bowed down before Baal and whose mouths have not kissed his idol.” [Verse 15-17 God gave Elijah a job to do: to anoint two future kings and Elisha, the new prophet].
Continued to Elijah, the Prophet 3
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Elijah, the Prophet
I King 18:36-40 NCV
At the time for the evening sacrifice, the prophet Elijah went near the altar. “Lord, you are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,” he prayed. “Prove that you are the God of Israel and that I am your servant. Show these people that you commanded me to do all these things. Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that you, Lord are God and that you will change their minds.” Then fire from the Lord came down and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. It also dried up the water in the ditch. When all the people saw this, they fell down to the ground, crying, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” Then Elijah said, “Capture the prophets of Baal! Don’t let any of them run away!” The people captured all the prophets. Then Elijah led them down to the Kishon Valley, where he killed them.
Thou Hast Turned Their Heart Back Again
[I Kings 18:37b KJV].
Elijah was a man of God and a prophet. He challenged the people of Israel to make up their mind who to worship: Baal or the God of Israel. The people did not respond. He challenged the King Ahab, all the people of Israel, 450 priests of Baal worshipers and 400 prophets of the groves (worship idols) to go up to Mount Carmel to set up both altars, Baal’s and Elijah’s [I King 18:19-20]. Elijah’s goal was to turn the people of Israel’s hearts back to God again. This was the true character of a prophet: to help the people to worship God only. The false prophets, 850 of them seem like a winner because of the numbers, 850 against one person Elijah. Elijah had the courage to stand alone and he put his faith in God. The false prophets had done their work of praying to the Baal all day and no fire came at all. It was now Elijah’s turn to pray to the only God of Israel. When he prayed the fire came down.
When the people saw the fire from the Lord came down and consumed (burned) the altar, the people of Israel changed their mind to worship the true God and not the Baal. I want you to notice something here. It took a “fire from the Lord” to get people’s attention that God, alone was greater than Baal and to show the people of Israel that 850 false prophets were wrong to worship Baal and other idols. It just took Elijah’s challenge for people to see the power of God and God helped the people of Israel to change their hearts back to God. Soon after, 850 false prophets were killed under the Law of Moses. So God alone is to be worshipped. This story reminds me of a short song: He is Lord.
He is Lord, He is Lord, He has risen from the dead and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow. Every tongue (language) confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. [God loves you and so do I].
At the time for the evening sacrifice, the prophet Elijah went near the altar. “Lord, you are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,” he prayed. “Prove that you are the God of Israel and that I am your servant. Show these people that you commanded me to do all these things. Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that you, Lord are God and that you will change their minds.” Then fire from the Lord came down and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. It also dried up the water in the ditch. When all the people saw this, they fell down to the ground, crying, “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” Then Elijah said, “Capture the prophets of Baal! Don’t let any of them run away!” The people captured all the prophets. Then Elijah led them down to the Kishon Valley, where he killed them.
Thou Hast Turned Their Heart Back Again
[I Kings 18:37b KJV].
Elijah was a man of God and a prophet. He challenged the people of Israel to make up their mind who to worship: Baal or the God of Israel. The people did not respond. He challenged the King Ahab, all the people of Israel, 450 priests of Baal worshipers and 400 prophets of the groves (worship idols) to go up to Mount Carmel to set up both altars, Baal’s and Elijah’s [I King 18:19-20]. Elijah’s goal was to turn the people of Israel’s hearts back to God again. This was the true character of a prophet: to help the people to worship God only. The false prophets, 850 of them seem like a winner because of the numbers, 850 against one person Elijah. Elijah had the courage to stand alone and he put his faith in God. The false prophets had done their work of praying to the Baal all day and no fire came at all. It was now Elijah’s turn to pray to the only God of Israel. When he prayed the fire came down.
When the people saw the fire from the Lord came down and consumed (burned) the altar, the people of Israel changed their mind to worship the true God and not the Baal. I want you to notice something here. It took a “fire from the Lord” to get people’s attention that God, alone was greater than Baal and to show the people of Israel that 850 false prophets were wrong to worship Baal and other idols. It just took Elijah’s challenge for people to see the power of God and God helped the people of Israel to change their hearts back to God. Soon after, 850 false prophets were killed under the Law of Moses. So God alone is to be worshipped. This story reminds me of a short song: He is Lord.
He is Lord, He is Lord, He has risen from the dead and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow. Every tongue (language) confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. [God loves you and so do I].
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