Responsibility ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Amos 1:1-2:5 / NT - Matthew 27:1-26

"When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!”" -- Matthew 27:24-25

In the spring of 2009, a decision was handed down concerning a rape case in New York City. After a woman was raped repeatedly in the view of two NYC transit employees, the judge ruled that they had no obligation to do anything to help her other than to signal their superiors that police were needed at the station. The case is reminiscent of the Kitty Genovese murder in 1964, when a number of neighbors watched the stabbing without responding with help. When is someone expected to be responsible?

Social responsibility may be open to discussion, but spiritual responsibility is another matter entirely. When each person stands before God after they breathe their last, one question will be asked. "What have you done, in response to my Son?" Pilate wanted to be innocent of the blood of Jesus, but was that possible? Since "all have sinned" (Romans 3:23) and only "the blood of Jesus... purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:7) "...how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3) Eventually, every individual person will be held responsible.

Have you found ways to "pass the buck"? Is the concept of personal responsibility archaic and  irrelevant to you? Are you aware that you have already made a decision about Jesus Christ, and you are responsible? John said it in 1 John 5:12, "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." What have you done, in response to the Son? The truth is; no one is innocent and everyone is responsible.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Amos 2:6-3:15 / NT - Matt. 27:27-44

Make a Difference ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 8 / NT - Matthew 26:57-75

"And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end." - Matthew 26:58

I always marvel at the vast number of onlookers that collect when an tragedy occurs. Whether it be rubbernecking on the highway or the crowd gathered around a heart attack victim, people collect like flies to honey. While a large number will come together out of curiosity, there are very few that will step forward in the time of need to make a difference.

Peter was filled fear. He initially drew his sword to protect his Lord, but such boldness had quickly faded in light of the circumstances. The enemy had become far to formidable so Peter backed way. He followed at a distance out of curiosity to "see the end", but failed to step forward in the time of need to make a difference.

The question hangs in the air doesn't it? What could Peter have done anyway? The wheels were in motion and what good could one man do? Is this the kind of rationale that floods your mind when you come across a crisis situation my friend? Consider the possibility that every crisis is a new opportunity to step forward in a time of need to Make a Difference! 

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Amos 1:1-2:5 / NT - Matt. 27:1-26

The Right Fit...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 7:10-25 / NT - Matthew 26:31-56

"Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”  -- Matthew 26:53-54

Occasionally I purchase a chair or small appliance that requires assembly. The process moves along quite well until I come to that one piece just won't fit. Now I have two choices; I can return to the store and exchange the piece for one that actually fits, or I can force the original one into place. Whenever I choose to force the process, things just don't work. The right fit is the best fit.

The time came for the atoning work of Jesus. It would involve tremendous sacrifice and distress for our Savior, but this was the only way for redemption to be achieved. Furthermore, the crown awaited our Lord, but only through the cross. Jesus could have called twelve legions of angels and forced the process, but the right fit is the best fit.

There are times that the Lord calls you to make serious sacrifices my friend. You might be tempted to force the issue to another path that would seem better and easier. The price to achieve the goal may seem too great, uncomfortable and undesirable. But as you reflect on the choice our Savior made when he went to Calvary, consider that the right choice is always fulfilling the Lord's will. Remember, the right fit is always the best fit.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 8 / NT - Matt. 26:57-75

Never a Waste ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 6:1-7:9 / NT - Matthew 26:1-30

"And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me." -- Matthew 26:8-10 

With the intention to evangelize the previously unreached Huaorani, five young missionaries began making regular flights over Huaorani settlements in September 1955, dropping gifts. After several months of exchanging gifts, on January 3, 1956, they established a camp at "Palm Beach", a sandbar along the Curaray River, a few kilometers from Huaorani settlements. Their efforts came to an end on January 8, 1956, when all five — Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming and Roger Youderian — were attacked and speared by a group of Huaorani warriors. Some people at the time may have said, "Why this waste?"

This dear woman, Mary of Bethany as mentioned in John 12:3, poured out a personal sacrifice to honor the Lord. No matter what the sacrifice, great or small, Jesus sees it as a beautiful thing. It is never a waste when we give our all to worship and serve the Lord. He sees the value in a far different manner than others. The moments to serve pass quickly and the wise servant will redeem the moments for the Glory of God. Our sacrifices for Jesus are never a waste.

When you evaluate your efforts made for the kingdom of God and wonder if it was worth it, remember that his ways are higher than your ways and his thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9) and "He has made everything beautiful in its time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11) In retrospect, a number of those responsible for the above martyrdom became strong followers of Christ and powerful preachers of the Gospel. In addition, over the years, many young people were inspired to give their lives for Missionary work. No sacrifice for Jesus is a waste!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 7:10-25 / NT - Matt. 26:31-56

When He is Blessed...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 5:8-30 / NT - Matthew 25:31-46

"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." - Matthew 25:40

Speaking as a father, I have always appreciated those who have been kind to my sons. There have been those who contributed assistance in moments of emergency and those who have opened their homes to provide encouragement and mentoring. From one degree to the other, when my family has been blessed, I have been blessed.

While Jesus spoke of kingdom issues in this passage, he also revealed His heart for His family. Another revealing moment was when the Lord appeared to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:4. In response to Saul's persecution of believers, Jesus asked "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME?" When the Lord's family is hurt, He hurts... and when His family is blessed He is blessed.

Be very careful how you treat the family of God my friend. Should you choose to offend or abuse a child of God, you may be certain that you are offending and abusing the Lord too. When you make a concerted effort to provide care, compassion and encouragement to a fellow believer, you are also doing it to the Lord. When His family is blessed, so is He.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 6:1-7:9 / NT - Matt. 26:1-30

The More You Invest ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 4:2-5:7 / NT - Matthew 25:14-30

^"So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." - Matthew 25:28-29

The late Christian motivational speaker Zig Ziglar told millions of readers and listeners that they can have everything in life they want if they will just help enough other people get what they want. While this is a rather encouraging and positive thought, a parallel concept is found in the teachings of Jesus with the words of Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." The simple kingdom truth is this; the more you invest in and for the Lord... the more will be gained.

The servants mentioned in the above passage differed from one another in one significant way. Two, out of faithfulness sought to benefit their Master and the other, out of fear sought to protect himself. Kingdom life is about sowing and reaping, not surviving and reserving. In the end the one who feared lost it all and the one who faithfully invested the most for His Master, gained the most.

Living for Jesus isn't a Wall Street experience, but He has given each one of us a stewardship of time, talents and treasures. How are you investing your stewardship today my friend? Are you willing to step out in faithfulness and give your all for the benefit of your Master? Remember, the more you invest in and for the Lord... the more will be gained.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 5:8-30 / NT - Matt. 25:31-46

The Reservation Book ...

Today's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 3:1- 4:1 / NT - Matthew 25:1-13

"Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." -- Matthew 25:11-13

I stood in the foyer of a hotel some years ago and watched as a fellow traveler became quite animated when he was told that there was no reservation and no room for him. He was absolutely sure that he had a reservation, but the hotel had no record of such and they had no rooms available. No matter how sure he was, the record was clear... his name was not found.

"At midnight the cry came out: 'Here's the bridegroom'" The midnight cry is coming and we have no way of knowing when. The door will be open for all those who have reservations. But when it shuts, those left outside will be without hope. No matter how sincerely we believe that we have reservations, if we don't have the oil of salvation in the lamp of our souls, all we will hear are the words, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you". If we don't know the bridegroom (Jesus) in this life, our name won't be found in the reservation book.

For some, the midnight cry is expected with great anticipation. What about you? Have you trusted Jesus Christ as the only means for your salvation? If you have done so, you have been filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit and your lamp is ready for the wedding banquet.  Don't wait until the last moment to come knocking at the shut door. Make sure that your name is found in the reservation book.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT Year 3 - Isaiah 4:2-5:7 / NT - Matt. 25:14-30