Unbelief ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 6:13-30 / NT - Matthew 13:44-14-12

"And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief." - Matthew 13:58 

On a more temporal level, a physician or counselor can only accomplish as much as the patient believes can be done. Belief is what carries someone through the most difficult procedures and necessary prescriptions. Belief enables one to see beyond the impossibilities and move forward in hope. But unbelief is devastating.

For the passage at hand we see our Lord Jesus, the very Creator and Sustainer of the universe not doing mighty works in his own hometown. As a carpenter and tradesman he had provided for family and friends successfully for years. But now, when he came as a spiritual power and presence, the community was offended. Suddenly confidence and acceptance slipped away. Unbelief was devastating.

This subject remains an issue throughout life as we read in James 1:6-7, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord" As we begin our walk with God through belief in His Son, so we must walk by faith (Hebrews 10:38) if we ever expect to see mighty works. Unbelief is devastating.

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 7 / NT - Matthew 14:13-36

The End of the Age ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 6:1-12 / NT - Matthew 13:24-43

"The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels." - Matthew 13:38-39

I well remember my father-in-law's sage advice when it came to fads or quirky ministry ideas. "Just give it time" he would say. I learned a great deal from my pastoral mentor. He taught me that God keeps the books and in time "wisdom is proved right by all her children" (Luke 7:35 NIV84). We need to stay on point and leave the rest to Him until the end of the age.

Early on, weeds will have the appearance of wheat. It's not until the wheat sprouts that the truth is known. But, what then? Are we called to be "weed police" or to be "wheat producers"? The answer is obvious when we hear our Lord's slightly different analogy to Peter in John 21:15, "Feed my Lambs". Stay on point by producing wheat and leave the rest to the Lord until the end of the age.

Harvest time always comes at the end of the season. As with the farmer, so should we patiently work the field in which we have been placed. Weeds of all sorts will pop up and occasionally appear to be the real deal with great success. Don't get flustered, just produce the wheat by feeding His lambs. It's not harvest time yet, so leave the rest to the Lord until the end of the age. 

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 6:13-30 / NT - Matthew 13:44-14:12

Did you HEAR that?

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 5 / NT - Matthew 13:1-23

"But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." - Matthew 13:23 

Have you ever walked through the grocery store and been aware of various announcements? Do you really listen? They may be alerting someone that their deli order is ready or it may be a "today only" special. Then again it could be an announcement that YOUR car is on fire. In the midst of your focused shopping spree, what you HEAR determines what you do.

Every believer can do great things for the kingdom of God. Some believers respond to the Word of God with incredible drive and accomplish a hundred-fold and others sixty or thirty-fold. No matter how busy with work, family and personal interests, followers of Christ are expected to be productive. But, it all begins with the listening heart... what you HEAR determines what you do.

The issue isn't just how much of the Bible you read daily or how often you sit under the preaching and teaching of your Pastor. It all boils down to how well you listen. There's quite a difference between the "today only" special and YOUR car is on fire. God speaks to us every day and what we HEAR determines what we do!

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 6:1-12 / NT - Matthew 13:24-43

Good Fruit ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 4 / NT - Matthew 12:33-50

"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit."  - Matthew 12:33

During our dating years and some time after we were married I would often mow my father-in-law's yard. As the summer waned, the yard would be covered with lovely apples. These little gems often looked tasty but were you take a bite, what a bitter experience! If you haven't guessed, these were crab apples. The tree looked promising, but one taste from the fruit told the tale. It's a simple fact; bad fruit comes from bad trees.

Jesus developed this thought by saying, "How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." If our words are to be good, our heart needs to be good and God alone makes the heart good. The Lord promised in Ezekiel 36:26, "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you."  So, once the heart is good, the words are good. In contrast to the evil heart; good fruit comes only from good trees.

If you have never received a new heart from the Lord, now is the time put your faith in Jesus. But if you have a new heart and want to live a good life, then consider the words of Solomon in Proverbs 4:23, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Remember, good fruit comes only from good trees. 

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 5 / NT - Matthew 13:1-23

A Breath of Fresh Air...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 3 / NT - Matthew 12:1-32

"He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope." - Matthew 12:19-21

Political debates can be interesting to watch. Many people enjoy listening for the zingers that will cut the opponent to the core. The media will often emphasize the most sharp and abrasive comments and give winning points for them. While very few points are ever given for kind words. But, what kind of people are we most drawn to...abrasive or affirming?

Within the religious community of Jesus' time there were many voices that spoke with sharp and cutting legalism. They had little or no concern for the struggles and sorrows of their fellow travelers. They spoke words that cut to the core, making it clear that it was their way or the highway. Then, along came Jesus...a kind and gracious Savior who spoke gentle words that brought healing to the soul. As a result, the multitudes avoided the abrasive leaders and embraced the affirming Lord.

Proverbs 15:4 tells us that "A gentle tongue is a tree of life". To whom are you most drawn my friend... those who are abrasive or those who are affirming? And how do you admonish and counsel others with the Word of God? Are you a hot wind with a cutting edge, or a breath of fresh air, gentle and gracious? Consider this...abrasive words hurt, but affirming words heal.

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 4 / NT - Matthew 12:33-50

"Easy" to Serve ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 2 / NT - Matthew 11

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28–30

I've worked for a good number of  "bosses" over the years. Some have been a real pleasure to work for and others, not as great. Those who were kind and considerate made the job enjoyable on the very worst day. You always had support and encouragement, even when you made dumb mistakes. Their forgiveness and willingness to help you get things right made all the difference. These were people that were "easy" to serve.

After we considered the passages from the last two days a disciple's life could seem quite hard. But, then we step back and take a long focused look at the One who promises "rest" to the weary and burdened. Jesus invites us to take his yoke and learn from him. He is not just the Master Teacher, but he is gentle and humble in heart. In other words, Jesus is "easy" to serve.

Before you get too discouraged in the spiritual battle and worn down by the daily labor for God, turn your eyes upon Jesus. Every morning, noon and night, see his arms open wide as he extends a fresh call to find rest for your soul. As you take on his yoke remember that he is working with you side by side. The work is lighter since He understands and meets our needs with a gentle and humble heart. So... Jesus is always "easy" to serve.

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 3 / NT - Matthew 12:1-32

Equal Treatment ...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 1 / NT - Matthew 10:24-42

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household." - Matthew 10:24-25

Playing on a New York Baseball team can be a really difficult experience. New York fans are highly supportive, but just as critical. When the team is losing, the head coach is on the chopping block all the time. But, the fans are equal opportunity critics. The coach and the players are treated the same.

Jesus was never hesitant to paint the picture of discipleship clearly. He was careful not to suggest that the path ahead was going to be easy. If our Lord was criticized and maligned, it follows that all who follow him will be treated the same way. The Master and disciples are treated the same.

This passage was never meant to warm our hearts. It holds a message of truth to prepare us for every spiritual conflict and verbal humiliation that comes our way. Many Christians have the belief that their path should be socially acceptable and that they should have public approval and applause. But, for those who are true disciples of Jesus, the opposition will be hard and there will be many who criticize and malign. Just remember, the Master and disciples are treated the same.

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 2 / NT - Matthew 11