GOD WILL PROVIDE: Devotional # 2

                                    Genesis 21:8-21
                   (Read Passage of Scripture)

Not everyone laughed and rejoiced at the news of Isaac’s birth.  Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant, was unhappy.  Read Genesis 16:1-15 for the background of Hagar’s disappointment.  Since Abram’s wife, Sarai, could not bear children, she suggested that her husband “sleep” with Hagar.  It was a common custom, for a married woman who could not have children, to give her female servant to her husband to produce an heir.  The children born were considered children on the wife.

God told Abram that he would have heirs but Hagar was not what God meant.  Abram’s and Sarai’s lack of faith resulted in unintended consequences.  Sarai took matters into her own hands, having difficulty believing God.   God was teaching Abram and Sarai patience.   The consequence of Hagar’s pregnancy was that she despised her mistress (vs. 4) Hagar likely said:  “I can do something you can’t, get pregnant” 

Sarai said to Abram:  You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering … Do with her whatever you think best, replied Abram, (vs. 5-6).  It was Sarai’s idea of giving Hagar to her husband.  When Hagar “mocked” her, Sarai blamed her husband for the way she was being treated.     

Sarai mistreated Hagar, so she fled from her (vs. 6) Hagar ran away from her problem.  An angel of God gave advice to return and face Sarai and the problem, by submitting to her.  Hagar needed to work on her attitude no matter how justified she was (vs. 7-15).

Note the similarities to Genesis 21:8-21.  This time it is Hagar’s son Ishmael who mocked. Sarah said:  Get rid of that slave woman and her son … for he will never share in the inheritance with my son, Isaac, (vs. 10).  God tells Abraham that it is through Isaac that the whole world would be blessed.  Ishmael will be father of a nation as well.  Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away with provisions.  Vs.14-20 records what happened and how Ishmael became father of a great nation, the Arabs. Muslims believe it is through Ishmael not Isaac that God’s covenant and promise is fulfilled.

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QUESTION :
How does this scripture illustrate the consequences of past mistakes?  What does it teach about God’s care for those experiencing the results of other’s actions?   Have you been such a person?   Did you blame, run away or seek God’s guidance?

PRAYER:
Think of someone who has mistreated you or a problem from which you ran away, rather than face.  Pray that God will give you insight on how to respond to the person and or face the problem.        Pray for the courage of following God even when revenge would “feel” better. 
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 * Written for Glenkirk Church, Glendora, California:  Weekly Devotional On Salvador Dali's Painting:  "Abraham!  Abraham!"                                        

GOD WILL PROVIDE: Devotional *

                                                      Genesis 21:1-7

                                  (Read Passage of Scripture)

God was faithful in his promise to Abraham and Sarah.  The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised.  She became pregnant and gave birth to a son … This happened at just the time God said it would, (Genesis 21:1).  Who would believe that Abraham at the age of 100 and Sarah long beyond her child bearing years would have a son.  Abraham named their son Isaac … Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God commanded, (vs. 3-4).  This fulfilled what God had promised Abram (Genesis 18:1-21). (This passage gives us insight into God’s patience:  The sins of the Amorites do not yet warrant their destruction, (vs. 16).  It was stating that Abram’s descendants would not live in the land, promised him, for 400 years.  The circumcision carried on God’s covenant to Isaac made to Abram in Ur, on the Euphrates River, in today’s Iraq.    All the families on earth will be blessed through you, (Genesis 12:1) 
Isaac means he laughs.  Sarah declared:  God has brought me laughter.  All who hear about this will laugh with me … Who would have said … Sarah would nurse a baby?  (Genesis 21:1-7}  As we will see in the next blog, not everyone laughed and rejoiced at the news.  Some of you may have experienced heartbreak when your desire for a child was not fulfilled, whether difficulty in getting pregnant or loss of an infant/child through death.  You may have rejoiced with the birth of your child only to learn she or he had physical or mental issues.  You don’t love the child any less.         Yet, the initial pain is severe.  Those pains are augmented when you learn of another having a healthy baby, with no difficulty.

During these studies we will learn God is faithful, patient and merciful even though at the time of our pain it seems impossible to comprehend.  Hopefully we will learn, that the way of bringing peace into a troubled heart is focusing on God’s promises and trusting God to do what God says.    

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QUESTION:
Do you have a personal dream you would like to see fulfilled?  Do you believe God can still do the impossible today?  Will you trust God to lead in fulfilling the dream or handling a problem you face?

PRAYER:                                                                                                                                                             Pray in gratitude to God for fulfilled promises.  Pray for promises for an understanding of promises not fulfilled.  Pray for faith and courage to trust God daily even we are not sure of the future.

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* Written for Glenkirk Church, Glendora, California:  Weekly Devotional On Salvador Dali's Painting:  "Abraham!  Abraham!" 

 

Greatness: A Child

                                  "GREATNESS: A CHILD"   
      Whoever receives one of these children in my name, receives me.
                                                 Mark 9:30-37         
           
INTRODUCTION: The Competition for who is greatest begins.         March Madness: the NCAA Basketball Tournament begins the 17th, TV Sweeps, Dancing With Stars..*

The need for greatness starts early in life.

Despite trying to eliminate "competition" from educational events, "not keeping score etc." so that some children will not feel badly about themselves, "competition" is prevalent. Why? "So that one is noticed, not picked on, nor left out."

Search engines on the Internet: Google is # 1 Microsoft launched its own search engine with the goal of knocking Google out of the #1 position. Nothing wrong in being # 1.

Jesus accepts that desire and teaches what it really takes for true greatness. Mk 9:30ff 

Jesus, aware of what the disciples were discussing, took it seriously and dealt with it. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve taught them what greatness was, which was in stark contrast to the greatness around them and us.

Three Observations:

I. The disciples were arguing among themselves.

A. The context is one of three references where Jesus predicts his death.

The closer Jesus got to his approaching death. the more frequently he warned his disciples lest there be a violent shock to their faith.

How many times did Jesus tell the disciples about going to Jerusalem? (See End)

Three times Jesus told the disciples that he was headed to Jerusalem and about his death and resurrection.  Note the increased amount information Jesus gives each time. 
The references are easy to remember: Mark 8:31, Mark 9:31 and Mark 10:33-34. 
Read each of the scriptures.  Did you notice any difference?  Is betrayed. In Greek the is word paradidotai,which means traitor.  Jesus could move forward with assurance  is going to be betrayed, - there will no surprises when they see Suffering or Rejection.

Jesus was leaving the safety of the northern country, taking his first step towards Jerusalem and the cross.

Returning from Caesarea Philippi to Capernaum, Galilee home base, Jesus passed through this region for last time. His Ministry in Galilee ended. Jesus didn’t want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples

There were times when Jesus limited his public ministry in order to train his disciples in depth. He knew the importance of equipping them to carry on, his ministry, when he returned to Heaven. He could have left a series of propositions, but Jesus knew that was not enough. His goal was to leave a band of persons on whom the propositions were written. He wanted to make sure that these disciples understood, however dimly, who he was and why he had come to earth.

B. The disciples did not understand, let alone comprehend, the significance of Jesus’ death.  The disciples did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him.     Mark 9:32, (Afraid of knowing more?)

Are we any different?  Do we accept parts of the Bible/ Christianity which appeal to us and reject those that we don’t like.

"Nothing so well shows how far the disciples were from realizing the real meaning of Jesus’ Messiahship than this incident." William Barclay, The Gospel of Mark, p. 228

It is heart breaking thinking of Jesus Dying.  The disciples may have thought,
"Jesus seems morbidity preoccupied with death." In reality it was the disciples who were wrongly preoccupied – constantly thinking about the kingdom they hoped Jesus would establish and what their roles would be in it.

Despite Jesus’ re-teaching his disciples - Mark 8:31, they failed to hear or grasp: rising from dead.  They were:

1.) Still thinking about Jesus’ kingdom in earthly terms.

2.) Saw themselves as Chief Ministers of State.

3.) Sought to receive glory, meaning lording it over others.

If Jesus died, the Kingdom as they imagined, could not come. Consequently they preferred not asking him about what he had said.
They were arguing among themselves and Jesus asks What were you arguing about?  They remained quiet because they had been arguing about who what the greatest.   Silence of shame? Arguing in secret. The disciples were caught up in their own personal success and were embarrassed to answer Jesus question, at least not openly.

If Jesus were present ... It is not if but is present.
Do we hear and see what we are to say and do?
It painful comparing our motives with Christ’s.

The disciples argued among themselves ...

II. Jesus instructed his disciples as a Rabbi.

A. Sitting down was a sign of authority and teaching.
(Chair) in University.

It takes time to learn Deep Spiritual Truths.
Growth does not occur instantly, regardless of the quality of experience or instruction.    If the disciples needed to set aside time from work periodically in order to learn from the Master, how much more do we need alternating work and learning.

B. Taking a child uses a visual illustration.
                    (Artist is Richard Hook)
Jesus taught to welcome children. This was a new approach in a society where children were treated as second-class citizens. It is important to respect children and teach them about Jesus.  Sunday School is one place to learn about Jesus.  So is the way we live.

Luke 9:48 One who is the least among you, is the greatest

Jesus taught that whoever welcomes a child, welcomes Jesus; giving a cup of cold water, in his name, to someone who is thirsty is the same as giving an offering to God, the Father.  Story told by a missionary:
       "She had been telling a class of African primary children about giving a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus.  Sitting on the verandah of house she saw a company of native bearers enter the village square.  They were carrying heavy packs.  They were tired and thirsty, and sat down to rest.  The men were from another tribe.  If they had asked for water they would have been told to go and find it for themselves, because of the barrier between tribes.  As the men sat wearily, the missionary saw tiny girls emerge from the school with pitchers of water on their heads.  Shyly and fearfully they approached the tiered bearers, knelt and offered their pitchers of water.  In surprise the bearers took the water and drank it, handing back the pitchers.  Then suddenly the little girls took to their heals and ran to the missionary.  We have given a thirsty man a drink, they said, in Jesus's name.  The children took the story and the duty literally.  (Ibid. p. 236)  

Jesus cautions against harming or mis-teaching children or failing to care for them, it would better for them to have millstone tied around their neck and thrown into to the sea. Lasting greatness is measured by God’s standards.

What do you use in determining greatness?

III. We learn that achieving greatness means:

A. Asking not "what do I get?" but

B. Asking "what can I give? How can I use ...?"

Greatness comes not in being first but being last. Jesus does not abolish ambition. It is not wrong being industrious or ambitious. When ambition pushes obedience and service aside, it may become a sin. Pride or insecurity can cause us to overvalue position and prestige.

Jesus recreates and sublimates (purifies) ambition. Such motives can be destructive in God’s kingdom. Ambition to rule substituted for ambition to serve and advancement of Christ’s Kingdom rather than our own advancement.

Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)

It is Not how can I use the State and Society to further my own prestige and ambition.  But how can I use my personal gifts and talents in serving the State?
  
CONCLUSION: William Barclay tells a story by O. Henry, an American master of the short story of girl arriving in Heaven.  Her mother had died.  Her father would come home from work and sit down and take off his jacket and open his paper and light his pipe and put his feet on the mantel place. The little girl would come in and ask him to play with her for she was lonely.  He told her he was tired and to go out to the street to play.  She played on the streets.  The inevitable happened -- she too the streets.  The years passed on and she died.  The girls soul goes to heaven.  Peter saw her and said to Jesus, "Master, here's a girl who was a bad lot.  I suppose we send her to hell?"  "No" said Jesus gently, "let her in."  Then his eyes grew stern, "But look for the man who refused to play with his little girl and who sent her out to the streets and send him to Hell." (Ibid. p. 237)

Greatness is Serving others, spending time with children and giving a cup of water in Jesus' name.  It living, in humility, the life to which Jesus has called us.  As we continue traveling with Jesus to Jerusalem and the cross over the next weeks, let us read the three scripture passages each day and seek to comprehend that Jesus allowed himself to be arrested, falsely charged, beaten and nailed to a Roman cross, as common criminal because he loved each of us and wanted us to be freed from the power of sin.  Let us also remember, he told his disciples and us that "Death would not hold him.  On the third day, he would rise from the grave destroying the power of death through his resurrection."
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*Dancing With Stars, begins new season tomorrow.
Television icon Suzanne Somers, music great Patti LaBelle, football star Michael Sam and gymnast Nastia Liukin, winner of 5 Gold Metals in 2008 Olympics.

Noah Gallaway, Sergeant lost his left arm & leg in an IED.

"Shark Tank" mogul Robert Herjavec, "Hunger Games" actress Willow Shields, artist-actress Rumer Willis, Singers Redfoo and Riker Lynch will be vying to see who is the Greatest this season.

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He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.  (Mark 8:31)
He was teaching his disciples. He said to them,                          "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise."  (Mark 9:31)

He said, "and the Son of May will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him.     Three days later he will rise." (Mark 10:33-34)

AMOS: Prophet of Justice and Righteousness -- Chapter 9 and last in series.

              AMOS:  PROPHET OF JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS         

Amos 9, the fifth vision is of the Temple, is real for us living in earthquake territory.  Note the message of v.1-4.  V. 7 God would not treat Israel differently than other nations.  God is not just the God of Israel and Judah, but sovereign over all nations, and the universe.

 Amos’ message is not only judgment but also a promise of restoration and prosperity v. 11-15. Amos ends with a sense of hope.  Interwoven throughout Amos is God’s warning but also an appeal for Israel to turn from her selfish lives and return to God.  In the midst of judgment there is opportunity for escape.  Israel did not change her ways until it was too late.  Israel failed to hear God’s promise of one day returning to the land from which they were taken and rebuilding the society that once existed.  Amos spoke in a time of prosperity and peace.  They couldn’t believe they would lose it all.  Maybe while in captivity, seeking for answers as to why,  Amos 9:11-12 was discovered.

The promise was not fulfilled by an earthly political ruler, but by the Messiah.  The Apostle James quoted this verse, Acts 15:16-17, finding the promise fulfilled in Jesus’ resurrection and the presence of Jews and Gentiles in the Christ’s church.       

V. 13-17 describes a time of prosperity.  God is Just and will not tolerate evil.  Judgment will come at one point or another.  However, there is always hope of forgiveness.

Amos:  Prophet of Justice and Righteousness, called people to a “right relationship” with God and each other.  Israel exchanged her relationship with God for relationships with other gods.  The consequences: the poor were neglected and self-satisfaction dominated.  What looked like a healthy society on the surface would soon collapse.  All the prophesies were fulfilled.

What is the purpose of studying Amos and what does it have to do with Jesus and us?  Scripture does not condemn wealth.  When wealth is shared with those in need The Heart of Jesus is revealed.            

The Keyword/image of the plumb line and Amos 5:24 remind us of Amos’ message.

Prayer:

Pray that God will show you how to equitably use the resources God has given you in ministering to those in need.  Pray also that you are in a right relationship with God and are living according to His plumb line and His Word.  Continue praying for those in leadership of our nation.

AMOS: Prophet of Justice and Righteousness -- Chapter 8

              AMOS:  PROPHET OF JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS         

The plumb line is great way of remembering the message of Amos.  Read Amos 8, which has another vision.  What does this vision have in common with the three in Amos 7?   How is it different?  

Several years ago, before the drought, our plum tree was abundant with fruit.  We picked them before the squires, birds and yes a coyote ate them, as they had the previous year.  Our purpose was to give them to neighbors and take some to church.  First, we would enjoy some of the delicious fruit and make jelly etc.  Because of busy schedules, by the time we were ready to give away the fruit, it was overripe, not the fresh not as beautiful as when they were picked.  There was terrible smell.  We learned many lessons and were heartbroken that others were not able to enjoy the fruit because of our preoccupation with other things.

Note the specific charges in this vision.  What does it say about the condition of Israel?  Hear this v. 4-14.   Is spoken, to among others, wealthy merchants who rob the poor and trample down the needy!,        who kept the religious festivals but not in the right spirit:  Can’t wait for the Sabbath day to be over …  We are only in the first week of Lent, yet some Christians who are required to fast or avoid eating certain foods are likely saying:  “I miss …”  Lent is not so much about “giving something up … as doing something for someone, listening to a person or demonstrating the heart of Jesus.  Ritual without a genuine spirit of serving God is a sham and meaningless.

Apathy towards God’s Word would result in famine.  Not food or water but in not hearing the words of the Lord.  People will stagger … searching for word of the Lord, but will not find it.

Imagine if you had no access to a Bible or worship services, would you stagger searching for God’s Word?  Give thanks to God for the freedom and opportunity of reading the Bible, God’s Word.

Prayer:

Give thanks to God for His Word.  Pray for those who are forbidden from reading the Bible or have never heard of the transformative love shown through the heart of Jesus.                                                 Pray that the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) will be evident in your life. 

AMOS: Prophet of Justice and Righteousness -- Chapter 7

              AMOS:  PROPHET OF JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS         

What is a plumb line?  What is it used for?  Read Amos 7.  There are three visions in this chapter.  What are they?  What are the consequences of each of the visions?  Vs. 7-9 is a vision of a Plumb line.  What do you learn about the plumb line?  Today we may also use a level or laser for the same purpose.  

A plumb line is a “A cord from which a metal weight is suspended pointing directly to earth’s center of gravity;  used  to determine the vertical from a given point.”   (Dictionary, Farlex)                            In other words, it is a device used to ensure the straightness of a wall.  A wall that is not straight will eventually collapse.  God said:  I will test my people with this plumb line.  I will no longer ignore all their sins.  How do you determine whether something is in plumb with God’s Will?

The “Center of Gravity”  ensures the plumb line is perfectly vertical and the measurement is trustworthy.  So too it is God’s Word/Law:  gives us a foundation and measure that it trustworthy.   When followed we are plumb with the Heart of Jesus.  Visiting the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas we learned how Astronauts have to “adjust “ to the lack of gravity.  At first it is “fun,” then energy is used looking for something to hold on to.  It impacts how food is prepared and eaten and how to get rid of waste.   There is a deterioration of the bones.  NASA is preparing to send people to Mars.  Before then, there will need to find a solution for osteoporosis.  I am sure there are many you hoping that will be soon.  Are we grasping for solutions other than God’s Laws as illustrated by gravity?   Are we like Israel, leaving God’s Law and turning to other gods?     

Notice Amos’s pray to God on behalf of Israel, v. 2 & 5.  What did God do?  Do we intercede for our nation, family and friends?  V. 10-17 illustrates how people may react when we talk about God’s plumb line.       

Prayer:

Prayer is a powerful privilege.  Let us pray for our Nation, it’s leaders in Government , Business and Education that they would follow God’s plumb line.  Pray for your family and friends that they may know and follow God’s Word.  (Read Psalm 119:1-9)      

AMOS: Prophet of Justice and Righteousness - Outline

The Title                                                                                       (1:1)
     Identification of Amos ("burdened bearer") and
             location in Israel's history (Pre-Exile, 760-753 B.C.)
     The Voiced of Yahweh (God)                                                 (1:2)

I.  Oracles Against the Nations (Circular Condemnation)           (1:2)
          A.  Prophecies against neighboring states                          (1:3-2:3)
                     Syria (Damascus)  Phoenicia (Tyre)  Ammon
                     Philistia (Gaza)      Edom                   Moab
          B.  Prophecies against Judah and Israel                              (2:4-16)

II. Judgment Against Israel                                                           (3-6)
         A.  "Your election does not absolve you from guilt."          (3:1-2)
         B.  "Judgment part of the Covenant."                                   (3:1-18)
         C.   Sins of Israel and their rewards.                                     (3:9-4:5)
                    "Perverted Righteousness" and "Playing Religion."   
         D.   Yahweh's repeated warnings have fallen on deaf ears.  (4:6-11)
         E.    The way of escape.                                                        (5:4-17)
         F.    "Day of the Lord -- Not what you expect!"                   (5:18-20)
        G.     "Playing at Religion -- nauseating worship."                (5:21-26)
        H.      Final Rewards -- luxurious living condemned.            (5:27-6:24)

III. Five Visions of Coming Judgment                                           (7:1-9:10)
                        -- Brief biographical note.                                       (7:10-17)
        A.  Locust swarm                                                                    (7:1-3)
        B.  Divine fire                                                                          (7:4-6)
        C.  Plumb Line                                                                        (7:7-9)
        D.  Basket of summer fruit                                                       (8:1-3)
                        ("Hear this" -- against wealthy merchants.)             (8:4-14)
        E.  Stricken Temple                                                                  (9:1-4)

IV. Promise of Restoration and Prosperity                                      (9:11-15)
                        "Never to be rooted out ..."

V.  Key word for Amos is Plumb Line to remember theme.

VI. Verse to memorize:  Amos 5:24 (New International Version)
                        "Let justice roll on like a river,
                          righteousness like a never-failing stream."