Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority

Hebrews 13

¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. 

The question for me is how this applies to our Christian leaders and our lay leaders.  Clearly this applies to our Christian leaders because they are appointed to watch over us as a shepherd watches over his sheep.  At the time, we ARE to submit to authority of our lay leaders - for example our workplace leaders and our elected civil leaders.  The only key difference being we should not submit if we ourselves are asked to openly sin.  Our first loyalty and authority to whom we should submit is Jesus Christ himself and his words which are explicitly provided in scripture.

While I often do find it challenging to submit to the authority of my Christian leaders, my greatest challenge lies with submission to lay leaders, particularly in the workplace.

I must not only obey verse 17 but also scripture that commands us to love and serve ALL:

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 8-11)

My Prayer: Lord, Your example of love is the gold standard of which I must follow. Your love as demonstrated in the bible and for me personally is clear and for this I am grateful and humbled because I am broken and feel undeserving of such grace and love.  Forgive me for my lack of effort, love and trust as I have not fully given my life away to you.  Help me do this Lord.

And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?”

Mark 11:27-33

And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” Mark 11:27-28

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:27-33.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and the first (of three) division (vv27-28):

• The title of this chapter for the commentary is "Three Reasons People Are Not Willing 
   to Follow Jesus" and the main idea is: "People refuse to trust Jesus not because He is not worthy but because of the hardness of their own hearts."
• "Jesus has just cleansed and cursed the temple for its corruptions and abuse (Mark 11:12-25). In response, the religious leaders were “looking for a way to destroy Him” (11:18). You would think Jesus would avoid the public eye, but He does nothing of the sort! He returns to Jerusalem and the temple with courage, looking for a fight—not a physical confrontation, but a spiritual one that will place His claims and identity front and center."  
• Mark 11:27–12:44 records five temple controversies in Jerusalem that parallel five earlier controversies in Galilee (cf. 2:1–3:6). In both cases His opponents are the religious leaders. Now that He is in Jerusalem, the stakes are much higher and the intensity of the conflict much stronger. Things are moving to an inevitable climax: the cross."  
• "In this first of five temple controversies, we will see some common reasons people are not willing to come and follow Jesus."  
• The title of the first division per the commentary is "They Do Not Want to Submit to His Authority."
• "Jesus “came again to Jerusalem.” At some point the religious authorities show up—the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, who exercised both political and religious authority in Israel. It consisted of 71 men led by the acting high priest. Their power was enormous. They were super sensitive to anything that could threaten their authority, and Jesus was clearly a threat." 
• The Sanhedrin questioned Jesus' authority and sought to undermine Him with His followers. "The question of authority is important. We all have a source of authority in our lives, someone or something that guides us and drives us, something that rules. For most of us, like the Sanhedrin, it is ourselves. We are not really interested in surrendering that rule to anyone else."

All of humanity seeks value, worth and significance.  Yet the world offers significance that is not lasting.  Jesus offers significance and worth that is eternal.  Philippians 3:8.  He must increase but I must decrease - John 3:30.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who is full of grace and mercy - thank You Jesus for loving me while I was still an enemy and hostile to You.  I am not deserving of how You save and pour out mercies daily that never cease.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

1 Peter 2

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. v13-14

Peter expands in this chapter to encourage us, regardless of our role and station, to be submit to those God has placed in our earthly lives as authorities.

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. v16-17

We have freedom and free will but this free will is not be used "as a cover up for evil".

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. v18

We may often, as I have, difficult circumstances in our lives with others.  God places or allows these people in our lives for a reason and we are to follow in God's footsteps by submitting to His will and allowing Him to shape us through obedience and submission to Him.  We should try and understand what God is doing through these circumstances.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. v21

[G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God, full of love, compassion, kindness, patience, etc....of course, all the fruits of the spirit...because You are the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.  You are a great God because You are perfect in all ways.  Thank You for how You have blessed me but I need You desperately.  Please forgive me for my laziness, selfishness, and harshness with others, among my many sins.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:7-25 

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:13-16

I complete my study of Hebrews with a reading of 13:7-25, where we see closing remarks by the author - these remarks include instructions to remember, obey and submit to leaders, to be on guard for false teachings, to seek eternal rewards vs earthly ones, to continually praise God, and to pray.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V8: Jesus Christ and God do not change - see also Malachi 3:6.  He is both eternal and unchanging. V12: Jesus is described as the spotless lamb and final sacrifice through which all of humanity has forgiveness of sin. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv7, 17: God places leaders above us and calls us to submit to their authority and to imitate their faith. These leaders are watching over us and it is of no benefit for us to grumble and complain about them.  V9: There are those who misuse and twist God's Word for their own agenda and benefit (vs that of God) - we need to not just read the Word but understand it - we do so aided by the Holy Spirit, our church, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Vv13-14: Believers are called to sacrifice and "bear the reproach [Jesus] endured," because just as He sought to reign from Heaven, we also seek Heaven as our home. Vv15-16: Instead of the animal sacrifices practiced in the Old Testament, God seeks for us to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God" (see also Romans 12:1), through worship of His name and love of others (vs focus on self and our own selfish desires).  V18: We are called to pray for leaders, including the author of Hebrews, such that they "act honorably in all things". 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid falling prey to false teachings and grumbling and complaining about church leadership.  Claim the promise that our home is in Heaven and that God is saving place for us and it will be glorious.  Follow the example of Jesus and offer your body as a living sacrifice - living in such a way (loving Him and others) that brings glory to God and draws others to Him. Do good and share what you have. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love, save, and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

1 Peter 2

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. v13-14

I often grumble about my work situation and God does not want us to grumble. How can glorify God when we are complaining.  Peter helps explain this:

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

 

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. v15-21

Paul also wants us to obey our earthly masters - see here in Ephesians 6. 

Another nugget of Truth from this morning is how we are "not [to] use your freedom as a cover-up for evil", meaning that we have free will - but is this no excuse for sin!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, how great You are!  You came to earth to live among us and were tempted in every way but lived a pure, holy and blameless life.  You then suffered and died for us so that we could be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life with You in heaven - a love that knows no bounds - awesome!  Thank Your Jesus!  I am not worth such a love as I often neglect to bring You the first fruits of my time daily - please forgive me and help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Help me obey authority on earth, not grumble, glorify You, and not use freedom as a cover up for sin.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Please provide Linda with relief for her home situation - protect her and her son.  Please also provide ML with a new job that is more than she desires for herself - provide peace and encouragement to both Linda and ML.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 1 Corinthians 11:7-9

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to an assisted review of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary volume for this book.  From the commentary for this text:

Main idea: "God’s instructions, not past experiences, must govern Christian worship if it is to be pleasing to him."

Key excerpts from the introduction:

• Based on a view of man and woman as "complementary" - see John Piper on this topic; the commentary quotes The Danvers Statement and the Nashville Statement: 
• Both Adam and Eve were created in God’s image, equal before God as persons and distinct in their manhood and womanhood (“Danvers”). 
• Distinctions in masculine and feminine roles are ordained by God as part of the created order (“Danvers”).  
• WE AFFIRM that divinely ordained differences between male and female reflect God’s original creation design and are meant for human good and human flourishing. WE DENY that such differences are a result of the Fall or are a tragedy to be overcome (“Nashville,”article 4).
• The Old Testament, as well as the New Testament, manifests the equally high value and dignity which God attached to the roles of both men and women (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:18; Galatians. 3:28). 
• Both Old and New Testaments also affirm the principle of male headship in the family and in the covenant community (Genesis 2:18; Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Timothy 2:11-15) (“Danvers”). 
• Redemption in Christ aims at removing the distortions introduced by the curse. 
• In the family, husbands should forsake harsh or selfish leadership and grow in love and care for their wives; wives should forsake resistance to their husbands’ authority and grow in willing, joyful submission to their husbands’ leadership (Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:18-19; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-7) (“Danvers”). 
• In the church, redemption in Christ gives men and women an equal share in the blessings of salvation; nevertheless, some governing and teaching roles within the church are restricted to men (Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 11:2-16; 1 Timothy 2:11-15). (“Danvers”). 
• WE AFFIRM our duty to speak the truth in love at all times [Ephesians. 4:15], including when we speak to or about one another as male or female. WE DENY any obligation to speak in such ways that dishonor God’s design of his image-bearers as male and female (“Nashville,” article 11).
• Such statements sound countercultural (and they are!) in a society awash in so much confusion about gender and sexuality.
• First Corinthians 11:2-16 beautifully complements these principles as it provides a Trinitarian lesson for the proper roles of men and women in corporate worship. Seven principles are set forth for our instruction.  

Major divisions:

1. We Must Honor the Principle of Divinely Ordained Authority (11:2-3): Paul begins on an encouraging note to affirm a basic principle of the gospel as he seeks to correct errant Corinthians' views on Biblical manhood and womanhood. "The basics of the gospel were not Paul’s creation. He passed on, as we must, the good news he had received. Paul then, in verse 3, lays down the basic theological truth that will serve as the foundation for the remainder of this section[.]"  We are also referred to Ephesians 5:23. "The issue of male headship is taught to apply to the home and church, yet Scripture nowhere teaches male headship in general with application to the whole of society. And the issue is one of function, not essence. It is an issue of assignment, not nature. We know this because men and women, husbands and wives, equally bear the image of God. They are equal in essence and essential being. Further, and more importantly, Christ the Son is equal in essence and essential being to God the Father. This is classic and biblical Trinitarianism.  Now, there is one caveat. Christ, as Son of God, is essentially superior to man (husbands) as well as superior in spiritual authority over him. That truth is also taught throughout the whole of inerrant and infallible Scripture. So, to summarize our foundation verse by way of paraphrase, this is what Paul is saying: We must understand that the spiritual authority over every man is Christ, the spiritual authority for a wife is her husband (or a father for an unmarried daughter), and the spiritual authority of Christ (God the Son) is God (the Father). There is no inferiority in submitting to one’s divinely ordained head. It is for humanity’s good and the glory of the triune God."  
   
2. We Must Honor the Principle of Proper Social Expectations (11:4-6): "These verses address the specific topic that demands Paul’s attention: proper adornment in public worship....The Corinthians consistently blended together elements of the Christian faith with practices from their pagan past....Confused interpretation influenced by their pagan background likely influenced the practice addressed in 1 Corinthians 11 as well.  By interpreting Christian claims against their own pagan background, they perverted and distorted the Christian faith [on gender roles]."
   
3. We Must Honor the Principles of Glory, Creation, and Purpose (11:7-9): "The greatest thing in all of creation that brings glory to God is man (humanity). Similarly, the greatest and most magnificent thing that ever came out of a man is his female counterpart....Further, as Genesis 2:18 teaches, God made the woman as “a helper corresponding to [the man],” someone that perfectly fits and complements him. Again, all of this points to the essential Christocentric nature of authentic worship." 
   
4. We Must Honor the Principles of Angelic Observation and Submission (11:10): "First, angels, like us, were created to glorify God (Ps 148:2). Second, angels delight in worshiping and serving God (Rev 7:11-12). Third, angels gladly submit to the authority of God in all things (Ps 103:20). Fourth, angels attend our worship services and observe what is going on (Rev 1:20). Fifth, they celebrate when we worship properly and are disappointed when we don’t (Acts 12:23). Therefore, we should be sure to worship in a God-glorifying way because our fellow servants, the angels who minister to us (Heb 1:14), want to join us in humble, proper worship that focuses on Christ and honors and glorifies our heavenly Father (cf. Isa 6:2-3)."
   
5. We Must Honor the Principle of Interdependency (11:11-12): "There is no superiority of men over women or women over men. There is a divine design of both complementarity and interdependence."
   
6. We Must Honor the Principle of Nature (11:13-15): "The point, however, is clear. Men should look like and be easily recognized as men, and women should look like and be easily recognized as women. There should be no gender blurring or gender confusion."
7. We Must Honor the Principle of Common Practice (11:16).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and gave me my wife Lisa in marriage as an interdependent helper to raise Godly children - thank You Jesus!  I am blessed.  Yet I have fallen down and continue to fall down in my role as spiritual leader of the household.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.

Jude

Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. Jude 8

I proceed with my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my study consists of a commentary-assisted review of Jude 8-10, with a focus on the first division - v8.  V8 is an example where Jude points to lives we should not emulate and avoid the influences these lives pursue - self-satisfying (vs seeking pleasure in the Lord), sexual immorality, seeking glory for oneself (vs submitting and surrendering first and foremost to God, and then to earthly authorities God places in our lives), and blaspheming God and Christians. The commentary immediately highlights how the contemporary church too often mimics the world and its views and this is what Jude warns us about.  We are referred to 1 Peter 1:16 and 2:9 where the church is called to be holy and set apart from the world.  The commentary describes how in v8 we see sins of rebellion against God and His sovereignty.  This is squarely an issue today in the world as God's authority is roundly rejected in favor of anything goes morality. V8 is connected to v7 where God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is referenced. False teachers claim authority they do not have - using freedom from Old Testament rituals as an example of this freedom - but they went too far with this freedom.  We are owned by God, bought with a price (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and we exist solely to bring glory to God.  The commentary shares: "Jude rejects such unbiblical defiance, and so should we. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead establishes him as the one with all authority in heaven and on earth...and those who are called by his name gladly submit to this authority for their good and his glory."  We are encouraged to abide in Proverbs 29:18 where true freedom lies in obedience to God (vs being slaves to sin).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You give me and other believers true freedom - freedom from sin and death, and this gives me life to the full now and for eternity with You in Heaven.  What amazing gifts - the most amazing anyone could ever have.  I am undeserving of such gifts and blessing as my sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And Pilate asked [Jesus], “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”

Mark 15:1-20

And Pilate asked [Jesus], “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.”  Mark 15:2

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is, per the commentary, the first division of the text from Mark 15:1-20 - vv1-5.  

• Using the Sword Bible Study Method focusing just on the text for today - vv1-5: (1) God in the text: Following His arrest, Jesus is bound and led away to be questioned by Pilate (v1); Pilate questions Jesus seeking first perhaps to satisfy His own curiosity whether Jesus is King of the Jews (v2); Jesus response in v2 can be considered "non responsive" but it can also be seen as one of deference because Jesus sees Pilate as a governing authority and per Romans 13 believers are commanded to submit to governing authorities that God places over us; believers know the answer is yes to Pilate's question and Jesus affirms Pilate; Jesus is accused of "many things" and provided no further defense to Pilate (vv3-5); (2) People in the text: the Sanhedrin consult with each other then as soon as it was morning turn Jesus over to Pilate (v1); Pilate's questioning is designed to both placate the Sanhedrin yet walk a fine line to not stir up Jesus' followers because we know later that Pilate sees Jesus as not guilty of any crimes (vv2-4); Pilate is amazed (v5) that Jesus offers no defense perhaps seeing Jesus as powerful and able to defend Himself more than adequately based on what he has heard about Jesus (3) Sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey: Believers should have a right and true understanding of Jesus as Son of the Most Holy God and as God Himself, along with the Holy Spirit - the Triune God. We are to submit to governing authorities - of course unless it conflicts with what God commands us to do.  We should not blaspheme - something Jesus was accused of doing but did not. Jesus of course is our example as He follows and submits to His Father's will. 

Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and the first (of three) division: 

• The title of this chapter of the commentary covering this text is "Jesus the Great King: The Sacrifice for Sinners", and the main idea for the entirety of the text (vv1-20) is "Jesus suffered in our place as the sacrifice for sinners." 
• The title of the first division is "Our Great King’s Silence: The Accusations and Amazement."   
• "The Sanhedrin needs to move quickly to get the “Jesus case” before Pilate. They want Him executed before the Sabbath begins on Friday evening at sundown."
• "Only one accusation concerned Pilate, so he asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” (v. 2). This title has obvious political overtones for Pilate and Rome. Pilate, like the high priest (14:61), is an accurate, though ignorant, confessor of the Christ."
• "Jesus responds in a cryptic fashion to his question: “You have said so.” This is neither a direct affirmation nor a denial. I think Jesus’ intention is something like, “Yes, I am a king, but not the kind of king you are thinking of.” As Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)."
• "Here is the great King’s silence in the face of His accusers. Sinful men can only watch in amazement. No defense. Not a word. He will see to it that He goes to the cross."   

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for taking my place on the cross and dying on my behalf - I know I received grace and salvation undeservedly. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.”

Numbers 17:1-13

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.” Numbers 17:10

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 17:1-13 - we see God's instructions to Moses to give to the people to settle the matter of Aaron's priesthood.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God clearly communicates through both symbols and actions His message.  In this case, He uses the symbol of staffs or rods which in the Old Testament represented authority and power.  V5 is where the LORD shares "the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout," and from that point forward the people will cease their grumbling against authority from Aaron.  Vv8 and 10 make it clear that because Aaron's staff sprouted, it will be preserved as a sign to end further rebellions.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Such a sign or any physical sign from God should cause one to be in reverent fear of God's power, as we should acknowledge that the entire universe is controlled by Him (Colossians 1:16-17), including all authorities.  Thus it is not surprising to see the people's reaction in vv12-13 of fear - yet it is unclear at this point that this causes repentant fear.  Repentant fear is what God seeks, and John Piper refers to this as "fear as preservative" such that we fear angering or disappointing God, so we avoid sin.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid rebellion against God's appointed leaders, including both church leaders and civil authorities. Claim the promise that God reigns over all details including authority He places above us.  Follow the example of Christ who rendered to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's (see also Romans 13:1-7).  Submit to God's appointed leaders. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that works in all things for good - including leaders in my church and civil authorities.  Thank You for how Your design is perfect.  I am not deserving of how You work and bless me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Tony Evans: The Power of Jesus' Names - Lord and King

For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7-8

In preparation for Sunday school tomorrow morning, I watched session #2 of the above mentioned Tony Evans series (RightNow Media requires login which I have though my church).  The core message is that while believers may accept Jesus as their King, we may not submit to His authority and be obedient to His rule.  

Recognizing Jesus as our King gets us into Heaven but submitting to Jesus' authority and playing by his rules brings Heaven to earth giving us all the benefits of His rule in our life.  We can't expect the benefits of His rule without living by His rules.

Evans uses the analogy of a restaurant buffet where we can pick and choose how we are obedient to Jesus - submitting certain parts of our life to Him but not others.

I have personally experienced what it is like to recognize Jesus as my King without submitting to Him.   Once I began to submit to Jesus, that's when my world changed and I did indeed begin to experience some of the benefits of His rule.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has brought Heaven to earth and I HAVE participated in His reign - thank You Jesus!  I am blessed.  Yet I am undeservring of such love and blessings.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear iniquity connected with your priesthood.

Numbers 18:1-7

So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear iniquity connected with your priesthood. Numbers 18:1

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 18:1-7 - we see God speak to Aaron, giving him and the Levites instructions in their role with the priesthood, reinforcing earlier instructions that serve to prevent future rebellion against Aaron and the Levites.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks for Aaron and the Levites to bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary and the priesthood and the current dictionary definition shares that this means to conduct oneself well relating to sin connected with the sanctuary and priesthood - for example Aaron's participation with the golden calf (Exodus 32) and his sons' use of unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-3). Duties given to Aaron and the Levites are further clarified here in the text today as God shares that they are to guard (word used 4x in the text today) the sanctuary, including its contents such as the altar.  Others are not allowed to come near (let alone into) the sanctuary (Tent of Meeting) for risk of death (v7).  Also mentioned in the text today is how the Levites are a gift to Aaron and given to the Lord to serve in the priesthood (vv6-7).  After Korah's rebellion that very likely shook both Moses and Aaron, God encourages Aaron and makes it clear that Aaron and the Levites have a God-given role to play.  God equips His servants with helpers (including the Holy Spirit) to serve.  They will also be held to a high standard of accountability. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: As I have posted yesterday and with previous posts, we must submit to authorities, specifically church leadership.  We should not grumble and complain about our church leadership but instead defer and pray for them.  Trust God that they will be held to account.     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): If you are appointed to church leadership, avoid taking this lightly.  Claim the promise that God will equip and help His appointed servants.  Follow the example of Moses and Aaron who were faithful servants of God. Trust God and His appointed servants; submit and defer to their authority.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for the church I have and its Godly leadership.  I am not deserving of how You bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” v41-42

With regard to raising Zach and Dustin I pray fervently that Lisa and I focus on what is important...matters of Jesus and matters of the heart.  There are so many earthly and worldly distractions...we need not concern ourselves with those.  

I have recently sought God's will about my job, a new job and where He wants me to be with my career.  One thing is clear...I need to submit to my earthly master just as I do to Jesus.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.  For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 1 Peter 2:13-18

God also has great plans for me and for this I should be hopeful.

For I know the plansI have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

My Prayer: Lord, You have never let me down.  You have always listened to my prayers and You always answer my prayers.  You always provide.  You love me more than I deserve....I am sinful...I am selfish, lazy, harsh, prideful, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Joseph: Shaky Limbs and Unanswered Questions*".

*Title of lesson six from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day two starts with Max Lucado sharing how Joseph led a just life (Matthew 1:19) and how if he was faithful to the law, he should have followed Deuteronomy 22:13-21 if there was a dispute regarding Mary's faithfulness.  Lucado speculates how Joseph must have struggled with how to preserve his reputation vs follow God.  We know that God reassures Joseph (see my post yesterday).  Joseph did as the Lord commanded and was willing to submit to Him.  Lucado points to how Joseph saw the circumstances as a "good and perfect gift" (James 1:17). Lucado then turns to Joseph's humility and how he did not even speak in the Bible yet God used him in supernatural ways as the earthly father to our Lord and Savior - Lucado points to Matthew 16:25 as encouragement for those willing to submit to God. We are then encouraged to read scripture where it is likely people doubted Jesus' authority and power based on his origins and humble upbringing as the son of a lowly carpenter. See Matthew 13:53-56, Mark 6:1-3, Luke 4:16-22, and John 6:41-21.  God uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary and supernatural.

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:8-9

Discuss and comment on this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing in all ways - I have seen how You have used the ordinary to do extraordinary things - in my life and in the lives of others.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve. Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not deserving - I am often harsh with others and I have other sins. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to Your Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Timothy 2

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. v1-2

God places authority figures over us via government and law enforcement officials, church leaders, school leaders, and managers at work.  God appointed all of these officials and we are to submit to their authority...as long as they don't ask us to do anything contradictory to God's commands.  I have previously posted on the subject of earthly authority here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who knows everything about us, including our sin, yet came to suffer and die for us, choosing us, and leaving the side of God in heaven in the process.  You only desire good for us as long as fear, trust, love and obey You.  Yet I often don't.  Thank You for Your mercies and patience but I am not deserving of all of Your love Jesus.  Please forgive me for my disobedience.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me submit to all of the authorities in my life and be thankful and pray for them. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength, comfort, and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer Jesus.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

Hebrews 13

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. v17

I know God has place leaders in my life, church leads, work leaders, etc. that are for my benefit.  Scripture elsewhere commands me to obey leadership:

• Romans 13
• 1 Timothy 6

"[I]t is of no benefit to to [me]" if I disobey leadership and there work is a burden.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You have placed leadership in my life for my good and You do SO much for me - I know You love me in ways that I cannot describe or imagine. Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love Jesus.  I am broken and sinful.  I need You desperately in my life.  I am selfish, stubborn, harsh, impatient, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin.  Help me turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me submit to ALL of my leaders...help me support them.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength, comfort and freedom from pain. Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

Titus 2

Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. Titus 2:9-10

I maintain pause my study of 1 Corinthians and focus on a study of 2 Thessalonians and Titus as part of a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning I read Titus 2, assisted by the Christ Centered Exposition Series commentary for 1-2 Timothy and Titus, and focus on vv9-10. Per the commentary:

• Main idea: The gospel produces godly service that provides an opportunity for gospel proclamation.
• Excerpts from the introduction: In the first century one out of three persons in Rome and one in five elsewhere was a slave. A person could become a slave as a result of capture in war, default on a debt, inability to support and “voluntarily” selling oneself, being sold as a child by destitute parents, birth to slave parents, conviction of a crime, or kidnapping and piracy. Unlike the slavery that arose in the Americas in the 1600s, slavery in the ancient world was racially indiscriminate, cutting across racial, social, and national lines. One would have thought that with the spread of Christianity, slavery would have met its demise. Unfortunately that was not the case. Justinian (AD 527–565) sought to abolish slavery, but the numbers again grew, and after the collapse of the Roman Empire, it merged into serfdom. The Crusades boosted slave trade, and in Venice, Christian slaves were actually sold to Muslims (Elwell, “Slavery”). But what about the modern era and the enslavement of some 24 million Africans, many of whom were sent here to America and found themselves in servitude to Christian masters? Any honest history must note that the enslavement of Africans by Africans was common and had been so for hundreds of years. Still, the pattern changed radically from the fifteenth century onward, and the crimes humanity visited on fellow humanity were shameful beyond imagination....While many of the nation’s founding fathers were in fact abolitionists, the movement failed to take root in the new country....it is simply impossible to deny that slavery played an important role in the formation of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1845, even if the northern Baptists forced the issue and basically shoved Baptists in the South into starting a new convention. Thankfully, one must also acknowledge that Christians led the way in bringing to an end this horrible institution. Men like William Wilberforce, Granville Sharp, John Wesley, and Charles Finney led the charge. Quakers and Moravians, Methodists, and some Baptists voiced their opposition against great odds and were heard by God. Slavery was outlawed in 1807 in Britain and throughout its empire in 1827. Congress brought “slave trade” to a close in 1808, but the end of slavery in the United States would not come until 1865. Still, and do not miss the point: only where there was a Christian impulse did slavery come to an end. 
  

In response to the question, "what does the Bible say about slavery," the commentary proceeds to emphasize how the Bible "regulates but does not ordain slavery or require [it]."  The commentary then directly refers to the text (Titus 2:9-10), sharing that this text applies to all under an earthly authority, including government, employer-employee relationships, etc. These relationships are seen as a "fertile and open field for evangelism."

Divisions:

1. Be Productive for Your Superior (2:9): Believers should all recognize that they work for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). "Are there exceptions to this wide sweeping call to obedience? Yes, there are four: when it is unbiblical, illegal, unethical, or immoral. Outside of these, our goal is to submit to him and serve him, all the while seeing the true Master, the Lord Jesus, who stands behind him." 
   
2. Be Pleasing in Your Spirit (2:9): This includes being pleasing in both "scope and the spirit [our] service."  Thus, our action and attitude must reflect the heart of Christ.    
   
3. Be Polite in Your Speech (2:9):  "[Christian workers] are not argumentative, contentious, or disagreeable. They do not gripe about their boss behind his back and compromise their testimony as a follower of Jesus Christ. Words are powerful weapons. In a matter of seconds, a testimony built over a lifetime can be destroyed by a few careless words." We are referred to Proverbs 6:12, 13:3, 16:27-28, 18:6, 18:7, 18:21, 26:20-21, and Psalms 39:1. 
4. Be Principled in Your Service (2:10): "This servant will go the extra mile in maintaining his financial accountability. There will be no inflated expense accounts, falsified time sheets, or unauthorized use of his employer’s resources. From a paper clip to a corporate jet, he will conduct himself with absolute honesty and integrity."
   
5. Be Public in Your Sincerity (2:10): "Our trustworthiness, reliability, and dependability are continually on display. No one needs to be looking over our shoulder. We are known for our loyalty and integrity. Others may cheat the boss but not us. Others may betray the boss but not us. Others may become embittered at their boss, especially if they serve a tyrant or bully. But not us."  
   
6. Be Praiseworthy for Your Savior (2:10): "This kind of servant makes beautiful and attractive the teaching of God our Savior, and he does this in everything and in every way. Though he is a slave or servant, the one under authority makes gorgeous the things of God by his productive, pleasing, polite, principled, public service."   
   

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are so good in how You bless me with employment and managers that bless me - I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Romans 13

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. v1

As I posted yesterday, I am struggling with my relationship with my boss and today's message from Paul is equally encouraging in terms of providing guidance and wisdom from Him about how I can improve this situation.

Paul's instructions go further:

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:2-5

While these verses primarily focus on my response to public officials, I believe these verses apply equally to my managers at work.  John MacArthur, quoted below supports my belief.

"Since He alone is the sovereign ruler of the universe (Pss. 62: 11; 103: 19; 1 Tim. 6: 15), He has instituted four authorities on earth: (1) the government over all citizens; (2) the church over all believers; (3) the parents over all children; and (4) the masters over all employees. appointed."

MacArthur, John (2005-05-10). The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 51081-51083). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed a great God and You know everything about me even well before I was born.  You intend only good for my life and You have blessed me tremendously.  I am not deserving of such rich blessings.  I am harsh with my words, thoughts, actions, etc, I am quick to anger, slow to listen, full of pride, etc.  Thank You for Your unbounding love anyway.  Please forgive me for my sins today.  Help me turn from these sins and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.

Ecclesiastes 5

For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear. Ecclesiastes 5:7

I continue my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is a commentary-review of Ecclesiastes 5:7, which covers the second division of the commentary chapter titled Religion Is Meaningless without Jesus - this second division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Through Christ, We Can Approach God with Confident Reverence.  The commentary shares how in American culture "[w]e have a hard time understanding the concept of the fear of the Lord because we live in a culture that has no reverence for authority. We no longer approach parents, teachers, or coaches with respect. Lack of respect and honor has bled over into a new casual Christianity where Jesus is our...copilot and not so much our absolute, formidable King and awe-inspiring, sovereign Master.  We should humbly submit to and stand in awe of God who knows all of our sins and empty promises. People may try to object to this idea and say, “Well, that is just the Old Testament,” but Jesus warns us to fear Him who can destroy soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28). We are called to reverent awe of God."  We are encouraged by the commentary to approach God through Jesus as the only way - John 14:6.  The Old Testament is described as temporary as it only foreshadowed how the incarnate Jesus would serve as the perfect and final sacrifice for all of humanity's sin forevermore, tearing the curtain in the temple that separated worshipers from access to God.  The commentary refers us to Hebrews 10 where Jesus is described as a better mediator and we can approach Christ in confidence.  Specifically in reference to Ecclesiastes 5:7, the commentary shares: "[d]espite our careless words and empty religion, Jesus brings us back to God. He fully cleanses us and allows us to come boldly before God’s throne. We do this individually in prayer and private worship. Jesus makes this clear in John 4 with the woman at the well. You no longer have to go to a specific physical location to worship God. You can pray and worship Him anywhere. But while we can approach God in private worship, we approach Him in a special way in corporate worship. Now, according to Ephesians 2, we are the new temple where God dwells. Hebrews 12 says that when we gather for corporate worship, we gather at Mount Zion in the presence of God Almighty, innumerable angels, and the saints who have passed on. But we are still called to listen and fear!" We are also referred to Romans 12:1 where Paul shares how believers are to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - going to the cross so that I can have not only salvation but also access to God whenever and where ever I am.  Thank You Jesus that I can approach You in confidence.  I am not deserving of such a loving and caring God.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.

Mark 3:7-21

Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him. And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him, for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him. Mark 3:7-10

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 3:7-12, which is the text for the first division (of three) per the commentary for the text 3:7-21. Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and first division: 

• The introduction highlights Jesus' leadership and how people follow up based on his ability to assemble a team, and respond to pressure and fatigue. 
• Note the title of the division "Expect to Be Pressured by Those Who Want Something from You."
• Commenting on Jesus' growing popularity, the commentary shares: "[g]rowing popularity also means great pressure. Jesus experienced this pressure in all of its many forms. Anyone who pursues faithful ministry should be prepared for the same."
• "[The people following Him] did not care about Him but only what they could get from Him. They were not concerned about His privacy, His need for time alone, or His need for food and rest (cf. 3:20). They only wanted to use Him for His miraculous power."
• "This will too often be the experience of those who work hard for the Lord. It is truly unavoidable, but to a certain degree you can control it. Still, understand this reality: people you serve will impose on you and not give it a second thought. It is simply the nature of the work."
• "After a futile attempt to control Jesus, the demons are silenced by His sovereign authority. Jesus will carry forward and complete His mission on God’s terms—on His terms—not theirs."
• "We must do the will of God in God’s way and in God’s time. We must not allow ourselves to be manipulated by ungodly agendas regardless of the praise we may be paid, the positions we may be proffered, or the prosperity we may be promised."    

Pressure to conform to earthly expectations surround us not just in ministry but in all ways - in the home, at work, etc. We must be careful about the influences we place in our lives, including people, how we spend our time, etc. See also James 4:4 as a warning for those who grow friendly with the world.  Instead we must become slaves to God and allow Him to mold and conform us into His image - progressively through sanctification as we submit to Him, seek to know Him more through study of scripture, etc. See also Romans 12:2.  Ultimately, others should see Jesus in us - being in the world, but not of the world (John 8:23).  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  There is no other way.  Thank You for scripture and for making Yourself known to me and for giving me the Holy Spirit that is always with me.  Of course thank You for my salvation.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Luke 10

"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.  However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” v19-20

God is certainly almighty and I have witnessed His power in my life as He has transformed my heart and blessed me well beyond what I deserve.  I must recognize that I have this power daily and in every moment.  It is for more me to believe in this power, have faith in this power, to call on this power and of course understand that this power is for His glory not mine.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed are a great God full of love, compassion, kindness, mercy...all of the fruits of the spirit.  You are not only my Lord and Savior but also the God whom I desire in my heart and my life - the one whom I strive to be more like.  I desperately need You Jesus because I am broken...full of sin.  I am prideful, lazy, impatient, quick to anger and slow to listen.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.