And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
In the still of the darkest of nights two men stand listening to the testimony of witnesses. As Jesus stands before the religious court Peter faces a servant girl. The mettle of each man is being tested. In Christ we see a blazing example of courage under fire. In Peter we see a total capitulation to the forces of cowardice. The difference is starkly compelling.
Jesus had been preparing for such a moment his whole life. For years he had done the things that gave him the strength of heart to resist the temptation to capitulate to the high priest. Peter on the other hand was a man of fleshly strength and did not possess the inner power to stand under temptation. One man went to the cross and one wept bitterly.
Help me Lord to do things that strengthen my heart so that I will be able to resist temptation.
Seated at the right hand of Power ...
And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together.
...
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.
In the middle of the night court is convened, Jesus is dragged before the religious elders and "witnesses" with conflicting testimonies are brought forth to accuse him. Darkness has descended on Israel and the prince of darkness has seized control of the court. You can sense the self-righteous anger and profound frustration that is present as Jesus refuses to participate in this mockery of justice. Then, in the midst of darkness, the Lord speaks.
Christ's response to the high priest is majestic and chilling. In a few words he settles the question forever as he tells them, and us, that he is Israel's long awaited Messiah. The reaction of the high priest and the court is telling. Understanding that Jesus claims to be God in the flesh the high priest calls his confession blasphemous. The events that follow are absolutely appalling as the darkness further descends on backslidden Israel.
You are the Christ, the Son of the Blessed! Once again I surrender my life to you.
...
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.
In the middle of the night court is convened, Jesus is dragged before the religious elders and "witnesses" with conflicting testimonies are brought forth to accuse him. Darkness has descended on Israel and the prince of darkness has seized control of the court. You can sense the self-righteous anger and profound frustration that is present as Jesus refuses to participate in this mockery of justice. Then, in the midst of darkness, the Lord speaks.
Christ's response to the high priest is majestic and chilling. In a few words he settles the question forever as he tells them, and us, that he is Israel's long awaited Messiah. The reaction of the high priest and the court is telling. Understanding that Jesus claims to be God in the flesh the high priest calls his confession blasphemous. The events that follow are absolutely appalling as the darkness further descends on backslidden Israel.
You are the Christ, the Son of the Blessed! Once again I surrender my life to you.
Have you come out as against a robber ...
The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand. And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him. But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” And they all left him and fled.
There is a tendency, especially for those of us who have read this passage many times, to gloss over what is really happening to our Lord. A man who has daily shared meals with him and walked at his side for many years has turned his back on him and done something unspeakable. I wonder if his heart was breaking as one disciple betrayed him with a kiss and all the others fled from his side? It was such a sad prelude to the cross of his suffering.
Jesus responds to Judas' kiss with words that point to the dark cowardice of the religious leaders. Instead of engaging Jesus in an open forum these come in the darkness of night to seize him. It speaks so clearly of their dark motives and spineless actions. Yet, in contrast to their actions, we see in Christ an example of courage and brilliance. Betrayal could not quench his light. He remains for us an example of courage under extreme pressure.
Praise you Lord Jesus. Help me to embrace your light and your courage today.
There is a tendency, especially for those of us who have read this passage many times, to gloss over what is really happening to our Lord. A man who has daily shared meals with him and walked at his side for many years has turned his back on him and done something unspeakable. I wonder if his heart was breaking as one disciple betrayed him with a kiss and all the others fled from his side? It was such a sad prelude to the cross of his suffering.
Jesus responds to Judas' kiss with words that point to the dark cowardice of the religious leaders. Instead of engaging Jesus in an open forum these come in the darkness of night to seize him. It speaks so clearly of their dark motives and spineless actions. Yet, in contrast to their actions, we see in Christ an example of courage and brilliance. Betrayal could not quench his light. He remains for us an example of courage under extreme pressure.
Praise you Lord Jesus. Help me to embrace your light and your courage today.
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him.
And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come.”
The phrase that I have used in this post title is often used to explain moral failures and the capitulation to fleshly temptation. While that is probably an appropriate explanation of events like that, I think that it is interesting to note that Jesus uses it to describe a failure to persevere in prayer. Three times the Lord chided the disciples for their failure to pray. It makes me wonder why, after seeing their friend so troubled, they could not prevail with him.
The underlying foundation of prayer is the idea that God wants to help us and He is able to do so. Yet sometimes this deep truth is forgotten when we our flesh is tired and weary. In times of testing it is good to remember that a prayer can be a simple as Peter crying out to Jesus "Lord save me!" when he began to sink as he walked on the water. A good reminder to us that our Father cares and wants to hear the cries of our heart when we pray.
You are listening Lord. Help us to remember to pray throughout our day.
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him.
And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come.”
The phrase that I have used in this post title is often used to explain moral failures and the capitulation to fleshly temptation. While that is probably an appropriate explanation of events like that, I think that it is interesting to note that Jesus uses it to describe a failure to persevere in prayer. Three times the Lord chided the disciples for their failure to pray. It makes me wonder why, after seeing their friend so troubled, they could not prevail with him.
The underlying foundation of prayer is the idea that God wants to help us and He is able to do so. Yet sometimes this deep truth is forgotten when we our flesh is tired and weary. In times of testing it is good to remember that a prayer can be a simple as Peter crying out to Jesus "Lord save me!" when he began to sink as he walked on the water. A good reminder to us that our Father cares and wants to hear the cries of our heart when we pray.
You are listening Lord. Help us to remember to pray throughout our day.
My soul is very sorrowful, even to death.
And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
My first wife Ellen suffered heart and kidney failure when she was 39. My kids and I watched her slowly die the following four years. Every day I fervently prayed for her healing. Yet a month before she died I found myself praying a prayer of both acceptance and release. I committed Ellen into the loving hands of Almighty God and said that whatever He wanted was OK with me. It was one of the toughest prayers that I have ever prayed.
Such is the prayer that we see Jesus praying in the garden. He was visibly distressed and troubled. His disciples could actually see it on his face. Sorrowful, painful and troubling words come from his mouth as the Son wrestles in prayer with the Father. As he prays we begin to understand what it is like to pray in impossible times. When he ends saying "not what I will, but what you will" he paints a glorious picture of what it means to pray.
I offer my sorrows up to you again today Lord. Not my will but thine be done.
My first wife Ellen suffered heart and kidney failure when she was 39. My kids and I watched her slowly die the following four years. Every day I fervently prayed for her healing. Yet a month before she died I found myself praying a prayer of both acceptance and release. I committed Ellen into the loving hands of Almighty God and said that whatever He wanted was OK with me. It was one of the toughest prayers that I have ever prayed.
Such is the prayer that we see Jesus praying in the garden. He was visibly distressed and troubled. His disciples could actually see it on his face. Sorrowful, painful and troubling words come from his mouth as the Son wrestles in prayer with the Father. As he prays we begin to understand what it is like to pray in impossible times. When he ends saying "not what I will, but what you will" he paints a glorious picture of what it means to pray.
I offer my sorrows up to you again today Lord. Not my will but thine be done.
You will all fall away ...
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same.
The path of humility often looks more like humiliation. I know that Peter, and the other disciples, truly believed that they would fight to the death with Jesus. Yet they were totally unprepared for the testings that would soon come. Within an hour or so these tough guys would see Jesus surrender to the religious authorities. These who wanted to do fleshly battle were not ready to wage war on their knees. Humility was knocking at their door.
To these the Lord Jesus speaks of how they will all fall away and run when the shepherd is struck. I think that Peter speaks for all of them when he vehemently denies what the Lord predicts that he will do. How could it enter his imagination that he would deny his friend? Such is the way of boastful bravado. Such is the path of humility. Peter is never the same after the rooster crows. His humbling is one that we must understand and take to heart.
I am nothing Lord. You are everything. Help me to walk in humility today.
The path of humility often looks more like humiliation. I know that Peter, and the other disciples, truly believed that they would fight to the death with Jesus. Yet they were totally unprepared for the testings that would soon come. Within an hour or so these tough guys would see Jesus surrender to the religious authorities. These who wanted to do fleshly battle were not ready to wage war on their knees. Humility was knocking at their door.
To these the Lord Jesus speaks of how they will all fall away and run when the shepherd is struck. I think that Peter speaks for all of them when he vehemently denies what the Lord predicts that he will do. How could it enter his imagination that he would deny his friend? Such is the way of boastful bravado. Such is the path of humility. Peter is never the same after the rooster crows. His humbling is one that we must understand and take to heart.
I am nothing Lord. You are everything. Help me to walk in humility today.
This is my body. This is my blood.
And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; Eat.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Throughout time many have argued about the meaning of the words "This is my body. This is my blood". In doing so they make something natural out of something spiritual. I believe that there is something spiritually significant when we come to the Lord's table - regardless of the nature of the bread and the wine. The act of coming is an act of the heart and this act transcends the natural and crosses over to the spiritual. It always has.
So when we are tempted to argue about such things we must not let the physical trump the spiritual. We must remember that we are cherishing the broken body of Christ on the cross when we eat the bread at communion. And when we drink we celebrate the covenant that the Lord Jesus consecrated with his spilled blood. Lastly, when we come to the table we look forward to that day when we shall, with one heart, share a meal with our Savior.
I remember, honor and hallow your sacrifice Lord Jesus. Emblazon the cross in my heart.
Throughout time many have argued about the meaning of the words "This is my body. This is my blood". In doing so they make something natural out of something spiritual. I believe that there is something spiritually significant when we come to the Lord's table - regardless of the nature of the bread and the wine. The act of coming is an act of the heart and this act transcends the natural and crosses over to the spiritual. It always has.
So when we are tempted to argue about such things we must not let the physical trump the spiritual. We must remember that we are cherishing the broken body of Christ on the cross when we eat the bread at communion. And when we drink we celebrate the covenant that the Lord Jesus consecrated with his spilled blood. Lastly, when we come to the table we look forward to that day when we shall, with one heart, share a meal with our Savior.
I remember, honor and hallow your sacrifice Lord Jesus. Emblazon the cross in my heart.
One of you will betray me ...
And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another, “Is it I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”
A few verses back we learned that Judas, offended at Jesus' rebuke, went to the chief priests and set his betrayal in motion. Exhibiting a great cowardice he goes behind Jesus' back supposing that he will take the Son of God by surprise. I wonder what was going on in his head when he heard the words "one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me". Could Judas have been so deceived by Satan that he did not know he was the one?
As the disciples begin to question themselves asking "Is it I?" the Lord repeats the revelation saying that it is one of the twelve. These simple men could not fathom betraying the one who they walked with for three years - perhaps even Judas did not see his acts in a bad light? Yet in just a few days the weight of his actions would come down on him and, in a hopeless act, he would commit suicide. It would have been better if he was never born.
Help me to always stay true to you Lord Jesus. Cleanse me of any hint of betrayal.
A few verses back we learned that Judas, offended at Jesus' rebuke, went to the chief priests and set his betrayal in motion. Exhibiting a great cowardice he goes behind Jesus' back supposing that he will take the Son of God by surprise. I wonder what was going on in his head when he heard the words "one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me". Could Judas have been so deceived by Satan that he did not know he was the one?
As the disciples begin to question themselves asking "Is it I?" the Lord repeats the revelation saying that it is one of the twelve. These simple men could not fathom betraying the one who they walked with for three years - perhaps even Judas did not see his acts in a bad light? Yet in just a few days the weight of his actions would come down on him and, in a hopeless act, he would commit suicide. It would have been better if he was never born.
Help me to always stay true to you Lord Jesus. Cleanse me of any hint of betrayal.
Leave her alone.
There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. ... Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.
Judas' reaction to Jesus' rebuke revealed a deep misunderstanding of the Lord's mission and message. I cannot imagine how someone so close to Christ could have responded with such betrayal. The disciple's reaction reminds me of the one that Cain had to God's rejection of his offering of grain. Listen to what God tell's him:
I think that anger and disappointment drove Judas to the chief priests. Strong emotions like these can cause people to take action - especially when they are directed at God. Truthfully I had such anger and disappointment when my first wife died. Yet the sin crouching at my door was arrested by the love of God. I looked past my pain and embraced the cross.
Help us to embrace the cross today Lord - especially when our prayers are unanswered.
Judas' reaction to Jesus' rebuke revealed a deep misunderstanding of the Lord's mission and message. I cannot imagine how someone so close to Christ could have responded with such betrayal. The disciple's reaction reminds me of the one that Cain had to God's rejection of his offering of grain. Listen to what God tell's him:
“Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”Perhaps Jesus' rebuke was the proverbial last straw for Judas? Perhaps Judas had a fleshly value system that did not understand how the Lord could defend the "wasteful" use of something that could have been used to help the poor? Either way, his response communicates an anger similar to the one Cain had.
I think that anger and disappointment drove Judas to the chief priests. Strong emotions like these can cause people to take action - especially when they are directed at God. Truthfully I had such anger and disappointment when my first wife died. Yet the sin crouching at my door was arrested by the love of God. I looked past my pain and embraced the cross.
Help us to embrace the cross today Lord - especially when our prayers are unanswered.
You always have the poor with you ...
And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
I think compassion is at the very heart of this passage. Consider how Jesus says:
In contrast the Lord speaks encouraging words for the woman who gave lavishly and generously. He says that she has done a beautiful thing. Perhaps we would do well to understand the beauty of this kind of worship? Reminds me that King David once said:
Show me the nard in my life Lord. Help me to not hold back.
But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
I think compassion is at the very heart of this passage. Consider how Jesus says:
"For you always have the poor with you,It is odd how many people often quote the first half of this verse and rarely remember the rest of it. It is as if they forget that the message that Jesus proclaimed was good news to the poor. In truth God's people can do good for the poor whenever they want but rarely do deferring to do good for buildings and religious leaders much in the ways that the Jews back then did. It is as if the gospel message has been twisted to eliminate the poor.
and whenever you want, you can do good for them."
In contrast the Lord speaks encouraging words for the woman who gave lavishly and generously. He says that she has done a beautiful thing. Perhaps we would do well to understand the beauty of this kind of worship? Reminds me that King David once said:
I will not give that which costs me nothing.The nard used to anoint the body of Christ was pure and it was costly. Perhaps the message in this story is two fold: firstly, we should do good for the poor; secondly, our gifts of worship can only be measured in the currency of heaven
Show me the nard in my life Lord. Help me to not hold back.
My words will not pass away.
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake.
For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
The words of Christ are eternal in that he speaks truth that is not specific to a specific time or a place. The things that he taught two thousand years ago are as relevant today as they word back then. It is incumbent on each of us to take his words to heart and be vigilant in our daily activities to discern the times that we are living in. It speaks to me of the priorities that I set and the prayers that I pray. In truth our lives may be required of us any day.
It is in this light that the Lord speaks to each of us as living in such a way that we would not be ashamed if this was our last day. Yet many are caught up in a spiritual slumber walking each day ignorant of God's presence and plan for their lives. These are not concerned with spiritual things and live as if they will never die.. as if they will never have to give an account for their lives. To these, an to us, the Lord warns to be on guard and keep spiritually awake.
Help me Lord to discern the times, to be on guard and stay spiritually awake.
For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
The words of Christ are eternal in that he speaks truth that is not specific to a specific time or a place. The things that he taught two thousand years ago are as relevant today as they word back then. It is incumbent on each of us to take his words to heart and be vigilant in our daily activities to discern the times that we are living in. It speaks to me of the priorities that I set and the prayers that I pray. In truth our lives may be required of us any day.
It is in this light that the Lord speaks to each of us as living in such a way that we would not be ashamed if this was our last day. Yet many are caught up in a spiritual slumber walking each day ignorant of God's presence and plan for their lives. These are not concerned with spiritual things and live as if they will never die.. as if they will never have to give an account for their lives. To these, an to us, the Lord warns to be on guard and keep spiritually awake.
Help me Lord to discern the times, to be on guard and stay spiritually awake.
The Son of Man coming in clouds ...
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
All I can think of when I read these words is that God is sovereign in all of creation. I think that there is a spiritual aspect to this passage that we can miss if we focus too intently on the physicality of it. When Jesus speaks of celestial bodies darkening, stars falling and heavens shaking my mind wonders to what is going on in the invisible realm. Could it be that our Lord is speaking to us about a shift in spiritual realms that is invisible to our eyes?
The majesty and glory of the second coming is painted with such simple words as Christ speaks to us of a day when that which is invisible manifests into something physical. In truth the Son of Man has been coming and gathering his elect for ages when they pass from this age to the next. Yet we do well when we understand that each day He comes to us with "great power and glory". Such is the gospel message of the resurrected Christ!
Help me to sense your presence today Lord. Cause that which is invisible to become visible.
All I can think of when I read these words is that God is sovereign in all of creation. I think that there is a spiritual aspect to this passage that we can miss if we focus too intently on the physicality of it. When Jesus speaks of celestial bodies darkening, stars falling and heavens shaking my mind wonders to what is going on in the invisible realm. Could it be that our Lord is speaking to us about a shift in spiritual realms that is invisible to our eyes?
The majesty and glory of the second coming is painted with such simple words as Christ speaks to us of a day when that which is invisible manifests into something physical. In truth the Son of Man has been coming and gathering his elect for ages when they pass from this age to the next. Yet we do well when we understand that each day He comes to us with "great power and glory". Such is the gospel message of the resurrected Christ!
Help me to sense your presence today Lord. Cause that which is invisible to become visible.
I have told you all things beforehand.
And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
Jesus continues to paint a terrifying picture of a cataclysmic future where desperate people are looking for a messianic figure to rescue them from the horrors of the day. I think that he felt a need to warn his disciples, and us, of such things because he knew how humanity so often looks to itself, rather than God, in times of confusion and of crisis.
"Elect" is a very interesting word. Theologians have built theologies around it supposing that it means this or that. The word simply means chosen - the elect are God's chosen people.. those who has been spiritually born. For these God put a time limit on tribulation. To these he speaks a word of warning. In all this His love and concern is great for the elect.
Thank you Lord for loving and saving you people - both today and in that day.
Jesus continues to paint a terrifying picture of a cataclysmic future where desperate people are looking for a messianic figure to rescue them from the horrors of the day. I think that he felt a need to warn his disciples, and us, of such things because he knew how humanity so often looks to itself, rather than God, in times of confusion and of crisis.
"Elect" is a very interesting word. Theologians have built theologies around it supposing that it means this or that. The word simply means chosen - the elect are God's chosen people.. those who has been spiritually born. For these God put a time limit on tribulation. To these he speaks a word of warning. In all this His love and concern is great for the elect.
Thank you Lord for loving and saving you people - both today and in that day.
Pray that it may not happen ...
“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be.
These warnings remind me of the movies I have seen of London during the Nazi air strikes in World War II when the sirens were blowing and everyone was running for cover in the shelters. Like one of those sirens Jesus warns his disciples, and us, that we are not immune from the terrible things that happen in the world. When Tsunamis hit Japan God's people were affected. And Christians were not exempt from harm when the earth shook in Haiti.
Interesting how Jesus speaks of prayer. It is as if he is saying that God factors in the cries of our heart before he allows tribulation to come into our lives. This is a comforting thought to me and encourages me to fall to my knees. Trials and tribulations are a part of life. Bad things happen to God's children. Yet in the midst of calamity God hears our prayers. He weighs in the cries of our hearts before and after a crisis hits. He is with us always.
I am in awe of you Lord. You, who shake the earth, hear me when I pray.
These warnings remind me of the movies I have seen of London during the Nazi air strikes in World War II when the sirens were blowing and everyone was running for cover in the shelters. Like one of those sirens Jesus warns his disciples, and us, that we are not immune from the terrible things that happen in the world. When Tsunamis hit Japan God's people were affected. And Christians were not exempt from harm when the earth shook in Haiti.
Interesting how Jesus speaks of prayer. It is as if he is saying that God factors in the cries of our heart before he allows tribulation to come into our lives. This is a comforting thought to me and encourages me to fall to my knees. Trials and tribulations are a part of life. Bad things happen to God's children. Yet in the midst of calamity God hears our prayers. He weighs in the cries of our hearts before and after a crisis hits. He is with us always.
I am in awe of you Lord. You, who shake the earth, hear me when I pray.
