Teaching in the Temple

Posted on March 26, 2013 by richrockwood

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What’s happening:  It’s Tuesday and Jesus has returned to the Temple.  This seems to occupy so much of His focus so far this week.  He looked at it on Sunday and cleansed it yesterday.  Now He is sitting in it teaching the people.  What a thrill to hear Jesus teaching in person in this house of prayer.

Suddenly he is confronted by chief priests, elders, and teachers of the law for they are responsible for what goes on in the Temple.  So they ask Him on what authority He threw out the money changes and the animals yesterday?  What right does He Have to behave like that?  Their voices are loud and angry.

Rather than answer their question, Jesus gives them a question:  “John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!”  They all huddle together and realize they cannot answer Him.  If they say it was from Heaven, He will say then why didn’t you believe it.  But if they say from Earth, the people who were standing by and who believed it was from Heaven will get upset.  So they say “we can’t say.”  So He says “and neither can I.”  He has outwitted them once again.  They are boiling with anger.

He sits down and begins to teach.  He compares the Kingdom of God to a vineyard (Matthew 21:33-46)and  a wedding banquet (Matthew 22:1).  He teaches about taxes (Matthew 22:15) and rebukes the Sadducees for not believing in the resurrection of the dead.  He also warns about the coming destruction of the city and the Temple if they will not believe in Him.  It is pleasant hearing him instruct and enlighten.  He finishes and starts walking out.  We decide to linger and let the words He has spoken sink in as we think about their meaning.  The Kingdom of God is….I cannot wait.  These are His final teachings before the chaos descends on Him.  Still His mind is sharp and His words are understandable.

Things to Ponder:  Jesus ability to teach calmly and respond cleverly to confrontations with so much weighing on his heart, shows a remarkable individual.  What a gift He was…and is.  It would be careless and foolish to ignore the teachings of such a man.   What is the Kingdom of God going to be like?  I need only look into Jesus teachings to get the most accurate idea this side of eternity.

Prayer:  Lord, cause me to have a thirst for the teachings of Jesus that draws me into the Bible where I may drink deeply of the Fountain of Life.

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Cleaning Up The Place of Worship

Posted on March 25, 2013 by richrockwood

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What’s happening:  It’s now Monday.  He is walking back to Jerusalem, this time traveling the few miles on foot.  No crowds are waiting, so he makes His way inside the city to the Temple.  The sprawling edifice is still under construction, its towering columns and ornate decorations are overwhelming.  It is a thrilling sight, except for the merchants who fill the outer court.  They are exchanging money so worshipers have the right currency for purchasing sacrificial animals.  Animal grunts, clanging coins, merchantmen arguing over prices seems out of place in this house of prayer.

Suddenly Jesus is yelling and knocking over tables.  He has picked up some cords and fashioned them into a whip and he is beating the merchants and scattering all the animals.  You have read this story in the Bible (Mark 11:12ff)  you watch as he continues to scream at the top of his lungs:  “Is it not written: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’?  But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

He seems preoccupied with this holy place, His Father’s House.  He wants it kept clean and pure.

You see the Temple authorities near some columns so you walk over and eaves drop on their reaction.  They are angry and then one of them brings up the unthinkable “we have to get rid of him.”  The others mumble agreement and several ideas are suggested, but then they agree to wait until after Passover.

Things to Ponder:  His passion to renew people’s worship overwhelms Jesus.  Worship is crucial to Him.   The Bible tells us that true worship really takes place in the heart.  Now is a good time to take a look at what’s been going on there lately?  Do we take the time to pray from our heart or are we content with scripted prayers we’ve memorized?  Is our heart filled with lust, anger or jealousy?  Have we lost our first love?   Is our religion real to us?

Prayer:  Lord, please inventory my “temple” today and show me what things I need to get rid of, what things are distracting me from worshiping you with all my heart and mind.  Help me today to contemplate  your yearning for a heart-felt relationship.

Posted in Addiction, Belief, Bible, Christ, Courage, Holy Week, Humanity, Love of Money, Materialism, Meditation, Money, Passion, Prayer, Priorities, relationships, Religion, Repentance, Spirituality, Values, Word of God, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Riding Under A Shell of Empty Praise

Posted on March 24, 2013 by richrockwood

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What’s Happening:  Today Christians mark the day of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the first day of the last week of Jesus’ life before the Cross.  We call it Palm Sunday.

Let’s go with him today and through this week that we might appreciate how He moved with calm determination to His total sacrifice and humiliation for humanity’s sins.

The day’s events begin with Jesus heading to Jerusalem.  We’ll be using the Gospel according to Mark beginning at Chapter 10, verse 17.  As we walk a young man approaches Jesus and asks what is required to gain eternal life.  Jesus tells him to observe the commandments.  He says he’s already done that.  Jesus answers by telling the man he now needs to give his riches to the poor.  The young man leaves.  It’s too much for him.

We walk a little further and hear Jesus say He is going to be delivered to the authorities, turned over to the gentiles, mocked and put to death.  Obviously, what looms ahead is on his mind.  Yet, a little further up the road two of his followers ask Him a crazy question.  They want to know if they can sit on his right and left hand in His kingdom.  Even as he is moving on to his death, there is a dispute among his men over status and privilege.  How dare they talk like that?

We now enter the ancient city of Jericho whose walls were blown down by Joshua’s trumpeters.  We stare at some of the ruins of those walls as we leave.  On the other side of the city we hear a man scream out.  “Jesus, heal me.”  The man is blind.  Jesus stops and heals him.  Now the man is yelling “I can see!  I can see!”  No wonder so many people are following with us.

When we reach Bethany we walk up to the Mount of Olives and rest.  He tells two of his followers to go into the city and secure a donkey for him.  He knows what He must do.  He must ride in on a donkey to show the people a sign, to fulfill the ancient prophecy of Zechariah (9:9)

“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The men return with the donkey and Jesus mounts it and we trail along after Him. He continues up to Jerusalem which is packed with visitors who have come to observe Passover as required according to the laws of Moses.  As he is seen on the donkey, many  think of the ancient prophecies about the Messiah and in the heat of the moment, rip off branches from nearby palm trees, waving them and throwing them down before Him.  This is a sign of victory.  The people now believe He is the one who will throw the Romans out of the country and so cheer Him on saying “save us.”

It is late in the day, so Jesus only has time to look around.  Now we are walking back to Bethany where He will spend the night at Mary, Martha and Lazarus’ house.  We’re feeling all the miles we’ve walked so we’re glad for the rest finally.

Things to Ponder:  What must He have thought and felt that day?  Finally the things His Father had commissioned Him to do were moving ahead.  The people praised Him, but He knew their praise rang hollow.  He knew what would happen in just a few more days.  Still His will was hard as steel.  He WOULD carry out the wishes of the Father.

What thoughts do we have as we look at the crowds?  Do we see the fickleness of human beings: one day they praise you the next they condemn you?  Do we see our fickleness in how we act towards Jesus:  Sunday we praise Him in church and forget Him during the week?  What do we feel as we put ourselves in His sandals?  He knows a humiliating death awaits, yet He is so focused on doing His Father’s will, He does not back down.  Let us take time this week to remain with Jesus each step of the way and learn more about God’s solution for all human weaknesses.

Prayer:  As we conclude our Lenten Journey with Jesus, Lord may we have a greater sense than ever before of those events and their significance.

Posted in Atonement, Christ, Courage, Faithfulness, God, Healing, Holy Week, love, Messiah, Palm Sunday, Passion, Perseverance, Prophecy, Salvation, Word of God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Denial

Posted on March 23, 2013 by richrockwood

The final part of a daily devotional series at Words of Hope (https://woh.org/word/devotionals/2013/03/23) looking at how people in the Bible handled tough situations:

Read Matthew 26:31-35

Have you ever denied you are a follower of Jesus? In many countries a person’s beliefs are their own business, but in some countries following Jesus openly will lead to persecution and could even mean losing one’s life. It was this fear that kept the apostle Peter from admitting he was a disciple the night they arrested Jesus. Peter followed along, and the question came up three different times. Each time, Peter said: “I do not know the man.” Afterward, he wept bitterly.

It doesn’t take much to imagine the regret, alienation, and self-condemnation Peter felt. We all have actions and words for which we feel remorse. Perhaps none is so painful as the feeling that we let the Lord down. I know I had a moment when I couldn’t bear up under a trial and turned away from him in my heart.

In those instances, it seems that no human effort or strength can bring you back. For Peter, relief came a few days after Easter when Jesus showed up for breakfast (John 21:1-17) and recommissioned him. For me, the morning after my denial I awoke with these words echoing in my head: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Rev. 3:20). The good news as this series concludes is this: no obstacle is too large for the Lord to overcome.

Posted in Courage, denial, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Healing, Identity, Peer Pressure, Perseverance, Perspective, reinstatement, relationships, Repentance, Restoration, Social Pressure, Spirituality, Trials, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Religious Upbringing

Posted on March 22, 2013 by richrockwood

Part of a daily devotional series at Words of Hope (https://woh.org/word/devotionals/2013/03/22) looking at how people in the Bible handled tough situations:

Read Philippians 3:4-14

When it came to belief in Jesus, Paul’s religious background was an obstacle. He had a stellar résumé: he came from the right tribe, was circumcised the very day prescribed in the Law, had studied under the right teacher, was a Pharisee.

When I was in the army, there was a First Sergeant who used to sit facing the door with his elbows stretched forward so everyone could notice all the stripes on his shirtsleeves. The things we’ve worked hard for are things we like to show off. My office wall proudly displays my Certificate of Ordination and Fitness for Ministry.

It can surprise us to learn that all those things that give us pride can be barriers to getting close to God. Paul had to be knocked off a horse to see this. What he discovered is that righteousness (a right relationship with God) is not based on any of those things he had accomplished or been born to. It was simply a matter of reliance on Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sins.

The accomplishments and religious heritage we think propel us into God’s arms are the very things that can hold us back. The best path to acceptance, forgiveness, and new life is to come “Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me. O Lamb of God, I come.”

Posted in Accomplishment, Atonement, Background, Belief, Bible, Faith, Forgiveness, Freedom, Healing, mercy, Messiah, Peace, Perspective, Pride, Religion, Religious Heritage, Repentance, Self-Worth, Spirituality, Values, Word of God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Locked Up in Prison

Posted on March 21, 2013 by richrockwood

Part of a daily devotional series at Words of Hope (https://woh.org/word/devotionals/2013/03/21) looking at how people in the Bible handled tough situations:

Read Acts 12:1-17

Hoping for a higher popularity rating, King Herod ordered the arrest of some Christians. He had James, the apostle John’s brother, executed. Then he arrested Peter, put him in the military barracks at Fortress Antonia, and had him guarded round the clock by four squads of four soldiers each.

Meanwhile, the church prayed earnestly (pointedly and unceasingly) for him. Right on the heels of James’ arrest and murder, this took not only faith but courage.

That night Peter was released from prison. With the help of an angel, he was awakened and then the prison doors opened one by one. It should be noted that the church was gripped with unbelief when they first heard the news. Maybe they thought even God could not do what they were asking!

Many today find themselves or loved ones in prison. Some may literally hear the deafening noise of prison life each and every day. Others may find themselves in the “prison” of addiction (alcohol and drug abuse, overeating, gambling, Internet pornography). These prisons can seem impenetrable due to the size of the “walls” that have been built.

For those both inside and outside those walls, prayer is one tool that releases every prisoner. E. M. Bounds once wrote, “Prayer is the greatest of all forces, because it honors God and brings him into active aid.”

Posted in Addiction, Adversity, Alcohol, Bondage, Claustrophobia, Darkness, Drugs, Eating Disorder, Fear, Food, Freedom, Gambling, Grace, Habitual Sin, Healing, Jail, Life, Morale, Persistence, Prayer, Prison, Repentance, Sex, Sex Addiction, Sleeplessness, Social Pressure, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Doubt

Posted on March 20, 2013 by richrockwood

Part of a daily devotional series at Words of Hope (https://woh.org/word/devotionals/2013/03/20) looking at how people in the Bible handled tough situations:

Read John 20:24-29

Why did Thomas doubt Jesus’ resurrection? He had seen Jesus raise the dead; why would he doubt Jesus’ own return to life?

His doubt suggests a certain pessimistic mindset. When Jesus said he was headed to Jerusalem—a place everyone knew to be dangerous for Jesus now—Thomas challenged the others: “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16 NIV). At the Last Supper, when Jesus told his apostles they knew the way to the place he would soon be going, Thomas disagreed: “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5 NIV).

We can’t really say what was going on in Thomas’s mind and heart at the time, but we can tell from the Easter story that Thomas was deprived of the joy of Christ’s resurrection until he cast out the doubt lodged in his heart. Finally, he believed—after seeing Jesus was indeed alive.

For us living in an age that demands scientific proof, doubts may seem to be a big obstacle to our faith. What helps me is knowing that the faith of the early believers came out of doubt and uncertainty, based on real encounters with God. Does their testimony help you?

Posted in Adaptability, Appearance, doubt, Easter, Faith, God, Resurrection of Jesus, Scientific Method, Testimony | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Position

Posted on March 19, 2013 by richrockwood

Part of a daily devotional series at Words of Hope (https://woh.org/word/devotionals/2013/03/19) looking at how people in the Bible handled tough situations:

Commenting on Nicodemus’s visit to Jesus, Alfred Edersheim (The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah) wrote: “It must have been a mighty power of conviction, to break down prejudice so far as to lead this old Sanhedrist to acknowledge a Galilean, untrained in the Schools, as a Teacher come from God.” Pharisees considered themselves protectors of the Mosaic Law. They studied the Law carefully and were viewed as authorities in it. In addition to being a Pharisee, Nicodemus was also a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme council of the land.

His position seems to have kept him from talking openly with Jesus. But his curiosity about Jesus’ teaching and miracles overcame his caution, and Nicodemus came to Jesus one night. Even though his conversation with Jesus trails off in the gospel account, we learn later that Nicodemus too became a disciple (John 7:50-52; 19:39-41).

Nicodemus represents those who feel they can’t talk openly about Jesus because of their position. I had been raised in a church and even been to seminary, but when my co-worker Dave started talking about Christ, I suddenly felt I could admit I had some questions. The honesty resulted in a values flip-flop for me. “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil. 3:8 NIV).

Posted in Adaptability, Courage, Faithfulness, Job, Materialism, Peer Pressure, Priorities, Reality, relationships, Religion, Social Pressure, Status, Values, Witnessing, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Physical Impossibility

Posted on March 18, 2013 by richrockwood

Part of a daily devotional series at Words of Hope (https://woh.org/word/devotionals/2013/03/18) looking at how people in the Bible handled tough situations:

Read Luke 1:26-38

We don’t know exactly how old Mary was when the angel announced she would become the mother of the Messiah. She knew women did not become pregnant without an intimate relationship with a man. She knew this hadn’t happened to her. So how could she become pregnant? Impossible!

In conception a male gamete actually fuses with a female gamete to create a cell with all the genetic information necessary for the development of a multi-trillion-cell human body. The male and female gametes each have only half the genetic information necessary to begin a life. Yet in this one extraordinary case, Mary was told that the Holy Spirit would miraculously provide what was missing.

With childlike trust, Mary received this incredible news. Maybe her youthful faith helped her believe the impossible could happen. Certainly the story of her people’s miraculous and equally impossible deliverance from Egypt helped her believe too. But in the end, Mary simply accepted the word of God from the angel (v. 38).

When the barrier or obstacle in front of us seems impossible, we need to remember Jesus’ words: “What is impossible with men is possible with God” (Luke 18:27 NIV). I am always encouraged by the words of the old hymn: “The Lord will make a way somehow, when beneath the cross I bow.”

Posted in Acceptance, Adaptability, Adversity, Belief, Children, Courage, Faith, God, Imagination, Letting Go, Sex, Trust | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Not Chosen

Posted on March 17, 2013 by richrockwood

Part of a daily devotional series at Words of Hope (https://woh.org/word/devotionals/2013/03/17) looking at how people in the Bible handled tough situations:

Read Matthew 15:21-28

As I became a better hitter in baseball, I felt good when I was among the first ones chosen for a side in a pickup game. It’s an awful feeling, though, to be left out, not chosen.

The sea-dwelling Canaanites were not chosen. They had been thrown off the land first by Philistines, then later overwhelmed by Jews. The land was now Judah. And Jesus was the Jewish Messiah.

On a certain day a Canaanite woman interrupted Jesus while he was talking to his disciples. “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession” (Matt 15:22 NIV). Jesus snubbed her three times by first ignoring her, then telling her she was not among the chosen, and finally comparing her and her people to dogs!

Some might have walked away after that, but this woman did not. She knelt and humbly asked only for “the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table” (v. 27 NIV). She let nothing— not even Jesus’ seeming rejection—keep her from Jesus’ blessing. Delighted by her response, Jesus granted the request.

There are times when we may feel outside the circle of God’s love. Sometimes God may seem distant and aloof, but if we humbly persist, he will bless us. It takes an attitude of humility and a certain amount of persistence. I believe in the saying, “You only fail when you stop trying.”

Posted in Adversity, Faith, Life, Outsider, Persistence, Rejection | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment