From the Heart: Not Fake - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 18:35,

"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

Peter, Jesus' outspoken disciple, asked how many times he should forgive a brother or sister that might sin against him. Jesus answered with the poignant "Parable of the Unmerciful Servant."

Jesus' answer of not seven times (that Peter offered), but seventy-seven (or seven times seven) was meant to make clear his followers need to always forgive and never stop forgiving. However, it is the very last three words he used to explain himself that separates the men from the boys when it comes to forgiving: "from your heart."

It must be from the heart! We do not come into this life with such hearts. Our hearts are dominated by a sinful nature that precludes an ability to forgive others when they have harmed us in some way. At least that was the way I came into this life. Maybe you had a different experience.

I had to have a "heart transplant" to meet the expectations the Lord has of those who are his. When I embraced Jesus Christ in faith the Holy Spirit took up residence in my heart to bring about a much needed change. We read about the kinds of things the Holy Spirit does in our hearts when he comes to dwell within, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23. Along with these are other qualities, such as an ability to genuinely forgive others when they have wronged us.

I am reminded of Colossians 3:12-14, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

These things are the matters of a redeemed heart. We might try to fake it. We can have outward appearances of such things. But when the Lord says "from your heart", you simply can't fake that.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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The Voice to Listen To - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 17:5,

"While he [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'"

Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a high mountain and while they were up there Jesus was transfigured. We are told his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Moses and Elijah joined them, talking with Jesus.

I can't begin to imagine how dramatic the scene must have been for Peter, James and John! Peter began to offer to put up three shelters, I assume to observe the Feast of Tabernacles. While he was speaking, suddenly a "bright cloud" surrounded them and God the Father's voice came from within the cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

Again, I can't begin to imagine the shock and awe Peter and his friends experienced! "They fell facedown to the ground, terrified." Verse 6.

In reading of the account, I am reminded of the opening words of the writer of Hebrews, "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." Hebrews 1:1-3a.

God the Father says, "This is my Son... Listen to him!" The writer of Hebrews tells us "in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son".

Jesus Christ, and him alone, is the voice of God we all need to be listening to! There are a lot of voices out there that are demanding of us to be their audience. Who are you listening to?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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What is Real? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 16:24-27,

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.'"

The above verse is often thought of in terms of priorities. What is most important? Your life here on earth with all the benefits it can provide, or life in the hereafter with all the benefits it can provide?

This morning this passage, while speaking to priorities, speaks to me more about clarifying what reality really is. Rather than weighing what might be the best experience to pursue (earth with its pleasures versus heaven with all it provides), Jesus appears to me to be pointing to the choice we have to make regarding which understanding of reality to embrace.

Obviously, if there is no God, if there is no heaven, if there is no resurrection, then squeezing all we can out of this life would be best. However, if those things really exist: God, heaven and resurrection of the dead, then living this life in terms of what enhances the next is clearly the best, "whoever loses their life for me will find it."

If there exists any reality that is not real or genuine, it has to be this life. God created mankind and placed them in the garden of Eden. Mankind turned its back on God and was thrust into this existence in which we find ourselves. The nature of this existence, as designed by God, cloaks his presence. We can't see God or touch God. He can only be perceived through faith. We cannot see the spiritual dimension with its realities and inhabitants, but it is there - all around us.

If there is any temporary "make-believe", it is this life. To give our lives for this earthly existence at the expense of the eternal and true reality would be a foolish choice.

"Whoever loses their life [this earthly life with its rewards] for me will find it [what life was meant to be by our Creator]."

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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Are You Still So Dull? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 15:16,

"'Are you still so dull?' Jesus asked them."

This rebuke from Jesus was directed to his own disciples. As we might expect, it was the candid Peter who asked a question of Jesus about what he meant concerning what defiles a man.

The rebuke anticipates there is a reasonable length of time where various aspects of the things of God should be acquired. I'm quite certain not all things. We will never plumb all the depths when it comes to our understanding of the things of God. However, that does not negate the reality that there are things we should know within a reasonable length of time.

The writer of Hebrews speaks to this when he said, "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so." Hebrews 5:11-6:3.

As believers, God has an expectation we will avail ourselves of the Scriptures he has provided us for us to this end. Paul encouraged Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15. Here we see the part the Scriptures are to have in our lives so that we do not find ourselves "so dull". Paul goes on to tell Timothy, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Somewhere along the way too many have determined a study of the Scriptures is the pastor's job done on behalf of believers. No, it isn't. It is the pastor's job to get folks into the Scriptures so that the Lord will not have to rebuke us: "Are you still so dull?"

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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Politics or Religion? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 14:1-5,

"At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, 'This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.' Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for John had been saying to him: 'It is not lawful for you to have her.' Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet."

Does this account appear to be political or religious in nature? 

It certainly has a political tone in that John threatened Herod's position by accusing him of "impeachable" deeds (taking his brother's wife) creating the potential for resistance to his rule from the people. Additionally, Herod harbored a great concern for not violating the will of the people in taking action against John, "he was afraid of the people". While Herod was the ruler, he nonetheless made attempts to avoid the opposition of the people he ruled. Politics.

On the other hand, the account certainly has its religious tone. John's condemnation of Herod for taking his brother's wife was based in the law God had given Israel. Additionally, Herod recognized the people considered John a prophet of God. Herod also considered Jesus might be John "risen from the dead" after he had beheaded him. Religion.

My position is there is no real distinction between the "political" and the "religious". From a conceptual viewpoint, I recognize a person's politics to be the public expression of their spiritual condition. Differences in political thought do not flow from differences in intelligence or education, but from differences in what a person has given himself to in a spiritual sense.

Likewise, I see the political turmoil mankind is inevitably engaged in as the outworking of conflict in the spiritual realm on display in the world. "Team Cain" and "Team Abel" whether in the spiritual or temporal context have been in conflict from the opening chapters of the book of Genesis and continue yet today.

For me politics and religion are one and the same. Which team do you play for?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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What Is the Kingdom of Heaven Like? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 13:44,

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."

Seven occasions in Matthew chapter 13, Jesus is quoted as saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like..." Each parable provides some aspect of truth regarding the kingdom of heaven. In this way he communicated to us those things he wanted us to know - things we would not or might not otherwise know. Had Jesus not talked about what the kingdom of heaven is like, our understanding of it would be so much the less otherwise.

In this instance, Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven is so valuable, it's worth far outstrips any other assets we may have, combined. It speaks to the value all should place on entering into it, possessing it, existing in it.

Whatever we may have in this life, even if it's value is estimated in 10 figures, no matter the satisfaction, the fulfillment, the joy it might bring, the kingdom of heaven is something that has such worth, all is worth exchanging for it.

It seems to me there are two principles that figure into that equation. The first is what the kingdom of heaven provides. The kingdom of heaven infinitely transcends anything we could possibly possess or enjoy in this life. The other is that the time we have here on planet earth is extremely short compared to eternity. Not much time to enjoy the things of this world, no matter the value to us. The choices we make in life will have eternal consequences.

And, yet, look at what all so many are choosing for themselves other than kingdom of heaven for all eternity! It is simply bizarre to me!

How wonderful the Father's love for us is that he offers his kingdom to us! The wonderful riches of the lavish inheritance he so graciously and generously offers us!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.      

Perfect Enduring Healing! - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 12:15,

"Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill."

After healing a man with a shriveled hand in a synagogue on the Sabbath and being aware the Pharisees were plotting how they could kill Jesus, he withdrew with a large crowd in tow. Matthew tells us here that Jesus healed all who were ill.

From the text the natural assumption is that all who were in that crowd that were ill were healed by him. Clearly he had the power to heal. Jesus Christ is, after all, the Son of God. He can heal anyone he decides to.

So, my thought is, why didn't he just heal everybody - not just those in the crowd, but all who were alive that day? How about for all time? Why didn't Jesus just end illness and infirmity right there?

Perhaps you might find that somewhat silly. However, he could have done it and he didn't. We read of further healings Jesus performed following this account in Matthew's gospel. So, the question remains, why didn't Jesus just end all suffering at the time by providing a "blanket" healing - eradicate illness altogether?

The answer, of course, is that he had no intention of doing so. If we follow the text carefully, we find incidences of healings he employed to establish his credentials as the Son of God. Other places we see he chose to communicate his compassion - an important trait he wants us all to know about as the Savior of the world. In the case of the man with the shriveled hand, he was making an important point with the religious leaders of the day.

God's plan is that he offers us healing in the resurrection. We all cast off this body of sin and illness and death, and for those of us who have embraced him in faith, he provides us a renewed resurrected body that will not be subject to illness, infirmity and death. Listen to Paul's exciting words about this: "I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—  in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.'"

This is a "healing" like no other!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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The Hidden Things of God - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 11:25-26,

"At that time Jesus said, 'I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.'"

I doubt the Lord was expressing his appreciation to the Father for rejecting certain individuals when he spoke to him at this time - that he had hidden the kingdom of God to certain individuals. Rather, he was expressing his praise to him because the Father had elected to bring all who embraced him in faith into his family, and thus, the things of God remained hidden from those who refused to embrace him in faith.

I recall Jesus' words in Luke 18:17, "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

In the context of the occasion, Jesus spoke of those who reject the things of God. He pointed out that John the Baptist came to the people of that time "neither eating nor drinking" and they said he had a demon. Jesus came "eating and drinking" and called him a glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. The point being that anyone sent by God was going to be rejected - they had no interest in embracing the things of God as he revealed himself.

Jesus went on to speak of the towns that had rejected him: Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. It was in that context that Jesus praised his Father for hiding his things from the "wise and learned". Certainly that description of them, the "wise and learned" would have been thought of being as such from the perspective of this life - not in terms of the kingdom of God.

I am reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, "Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."

Salvation is a gift from God, bought at the price of Jesus' sacrifice on that miserable cross. He paid the penalty for our sins and the Father does not want anyone thinking they have earned their salvation on their own merit. Salvation is by faith alone and because it is by faith, those who are enamored of themselves, their wisdom, their learning, their noble birth, their influence, will never humble themselves to find the things of God.

In my mind, this is how God has "hidden" his things from "the wise and learned". Things remain hidden when you are looking in all the wrong places.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.  

The Relative Value of Living Things - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 10:29-31,

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Jesus told the Twelve not to worry about opposition when he sent them out to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven was near. He went on to tell them not to be afraid of those who can kill the body but not the soul. Fear the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell (that is, God).

In order to set their minds at rest, he reassured them that God knows everything. Everything about us and everything in his creation. He is aware of even when a sparrow falls to the ground - it is not outside his care. The Father even knows how many hairs are on our heads! (Of course in my case it hardly requires divine knowledge.) If God knows everything, then nothing will happen to anyone without his knowledge.

We live in a time of astonishing ignorance and inability to assess things in life. People are confused about their gender, they are "triggered" over the most useless and harmless of things, they have a stark cluelessness over real justice, they rush to find their freedom within the bounds of that which has enslave millions (socialism).

This morning I am reminded of how people today fantasize they are doing big and important things on Mother Earth that are absolutely imperative - and one of those is protecting animals at the expense of human worth and value.

I love what God has created for us here on earth to enjoy probably more than many of these half-wits. I hold animal life in high regard. However, one thing I am clear on is the relative value God places on those he sent his Son to die for over other species of life.

"So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Now that is nice to know in today's world, isn't it?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.  

Need a Doctor? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 9:12,

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."

On the day that Jesus called the writer of this gospel to follow him, he went to go eat at his home. There, Jesus reclined at table with Matthew and what the Pharisees called "tax collectors and sinners." The religious leaders wanted to know why a man who claimed to speak for God would sit down to eat with such people.

Jesus response was to chastise them for engaging in their religious activities while not caring for sinners, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" and to make clear why he had come. He came to save "sinners" not the righteous, and used the simile of a sick person, not a healthy person who needs a doctor.

It should go without saying that if the underlying thesis of the simile is false, then it would have been a poor response. However, as always, it was a brilliant point which ended the matter.

This brings to mind my frustration with those "Christian" groups who reject the services of doctors in favor of "faith healing". They have their proof texts, such as Isaiah 53:5, James 5:13-16 as well as others. With these in hand, they accuse all others of denying faith in Jesus Christ when visiting the doctor.

As is often the case, there is so much more they fail to see, they fail to look at. Throwing a few "text proofs" at a theological argument does not suffice in studying a matter thoroughly. Show me the passage where Jesus tells us we don't need doctors when sick. This passage in Matthew says the opposite. Explain to me why those of the other persuasion get the flu like you and me, get cancer, have heart attacks, why is there a graveyard behind the church?

Why does Paul tell us our bodies are not yet redeemed, although we are? See Romans 8:23. What happens to our bodies when we embrace Jesus Christ in faith that we no longer require the services of a doctor?

Just musing out loud here. What do you think?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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Jesus Disrupts! - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 8:34,

"Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region."

This comment comes following the account of Jesus arriving "at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes." There were two demon-possessed men in the area (from the tombs) that were so violent that no one could pass that way.

This well known account provides the details of how Jesus turned a defining element of the area upside down. Prior to Jesus' arrival, demonic activity prevented people from free travel in the area due to the threat of violence.

When Jesus arrives, all is changed! No more demonic activity. No more threat of violence. No more restricted area to keep away from. Jesus brought disruption to the dismal state of affairs that had gripped the area.

What was the reaction of the townspeople? They begged him to leave! You might think they would have thrown a feast in his honor, bestowing upon him the keys to the city! But, no, they begged him to leave.

Jesus brought a disruption to the status of evil the town had become accustomed to, despite their suffering from it.

This morning I am reminded of the disruption Jesus Christ brings when he enters into the status quo of evil in the world.

When the Son of God comes to town, things get disrupted!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.  

Judging Others Or Shirking Responsibilities? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 7:1,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

I can't help but think this is a verse that is often misunderstood. Jesus tells us that if we are judging others, we ourselves will be judged. However, he also taught, "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Matthew 18:15.

Clearly, the truth of what Jesus was getting at comports with both passages. However, if I am the culprit and get caught with my hand in the cookie jar, I just may be tempted to tell others who call me out to not be so judgmental.

Paul tells us in Galatians 6:1-2, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

It appears to me that being judgmental carries with it the attitude of condemning others. It is not our place to condemn. God has a judgment awaiting that takes care of that.

If we view Paul's exhortation in Galatians we find we have a responsibility for those around us. We should approach others caught up in a sin in a way that is most helpful to bring about their restoration from whatever it is - to see them in a right relationship with the Lord. I believe the Lord gifts many with such an ability. Blessed are those who do so!

To avoid responsibilities for those around us is not so good. I sometimes wonder if the judgmental attitudes of some are not equally matched by those who avoid their responsibilities for others caught in sin.

What wonderful brothers and sisters those are who, rather than condemn us or shirk their responsibility towards us, are there for us to encourage us in living our lives pleasing to God.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.  

"Lead" or "Fall" Into Temptation? - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 6:13,

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

Here is the last line of the prayer Jesus used to teach his disciples how to pray. His teaching on prayer was part of his sermon on the mount. It is commonly referred to as "the Lord's prayer."

The current pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, decided last May to rework Jesus' prayer a bit by changing the last line of the Lord's prayer to "do not let us fall into temptation" rather than "lead us not into temptation." His reasoning for this is that the latter implies that God causes or induces temptation. He explained, "It's Satan who leads us into temptation, that's his department."

It was explained as a needed change as it is a better "translation" and more carefully expresses what Jesus said.

I for one am appalled at this move. It does violence to the Greek text (which is the language Matthew's gospel was written in). Just as "lead" is not the same as "fall" in English, so too in the Greek. The original Greek word in Matthew 6:13 is found in eight locations in the New Testament according to the Englishman's Greek Concordance and is rendered either "lead" or "to bring in" or "brought" in its differing forms.

"Fall" is something else altogether. What Greek term will the pope use to change Matthew's original text? Possibly, "empiptó", meaning "to fall into"? Who knows, since he is re-writing the Bible according to his own theology. This really is the Apostle Matthew versus Pope Francis. Although Jesus probably spoke in Aramaic and his words translated into Greek by Matthew, it is Matthew's gospel that is inspired, not Pope Francis' theology. In my mind, it is a question of authority: Is it the Scriptures or the Papacy?

Here is a prophecy Pope Francis may want to consider, provided by the prophet Micaiah for Ahab, king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, king of Judah: "I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left. And the Lord said, 'Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?' One suggested this, and another that. Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the Lord and said, 'I will entice him.' 'By what means?' the Lord asked. 'I will go out and be a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,' he said. 'You will succeed in enticing him,' said the Lord. 'Go and do it.'" 1 Kings 22:19-22.

A fool interprets the Scriptures through the lense of his theology as opposed to his theology being informed by the Scriptures. I face that challenge myself all the time!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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Jesus' Take on the Scriptures - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 4:10,

"Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

As Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus responded to him by quoting Deuteronomy 6:13. The Son of God in contention with Satan! In my mind, this speaks to the authenticity and authority of the Scriptures that Jesus held.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I take my clue from him. I eschew all who might hold the Scriptures in any other light.

There are many today, a dime a dozen, who question the authenticity and authority of the Scriptures. Many contradict (or "bend") the Scriptures in their efforts to champion that which is contrary to the Scriptures. Notions such as "social justice", the acceptance of homosexuality and transgenderism are hot button items these days, offered in contradiction to the Scriptures. Those who do so do not embrace Jesus' teaching and use of the Scriptures.

In his sermon on the mount Jesus taught, "For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." Matthew 5:18.

In Proverbs 30:5-6 we read, "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar."

In following Jesus Christ, I find the following true about the Scriptures (our Bibles):
The Scriptures are authentic throughout (they are exactly what they present themselves to be).
The Scriptures are without any error throughout as originally penned.
The Scriptures are authoritative: they trump what anyone else has to say, whether the pope, any pastor or teacher or anyone.
The Scriptures are intentional. They say exactly what God intends to say to us - exactly what he wants us to know.

I'm sure there are other things that can be said about the word of God, the Scriptures. Paul's teaching to Timothy about the Scriptures certainly seems fitting here, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

I have to ask myself, "How 'thoroughly equipped' am I?" It appears I have a long way to go!

Jesus used the Scriptures in an important event in his ministry while here. That's all I need to know!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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The Virgin Birth Prophecy - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Matthew 1:22-23,

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."

The prophet spoken of in this passage is Isaiah. The quote comes from Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

The "virgin" in the Isaiah passage really means young woman, (who was actually Isaiah's wife), but in Matthew it literally means a young woman no one had slept with.

In the context of Isaiah, the prophecy was given to encourage King Ahaz of Judah in the face of a coordinated attack against Jerusalem by Pekah, king of the northern tribes of Israel, and King Rezin of Aram. Isaiah was sent by the Lord to tell Ahaz not to worry, he would insure the safety of Jerusalem. When Ahaz refused the offer of a prophetic sign for this, the Lord provided the foretelling of a son that would be born to Isaiah through his wife. The child would be God's guarantee that he would provide for the safety of Jerusalem. In the next chapter Isaiah says, "Here am I, and the children the Lord has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the Lord Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion." Isaiah 8:18.

In like manner, God provided a sign to all mankind of his guarantee of safety from his own coming judgement of sin by bringing his Son into the world through a literal virgin, Mary.

The Isaiah prophecy of a sign had dual fulfillment: once in Isaiah's day through a young woman, and once on the day when God brought his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world through a virgin, to save us from our sins.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.  

Heavenly Praise - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Revelation 150:1,

"Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens."

This psalm calls on those within the environs of heaven to praise the Lord. In the final verse of this psalm the call rings out: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."

Some of the most wonderful expressions of worship and praise that take place in heaven are found in the book of Revelation. Consider the worship of the twenty-four elders in heaven that is inspired by the praise of God by the "four living creatures" of heaven, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11.

The same heavenly four living creatures and twenty-four elders worship the Son of God, Jesus Christ, together, "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Revelation 5:9-10.

Just a few verses later we see in heaven "ten thousand times ten thousand" angels praising the Son of God, "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Revelation 5:12. This is followed by "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them" praising God, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" Verse 13.

The book of Revelation contains some very dramatic scenes of praise within heaven itself. I find them beautiful and compelling and one of the most wonderful aspects of this interesting (and confounding to me) book every time I read through it.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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The Call to Praise - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Psalm 150:6,

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."

There are 77 words in this psalm (in the 2011 version of the NIV). 13 of those words are the word "praise". No mystery about the theme of this psalm!

The psalm begins with "Praise the Lord" and ends with "Praise the Lord". The 6 verses of the psalm contain 13 lines, all of which except one begin with "praise" (it comes later in the line).

Verse two of the psalm tells us to praise the Lord for two things:
- The Lord's "acts of power"
- The Lord's "surpassing greatness"
This is the basis for praise of the Lord we find throughout the book of Psalms: what the Lord has done - his "acts of power" and who the Lord is (his character and nature - his "surpassing greatness").

I can't help but see the encouragement of exuberance here: boisterous praise. Praise with the trumpet, harp, lyre, timbrel, dancing, strings, pipe and the clashing of cymbals (and resounding cymbals!).

Who is called on to praise the Lord in this psalm? Everything that has breath!

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.