It seems Jesus was not keen on people calling him Lord but then not doing what he said. He was more interested in “fruit” than what is in our head.
If you want to know what is in a person’s heart, listen to what comes out of their mouth.
Anyone can love their friends but it’s how we treat our enemies that Jesus seems to be more concerned about.
In verse 18, Jesus is again found healing diseases and curing those who were troubled by evil spirits.
In verse 19, I find it really interesting that “power was coming from him”. I wonder what this looked and felt like? Any comments on Jesus’ statements about those who are blessed in this life? It seems to be at odds with the message of “prosperity” being preached in many churches today – well at least that’s the way I see it.
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
9 comments:
A number of things came out of today's reading for me, one of them being that - yes - we do have to love our enemies. It's easy to love the lovable, yet those are the people we are often drawn too. I really struggle with loving my enemies and I have to keep coming back to v31 "Do to others as you would have them do to you".
v41 also stood out for me. We can be so quick at judging others and bringing somebody else's house down before we look to our own house. Again, this 'critical spirit' is something that I know I have to work on. I'm sure it applies to others.
God also wants us to be obedient and to not just listen to what he says but to do what he says (v47). Why is it so easy to hear the words but often so difficult to put them into practice? What barrier are we putting up that stops us from 'doing'?
In relation to the prosperity thing, I do believe that God wants good things for us (Psalm 37.4, Matthew 21:22, Mark 11:24 - just some scripture I refer to). Also Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you". I guess we need to look at how we are defining the word 'prosperity'.
I was checking out my study Bible regarding the Beatitudes, where it actually says that they go deeper than material poverty and physical hunger, and that Matthew's account indicates that Jesus spoke of poverty in 'spirit' and hunger for 'righteousness'. Does that make it more clear, or just more confusing???
My final comment about this chapter is that, as I read it, I keep thinking of what Heidi Baker says; that it's all about love, love, love, love, love. (Sorry - I'm reading ahead a bit.)
My brief thoughts are that I'm so full of words but not so full of action. 1 Corinthinans 8:1 says knowledge puffs up, but love bulids up. I feel like I've said so many words that I'm so puffed up I'm about to pop! I'd like to build up so that I begin to flower so that I can bear fruit
Wow some very interesting things that we all need to ponder. Everyday life seems to consume most of our time that we forget even some of the most important yet simple things Jesus wants us to do. I was challenged between verses 27 to 42. Even though i have heard them all before i had forgotten about them. And goodness me if i lend someone money i shouldnt expect to be paid back..... wow!
So much! big and small..
re Sabbath laws - I love this freedom Jesus gives us - see also Gal 5 esp v18 "But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses."
re Apostles - a term I have almost always associated with the 12 after Jesus died...
re - the beatitudes - these blessings specifically for his disciples (not the whole crowd).
re - our judgements, SUCH stumbling blocks
re - genuinely living out our discipleship. Less words, more accountable action.
Re Prosperity teachings. Jesus indicates that his disciples should be hungering and thirsting after righteousness and not material wealth. It follows that the things they pray for, and can claim (Mat 21:22), will be related to the hunger and thirst for righteousness.
For me it is not only the beatitudes that contradict 'prosperity' teachings - it is the whole life of Jesus! He made the material cost of discipleship very plain.
My understanding of Jesus teachings is that when we are financially blessed by God - it is only so that we can share that blessing with others.
The verse that stood out to me, as it did in July 2005 (I read it in my journal. You'd think I would have learnt by now)was v46-49 about the floods that crumble. If only I trusted God more to help me instead of thinking I can do it all myself. I am often self focused & I get overwhelmed with life. When the flood of life comes I crumble. I need God as my firm foundation, walking with him daily, putting my focus on him & obeying.
The words NOW jumped out at me. Hungry now, weep now. The time must be NOW hey.
I have just finished work for the day (disciplined myself not to read this blog during work hours) and am so encouraged by everyone's comments! Bring it on!!
More action less words!!! (May the words in this blog help to spur us into action.)
More soaring in the Spirit and less flapping in our own strength!
I'm looking forward to the next 46 days :)
My thoughts:
The Beatitudes speak of being poor in 'spirit' and a 'longing' for The Spirit.
The most poor in spirit are those with 'no back-up plan'.
Stay faithful to Jesus, at any cost.
When Jesus spoke of prosperity he was referring to the gift of The Holy Spirit.
Love Action!
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