Wednesday, May 16, 2012
An Interesting Discovery
Last week I was looking on ebay for some pictures of corgis. I saw an old photograph of a corgi who was a champion in 1936. His name was Ch. Wolfox Redfern, and he is one of the finest looking corgis I've seen. I decided to do some research, and to my surprise discovered that the dog in the photograph was my dog Toby's 9x great grandfather. I did a little more research, and I found Toby's 11x and 12x great grandfathers as well. As many of you who read this blog know, I consider Toby to be my greatest friend. Seeing these dogs that looked so much like my friend was amazing. I never took Toby to any dog shows, but to me he was the greatest champion because he kept me going everyday. I was never depressed when he was around. Sometime I'll write more about him, and the trips we took and the fun times we shared.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Weekend Sermon--Matthew 22:15-22
A few weeks ago, I asked those who read this blog to pray that I would find additional employment so that I can make ends meet. Since then, I've had a couple of interviews, but I still haven't had any offers yet. So, please keep praying. Thank you.
Last week, I talked about crowns and rewards. We saw that those who faithfully follow the Lord Jesus while on earth will be rewarded in Heaven. Let me state unequivocally, lest there be any confusion, doing good works cannot bring anyone to salvation. Salvation is by grace alone apart from works. We are saved unto good works that our lives might bring forth good fruit and bring glory to God.
Today, I'd like to focus on an encounter Jesus had with the Pharisees and other religious leaders over the matter of paying taxes. Sometimes, I think that this passage of Scripture is greatly misinterpreted.
As usual, the Pharisees were once again trying to trap Jesus in order to discredit Him in the eyes of the people. They were always looking for some way to get Jesus in trouble with the civil authorities in order to silence Him.
On this particular occasion, they asked Jesus a question about paying taxes. As Matthew 22:17 states the Pharisees asked, "What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar or not?"
The Pharisees really thought they'd trapped Jesus this time. They figured that no matter which way Jesus answered the question, He would be in trouble.
If Jesus said that the people should pay their taxes, the people would become angry because the people hated Romans and the onerous taxes that the Romans placed upon them.
On the other hand, if Jesus said that the people should not pay their taxes, the Roman authorities would view Jesus as a rebel, and they would put Him to death.
Things didn't work out the way the Pharisees expected. Jesus said, "Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites." Then Jesus said in verse 20, "Whose is this image and superscription?" They told Jesus that it was the image of Caesar. Jesus responded by saying, "Render therefore into Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's."
After the Pharisees heard the words of Jesus, they were amazed and left Jesus alone.
So, what does Jesus statement mean? First of all, I believe that Jesus statement means that believers should pay their taxes.
One major interpretation of this passage I strongly disagree with is that Jesus is claiming that there is a worldly sphere to which we owe allegiance and a Godly sphere to which we owe allegiance. In other words, there is a duty we owe to government and a duty we owe to the Lord.
I do not believe that is what Jesus is stating here. The Roman coin had the image of Caesar on it. Caesar was claiming his ownership over the money, so to speak. What Jesus is saying is that if Caesar is claiming this money give it back to him. It is of little importance as far as eternal values are concerned.
Then Jesus says to give to God what belong to God. Everything in creation is marked with the imprint of the hand of God. He is the creator and sustainer of all things. Human beings are created in the image of God. What Jesus is teaching is that everything that exists belongs to God. We belong to God.
It is our obligation as followers of Christ to give everything we have to the honor and glory of the Lord. The Apostle Paul makes this clear when he states in Romans 12:1-2, " I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is you spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
The obligation of the Christian is to serve God not a nation. Jesus is Lord of all. Nothing in our lives should be placed above our duty to Jesus.
The Pharisees were worried about the unimportant things like taxes and the accumulation of wealth and political power. In view of eternity, these things have very little meaning. Governments will rise and fall. Fortunes are gained and lost.
The only thing that will remain forever is what is done to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ.
Our duty as Christians is to give our all in service of our true and eternal king who has called us to be His ambassadors in a fallen world. This mission should be our chief concern in this life.
So many people are worried over so many things that in reality don't matter in the long run. Many of the decisions we fret and are anxious over don't really matter much with eternity in view.
I encourage you as I encourage myself to make the service of Christ the goal of life. Work to spread the Gospel and see souls brought into Christ's Kingdom. Strive to make this world a better place in imitation of the works of Jesus.
Whatever we do, let's do it all for the glory of the only one who is worthy of glory, adoration and worship. Amen.
Last week, I talked about crowns and rewards. We saw that those who faithfully follow the Lord Jesus while on earth will be rewarded in Heaven. Let me state unequivocally, lest there be any confusion, doing good works cannot bring anyone to salvation. Salvation is by grace alone apart from works. We are saved unto good works that our lives might bring forth good fruit and bring glory to God.
Today, I'd like to focus on an encounter Jesus had with the Pharisees and other religious leaders over the matter of paying taxes. Sometimes, I think that this passage of Scripture is greatly misinterpreted.
As usual, the Pharisees were once again trying to trap Jesus in order to discredit Him in the eyes of the people. They were always looking for some way to get Jesus in trouble with the civil authorities in order to silence Him.
On this particular occasion, they asked Jesus a question about paying taxes. As Matthew 22:17 states the Pharisees asked, "What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar or not?"
The Pharisees really thought they'd trapped Jesus this time. They figured that no matter which way Jesus answered the question, He would be in trouble.
If Jesus said that the people should pay their taxes, the people would become angry because the people hated Romans and the onerous taxes that the Romans placed upon them.
On the other hand, if Jesus said that the people should not pay their taxes, the Roman authorities would view Jesus as a rebel, and they would put Him to death.
Things didn't work out the way the Pharisees expected. Jesus said, "Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites." Then Jesus said in verse 20, "Whose is this image and superscription?" They told Jesus that it was the image of Caesar. Jesus responded by saying, "Render therefore into Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's."
After the Pharisees heard the words of Jesus, they were amazed and left Jesus alone.
So, what does Jesus statement mean? First of all, I believe that Jesus statement means that believers should pay their taxes.
One major interpretation of this passage I strongly disagree with is that Jesus is claiming that there is a worldly sphere to which we owe allegiance and a Godly sphere to which we owe allegiance. In other words, there is a duty we owe to government and a duty we owe to the Lord.
I do not believe that is what Jesus is stating here. The Roman coin had the image of Caesar on it. Caesar was claiming his ownership over the money, so to speak. What Jesus is saying is that if Caesar is claiming this money give it back to him. It is of little importance as far as eternal values are concerned.
Then Jesus says to give to God what belong to God. Everything in creation is marked with the imprint of the hand of God. He is the creator and sustainer of all things. Human beings are created in the image of God. What Jesus is teaching is that everything that exists belongs to God. We belong to God.
It is our obligation as followers of Christ to give everything we have to the honor and glory of the Lord. The Apostle Paul makes this clear when he states in Romans 12:1-2, " I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is you spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
The obligation of the Christian is to serve God not a nation. Jesus is Lord of all. Nothing in our lives should be placed above our duty to Jesus.
The Pharisees were worried about the unimportant things like taxes and the accumulation of wealth and political power. In view of eternity, these things have very little meaning. Governments will rise and fall. Fortunes are gained and lost.
The only thing that will remain forever is what is done to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ.
Our duty as Christians is to give our all in service of our true and eternal king who has called us to be His ambassadors in a fallen world. This mission should be our chief concern in this life.
So many people are worried over so many things that in reality don't matter in the long run. Many of the decisions we fret and are anxious over don't really matter much with eternity in view.
I encourage you as I encourage myself to make the service of Christ the goal of life. Work to spread the Gospel and see souls brought into Christ's Kingdom. Strive to make this world a better place in imitation of the works of Jesus.
Whatever we do, let's do it all for the glory of the only one who is worthy of glory, adoration and worship. Amen.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Friday, May 4, 2012
Weekend Sermon--Crowns
Revelation 4:10-- "The twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne..."
I Corinthians 3:12-15--"Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw--each one's works will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire...if the work anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward."
In the book of Revelation, we see a magnificent scene of the worship given to Jesus Christ the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. In an act of worship, the elders cast their crowns at the feet of Jesus.
In a previous message, I mentioned the Judgment seat of Christ. Paul is speaking about this in the I Corinthians passage. All of our works will one day be judged by Jesus. Only the good works done for Christ will remain. Paul represents these as gold, silver, and precious stones.
The Bible speaks about crowns that the believer in Jesus Christ can receive on the Day of Judgment. Today, I'd like to focus on what these crowns are and the way Scripture says a believer in Christ receives them.
Like the twenty-four elders in Revelation, it is my hope to have a crown or a treasure to lay at the feet of Jesus who is seated on His throne.
The first of the believer's crowns mentioned in the New Testament is mentioned by the Apostle Paul in II Timothy 4:8 which states, "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will reward to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."
Paul is writing here about the fact that the course of his life is almost over. He is looking forward to Heaven and being with Jesus. Paul lived His life to please Jesus and to obey Jesus' words. Paul expected to be rewarded for his service and perseverance in the faith. He longed for Christ's return, and lived each day so as not to be ashamed if Jesus were to return at any moment.
The crown Paul mentions here is available to all believers who long for Jesus' return and live in righteousness.
Some my say, "Don't all Christians long for the return of the Lord." I don't think so. At least that's not been my experience. Many find great enjoyment doing those things contrary to Christ's teachings. They love the tings of this world more than the values of the world to come. Paul speaks of this in verse 10 of the same chapter in reference to Demas being in love with this present world.
I believe that this crown is reserved for those who want Jesus to come at any moment and bring deliverance to a world of ungodliness. The cry of their heart is, " Come quickly, Lord Jesus."
In I Peter 5:4, Peter speaks about a crown that will only be given to pastors who faithfully serve as under-shepherds of the the Great Good Shepherd Jesus. The verse states, "And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will achieve the unfading crown of glory."
There are two other crowns both known as the crown of life. James mentions one in James 1:12, and Jesus speaks of the other in Revelation 2:10. Although both are given the same name, they are awarded for different reasons.
The crown of life mentioned in James is given to those who remained faithful and withstood testing.
I know that I am going through some hard tests right now both physically and financially. My legs are in terrible pain everyday, and I can't find a job to make ends meet. At times like these, sometimes it's hard to maintain trust in God and His promises as everything in your life just keeps getting worse and worse all the time.
The Bible says that these times are tests. If we are faithful, we will be rewarded. Unfortunately, as Jesus spoke about in the Parable of the Sower, many people in the time of testing fail the test and become unfruitful. I struggle on believing in the Lord. Pray for me as I go through the trials I face.
The crown Jesus speaks of in Revelation 2:10 could be referred to as the martyr's crown. Those who give their lives in witness to Jesus will be awarded this crown on the Day of Judgment.
Throughout the centuries, countless thousands have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel. All of the Apostles except John suffered a martyr's death. Many believers died in the Roman arenas because they would not deny Jesus and praise Ceasar as lord.
In the Communist era, many believers died in Russia and the Eastern Bloc because they wouldn't deny Christ.
Today, all across the globe, many believers face persecution, discrimination and even death for their faith. Where would the church be today without people such as this.
As we live in this world, let us live our lives for the glory of God. Let each one of us strive to serve the Lord with all we have, so that our works may remain at the Day of Judgment, and then we can cast it all at the feet of Jesus who loved us and gave Himself for us so that we might be forgiven and live in His presence throughout all eternity. Amen.
I Corinthians 3:12-15--"Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw--each one's works will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire...if the work anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward."
In the book of Revelation, we see a magnificent scene of the worship given to Jesus Christ the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. In an act of worship, the elders cast their crowns at the feet of Jesus.
In a previous message, I mentioned the Judgment seat of Christ. Paul is speaking about this in the I Corinthians passage. All of our works will one day be judged by Jesus. Only the good works done for Christ will remain. Paul represents these as gold, silver, and precious stones.
The Bible speaks about crowns that the believer in Jesus Christ can receive on the Day of Judgment. Today, I'd like to focus on what these crowns are and the way Scripture says a believer in Christ receives them.
Like the twenty-four elders in Revelation, it is my hope to have a crown or a treasure to lay at the feet of Jesus who is seated on His throne.
The first of the believer's crowns mentioned in the New Testament is mentioned by the Apostle Paul in II Timothy 4:8 which states, "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will reward to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."
Paul is writing here about the fact that the course of his life is almost over. He is looking forward to Heaven and being with Jesus. Paul lived His life to please Jesus and to obey Jesus' words. Paul expected to be rewarded for his service and perseverance in the faith. He longed for Christ's return, and lived each day so as not to be ashamed if Jesus were to return at any moment.
The crown Paul mentions here is available to all believers who long for Jesus' return and live in righteousness.
Some my say, "Don't all Christians long for the return of the Lord." I don't think so. At least that's not been my experience. Many find great enjoyment doing those things contrary to Christ's teachings. They love the tings of this world more than the values of the world to come. Paul speaks of this in verse 10 of the same chapter in reference to Demas being in love with this present world.
I believe that this crown is reserved for those who want Jesus to come at any moment and bring deliverance to a world of ungodliness. The cry of their heart is, " Come quickly, Lord Jesus."
In I Peter 5:4, Peter speaks about a crown that will only be given to pastors who faithfully serve as under-shepherds of the the Great Good Shepherd Jesus. The verse states, "And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will achieve the unfading crown of glory."
There are two other crowns both known as the crown of life. James mentions one in James 1:12, and Jesus speaks of the other in Revelation 2:10. Although both are given the same name, they are awarded for different reasons.
The crown of life mentioned in James is given to those who remained faithful and withstood testing.
I know that I am going through some hard tests right now both physically and financially. My legs are in terrible pain everyday, and I can't find a job to make ends meet. At times like these, sometimes it's hard to maintain trust in God and His promises as everything in your life just keeps getting worse and worse all the time.
The Bible says that these times are tests. If we are faithful, we will be rewarded. Unfortunately, as Jesus spoke about in the Parable of the Sower, many people in the time of testing fail the test and become unfruitful. I struggle on believing in the Lord. Pray for me as I go through the trials I face.
The crown Jesus speaks of in Revelation 2:10 could be referred to as the martyr's crown. Those who give their lives in witness to Jesus will be awarded this crown on the Day of Judgment.
Throughout the centuries, countless thousands have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel. All of the Apostles except John suffered a martyr's death. Many believers died in the Roman arenas because they would not deny Jesus and praise Ceasar as lord.
In the Communist era, many believers died in Russia and the Eastern Bloc because they wouldn't deny Christ.
Today, all across the globe, many believers face persecution, discrimination and even death for their faith. Where would the church be today without people such as this.
As we live in this world, let us live our lives for the glory of God. Let each one of us strive to serve the Lord with all we have, so that our works may remain at the Day of Judgment, and then we can cast it all at the feet of Jesus who loved us and gave Himself for us so that we might be forgiven and live in His presence throughout all eternity. Amen.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Verse For The Day
I read this last night, and I thought it was really good.
Romans 15:20-21--"And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand."
Romans 15:20-21--"And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand."
Friday, April 27, 2012
Weekend Sermon
Philippians 4:8-- "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Our text for the day is one of the first verses I learned in Bible memorization. When I was a child, I attended Christian schools. At these schools, they always had some type of structured Bible memorization program. The program that was the most fun was the one at my grade school. If you learned a certain number of verses, you would achieve a higher ranking. Each ranking had certain prizes that you could redeem at the end of every grading period. I came away with a lot of nice prizes during my grade school years.
By the way, prizes aside, Bible memorization is important. It is important for adults as well as children. All these years later, I can still remember many of the passages, like the one today, that I first learned in grade school.
I would suggest that you start some type of systematic pattern of Bible memorization. You don't have to try to memorize an entire chapter, or like one minister I know the entire New Testament.
Start off small. Just try to memorize a verse or two, and work up from there. Learning and memorizing the Scripture will help you grow closer to the Lord.
With that said, this message is not about Bible memorization. It is about what we put into our minds and what we think about.
There is no doubt that we live in a society today that is permeated with so many things that do not bring honor and glory to God.
Most of the television programs and movies that are produced and broadcast are filled with those things directly opposed to Biblical teachings.
For instance, almost every program depicts premarital sex as appropriate when the practice is absolutely forbidden in Scripture. Furthermore, almost all comedy programs base their humor around sexual jokes and sexual innuendo. Programs that would have been unheard of thirty or forty years ago are the norm in today's society.
Many television programs and movies are filled with terrible violence. The prevailing standard is that might makes right and that killing is something fun.
This attitude is particularly noticeable in today's video games. Game producers try to base entertainment on what games produce the highest body count and the most gore.
Besides this, much of what passes for entertainment these days is filled with all manner of profanity. You can't go to many movies without hearing the f-word or other profanities that are equally offensive.
When members of society are constantly consuming these forms of entertainment that promote values contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ is it any wonder that our society is facing the problems that it is.
What is particularly troubling is that Christians are often watching the same television programs and going to the same movies, reading the same books, and playing the same games as those who are apart from Christ.
When believers continue day in and day out to take in ungodly ideas, they become weakened spiritually and begin to either justify un-Christlike behavior or act in un-Christlike ways.
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul instructs the Philippians to act in a different way. He instructs them to think in those ways that are just, pure, and good.
If we as believers will fill our minds with positive, uplifting, and Christ honoring things, our lives can only be the better for it.
I urge you to make a positive choice in your entertainment habits. This week and in the weeks to come decide not to take in those forms of entertainment that are negative or violent. Instead seek out those things which are positive and uplifting and that promote Christian values.
If we would all just look around, there really are many great entertainment values to invest our time in.
There are a lot of great animal programs and nature programs to watch. Also, they are a lot of older tv shows and movies that express good values. If you're into reading like I am, read some of the great classics of literature. There are also many great educational programs to view.
We don't have to sink to the basest level. We can fill our hearts with the good, decent and honorable.
This week, I'm going to try to follow the Apostle Paul's admonition. I hope you will as well. Amen.
Our text for the day is one of the first verses I learned in Bible memorization. When I was a child, I attended Christian schools. At these schools, they always had some type of structured Bible memorization program. The program that was the most fun was the one at my grade school. If you learned a certain number of verses, you would achieve a higher ranking. Each ranking had certain prizes that you could redeem at the end of every grading period. I came away with a lot of nice prizes during my grade school years.
By the way, prizes aside, Bible memorization is important. It is important for adults as well as children. All these years later, I can still remember many of the passages, like the one today, that I first learned in grade school.
I would suggest that you start some type of systematic pattern of Bible memorization. You don't have to try to memorize an entire chapter, or like one minister I know the entire New Testament.
Start off small. Just try to memorize a verse or two, and work up from there. Learning and memorizing the Scripture will help you grow closer to the Lord.
With that said, this message is not about Bible memorization. It is about what we put into our minds and what we think about.
There is no doubt that we live in a society today that is permeated with so many things that do not bring honor and glory to God.
Most of the television programs and movies that are produced and broadcast are filled with those things directly opposed to Biblical teachings.
For instance, almost every program depicts premarital sex as appropriate when the practice is absolutely forbidden in Scripture. Furthermore, almost all comedy programs base their humor around sexual jokes and sexual innuendo. Programs that would have been unheard of thirty or forty years ago are the norm in today's society.
Many television programs and movies are filled with terrible violence. The prevailing standard is that might makes right and that killing is something fun.
This attitude is particularly noticeable in today's video games. Game producers try to base entertainment on what games produce the highest body count and the most gore.
Besides this, much of what passes for entertainment these days is filled with all manner of profanity. You can't go to many movies without hearing the f-word or other profanities that are equally offensive.
When members of society are constantly consuming these forms of entertainment that promote values contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ is it any wonder that our society is facing the problems that it is.
What is particularly troubling is that Christians are often watching the same television programs and going to the same movies, reading the same books, and playing the same games as those who are apart from Christ.
When believers continue day in and day out to take in ungodly ideas, they become weakened spiritually and begin to either justify un-Christlike behavior or act in un-Christlike ways.
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul instructs the Philippians to act in a different way. He instructs them to think in those ways that are just, pure, and good.
If we as believers will fill our minds with positive, uplifting, and Christ honoring things, our lives can only be the better for it.
I urge you to make a positive choice in your entertainment habits. This week and in the weeks to come decide not to take in those forms of entertainment that are negative or violent. Instead seek out those things which are positive and uplifting and that promote Christian values.
If we would all just look around, there really are many great entertainment values to invest our time in.
There are a lot of great animal programs and nature programs to watch. Also, they are a lot of older tv shows and movies that express good values. If you're into reading like I am, read some of the great classics of literature. There are also many great educational programs to view.
We don't have to sink to the basest level. We can fill our hearts with the good, decent and honorable.
This week, I'm going to try to follow the Apostle Paul's admonition. I hope you will as well. Amen.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Weekend Sermon--Luke 24:13-35
Last week, we talked about being a doer and not just a hearer of the Word. In order to be a spiritually mature Christian, both are necessary.
This week, we will focus on one of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances. After Jesus rose from the grave on Easter morning, He appeared to various people at different times for a period of forty days. After this, Jesus ascended into Heaven where He is seated at the right hand of God the Father where He is making intercession on behalf of all those who have placed their faith and trust in Him.
During Jesus' forty post-resurrection days on earth, the Apostle Paul states that Jesus appeared to all of the apostles, James, and to over 500 other witnesses. As we can clearly see, there are plenty of eyewitnesses to Jesus' resurrection.
In our Scripture passage today, we see the account of Jesus appearing to two men on the road to Emmaus. Two men were walking the seven mile distance between Jerusalem and Emmaus. As they walked along, they discussed all of the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus.
As they were walking and talking, the two men were suddenly joined by another man who began walking and talking with them. This other man was Jesus. But, the two men didn't recognize Him.
Jesus asked the men what they were talking about as they walked down the road. One of the men recounted the story of Jesus being crucified and how they had hoped that Jesus would be the one who would redeem Israel. The men then said that some women were told by angels that Jesus was alive. The rest of Jesus' disciples hadn't seen Him.
Jesus said in verse 25, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Jesus then went through the entire Old Testament explaining to the men the Bible's teaching about the Christ. I would have loved to have been there to hear Jesus' teaching. That would have been tremendous.
As night approached, the men stopped for the evening, and Jesus joined them. As they shared a meal together, the men's eyes were opened and they recognized the risen Lord. Immediately, the men went to tell the disciples everything that had occurred.
What strikes me about this passage is how the two men could have failed to recognize Jesus. Over the years, I've heard many explanations as to why the men didn't recognize Jesus. I don't really buy into any of them. From what the passage states, the two men were supernaturally prevented from recognizing Jesus until Jesus revealed Himself when they all broke bread bread together.
I know this much, in our own day and time, we often don't recognize the presence of Jesus or the work of the Lord in our lives. It isn't until sometime later that we realize what the Lord is doing or how He was working in a given situation.
I know that in my life I fail to recognize the presence of the Lord even though I know that He will never leave me or forsake me. When I'm depressed and really down I often feel as if I've been abandoned by God and all people. It's not until I read the Scriptures or hear an encouraging word or song that I realize that Jesus is present in my life even in the midst of the hardest and darkest struggle.
Sometimes we don't recognize the presence of Jesus in the people around us. Matthew 25 records the events surrounding the coming judgment seat of Christ. In this passage, Jesus says that when you have done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto Him.
Jesus was present in the hungry person who needed something good to eat. Jesus was present in the person who needed a warm coat on a frigid day. Jesus was present in the lonely person. And Jesus was present in the room of the sick and suffering who needed someone to be with them in their darkest hour.
So many times we pass by a hurting world on our way to church or Bible study thinking that that is where we will have an encounter with the risen Lord. We fail to recognize that we will truly see Jesus in the face of those who life has hurt the most.
Many also fail to recognize the presence of Jesus in Communion. When we as believers partake of the bread representing Christ's broken body and the wine representing Christ's shed blood, Jesus is spiritually present within these elements providing us spiritual sustenance. We fail to recognize Jesus when we don't properly reflect on the true meaning and importance of Holy Communion.
Maybe you are one who hasn't recognized the fact that Jesus is knocking at your heart's door asking to come into your life. You haven't recognized that Jesus is the answer to the problems of life. I urge you to open the door, and let Him in today. May God bless you all. Amen.
This week, we will focus on one of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances. After Jesus rose from the grave on Easter morning, He appeared to various people at different times for a period of forty days. After this, Jesus ascended into Heaven where He is seated at the right hand of God the Father where He is making intercession on behalf of all those who have placed their faith and trust in Him.
During Jesus' forty post-resurrection days on earth, the Apostle Paul states that Jesus appeared to all of the apostles, James, and to over 500 other witnesses. As we can clearly see, there are plenty of eyewitnesses to Jesus' resurrection.
In our Scripture passage today, we see the account of Jesus appearing to two men on the road to Emmaus. Two men were walking the seven mile distance between Jerusalem and Emmaus. As they walked along, they discussed all of the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus.
As they were walking and talking, the two men were suddenly joined by another man who began walking and talking with them. This other man was Jesus. But, the two men didn't recognize Him.
Jesus asked the men what they were talking about as they walked down the road. One of the men recounted the story of Jesus being crucified and how they had hoped that Jesus would be the one who would redeem Israel. The men then said that some women were told by angels that Jesus was alive. The rest of Jesus' disciples hadn't seen Him.
Jesus said in verse 25, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
Jesus then went through the entire Old Testament explaining to the men the Bible's teaching about the Christ. I would have loved to have been there to hear Jesus' teaching. That would have been tremendous.
As night approached, the men stopped for the evening, and Jesus joined them. As they shared a meal together, the men's eyes were opened and they recognized the risen Lord. Immediately, the men went to tell the disciples everything that had occurred.
What strikes me about this passage is how the two men could have failed to recognize Jesus. Over the years, I've heard many explanations as to why the men didn't recognize Jesus. I don't really buy into any of them. From what the passage states, the two men were supernaturally prevented from recognizing Jesus until Jesus revealed Himself when they all broke bread bread together.
I know this much, in our own day and time, we often don't recognize the presence of Jesus or the work of the Lord in our lives. It isn't until sometime later that we realize what the Lord is doing or how He was working in a given situation.
I know that in my life I fail to recognize the presence of the Lord even though I know that He will never leave me or forsake me. When I'm depressed and really down I often feel as if I've been abandoned by God and all people. It's not until I read the Scriptures or hear an encouraging word or song that I realize that Jesus is present in my life even in the midst of the hardest and darkest struggle.
Sometimes we don't recognize the presence of Jesus in the people around us. Matthew 25 records the events surrounding the coming judgment seat of Christ. In this passage, Jesus says that when you have done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto Him.
Jesus was present in the hungry person who needed something good to eat. Jesus was present in the person who needed a warm coat on a frigid day. Jesus was present in the lonely person. And Jesus was present in the room of the sick and suffering who needed someone to be with them in their darkest hour.
So many times we pass by a hurting world on our way to church or Bible study thinking that that is where we will have an encounter with the risen Lord. We fail to recognize that we will truly see Jesus in the face of those who life has hurt the most.
Many also fail to recognize the presence of Jesus in Communion. When we as believers partake of the bread representing Christ's broken body and the wine representing Christ's shed blood, Jesus is spiritually present within these elements providing us spiritual sustenance. We fail to recognize Jesus when we don't properly reflect on the true meaning and importance of Holy Communion.
Maybe you are one who hasn't recognized the fact that Jesus is knocking at your heart's door asking to come into your life. You haven't recognized that Jesus is the answer to the problems of life. I urge you to open the door, and let Him in today. May God bless you all. Amen.
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