TITLE: Day 7, Luke 15: Parables of Jesus
THEME: Seeking the Lost
Three parables are seen in this chapter. In the first parable, Jesus tells of how the loss of 1 sheep out of 100, leads the great search for that one missing sheep. In the second parable, Jesus moves the ratio from 10:1, where a woman who has 10 coins but loses one, goes on an intense search for that 1 coin. In the third parable, the ratio reduces to 2:1. In the parable of the prodigal son, the man begins with 2, but longs to see his lost son come back to him.
In an amazing mathematical image, whether it is a 100:1 sheep, or 10:1 coin, or 2:1 persons, Jesus cares. Jesus will search high and low for anyone missing from the fray, regardless of numbers. The world tends to measure success in terms of numbers. The world sees numbers as a measure of competence. Not God. If God cares even for the least of us, we ought to care for the least as well.
What I Learned: The person of God cares for people. A lot.
conrade
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Day 6, Matthew 6: The Sermon on the Mount
TITLE: Day 6, Matthew 6: The Sermon on the Mount
THEME: Pray Lots - Worry Not
This chapter contains one of the most common prayers in the Church: The Lord's Prayer. In many churches, the prayer is used wholesale in worship services. It is interesting how after the teaching of the Lord's prayer, three major applications are described.
Firstly, the discipline of fasting. Prayer and fasting often appears together, especially when one is praying for a very important situation. I have heard people praying and fasting when they are looking for a new leader, during a major operation, a crisis situation, or a major disaster. Even Jesus tells the disciples that certain kinds of healing and casting out of demons require fasting. This discipline is not often practiced now. Maybe the urgency is not there. Maybe people justifies the importance of keeping their stomachs full so that they can do more good works. Maybe. Yet, the discipline of fasting helps one to do one thing: Focus.
Secondly, the discipline of serving God, not Mammon. The word Mammon refers to that thing that one yields allegiance to. The choice is clear. The disciple must choose between God and Mammon. There is not both. God is God. Mammon is Mammon. We all need to decide upfront who we want to serve.
Thirdly, the discipline of NOT worrying. Prayer in faith will lead to a DECREASE in worry. Those who do not pray tends to worry more. Perhaps, the best antidote against worry is to do what Jesus has prescribed:
What I Learn: The person of God will let the three things flow out of his prayerfulness: Discipline of fasting; the discipline of serving God; the discipline of NOT worrying.
conrade
THEME: Pray Lots - Worry Not
This chapter contains one of the most common prayers in the Church: The Lord's Prayer. In many churches, the prayer is used wholesale in worship services. It is interesting how after the teaching of the Lord's prayer, three major applications are described.
Firstly, the discipline of fasting. Prayer and fasting often appears together, especially when one is praying for a very important situation. I have heard people praying and fasting when they are looking for a new leader, during a major operation, a crisis situation, or a major disaster. Even Jesus tells the disciples that certain kinds of healing and casting out of demons require fasting. This discipline is not often practiced now. Maybe the urgency is not there. Maybe people justifies the importance of keeping their stomachs full so that they can do more good works. Maybe. Yet, the discipline of fasting helps one to do one thing: Focus.
Secondly, the discipline of serving God, not Mammon. The word Mammon refers to that thing that one yields allegiance to. The choice is clear. The disciple must choose between God and Mammon. There is not both. God is God. Mammon is Mammon. We all need to decide upfront who we want to serve.
Thirdly, the discipline of NOT worrying. Prayer in faith will lead to a DECREASE in worry. Those who do not pray tends to worry more. Perhaps, the best antidote against worry is to do what Jesus has prescribed:
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matt 6:26)
What I Learn: The person of God will let the three things flow out of his prayerfulness: Discipline of fasting; the discipline of serving God; the discipline of NOT worrying.
conrade
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Day 5, Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount
TITLE: Day 5, Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount
THEME: Counter Culture
In this amazing chapter, we read about the beatitudes. We read about the call for Christians to be the salt and light of the world. Following that, the chapter moves toward several counter-cultural, counter-beliefs.
With regards to the Law, Jesus in demonstrating his grace, shows that the Pharisees and adherents of the law, are nowhere to be compared with Jesus's keeping of the Law. For the fulfilment of the Law is not in terms of following the rules and regulations of each word of the law, but in following the Person of Jesus.
With regards to murder, it is not the physical hurt inflicted, but both external AND internal hurts that need to be addressed.
With regards to adultery, it is not simply to external act of unfaithfulness, but includes the internal temptations of sinning against one's spouse that is crucial.
With regards to divorce, it is not the act per se, but how the act causes others to stumble.
With regards to the keeping of oaths, do not let the keeping of oaths be the rod. Let truth be the guiding light with or without oaths.
With regards to retaliation, do a double-double. Over give. Over deliver. Thoroughly love.
With regards to enemies, do not killing. Love them.
All of these counter cultural actions show us that the God that we follow is not from this world. Jesus is from heaven.
What I learn: The person of God fears not the world, but lets the fear of the Lord guide him to counter the world when necessary.
conrade
THEME: Counter Culture
In this amazing chapter, we read about the beatitudes. We read about the call for Christians to be the salt and light of the world. Following that, the chapter moves toward several counter-cultural, counter-beliefs.
With regards to the Law, Jesus in demonstrating his grace, shows that the Pharisees and adherents of the law, are nowhere to be compared with Jesus's keeping of the Law. For the fulfilment of the Law is not in terms of following the rules and regulations of each word of the law, but in following the Person of Jesus.
With regards to murder, it is not the physical hurt inflicted, but both external AND internal hurts that need to be addressed.
With regards to adultery, it is not simply to external act of unfaithfulness, but includes the internal temptations of sinning against one's spouse that is crucial.
With regards to divorce, it is not the act per se, but how the act causes others to stumble.
With regards to the keeping of oaths, do not let the keeping of oaths be the rod. Let truth be the guiding light with or without oaths.
With regards to retaliation, do a double-double. Over give. Over deliver. Thoroughly love.
With regards to enemies, do not killing. Love them.
All of these counter cultural actions show us that the God that we follow is not from this world. Jesus is from heaven.
What I learn: The person of God fears not the world, but lets the fear of the Lord guide him to counter the world when necessary.
conrade
Friday, October 28, 2011
Day 4, Mark 9: A day in the life of Jesus
Title: Day 4, Mark 9: A Day in the Life of Jesus
Theme: A Servant of God has a servant heart
This chapter highlights three wrong ways to be a servant. The first is missing the forest for the trees. When Peter, James, and John see how Elijah and Moses appear with Jesus, their immediate reaction is to put up three shelters. Obviously, they recognize the dignitaries when they see them. One may not see anything wrong with such an action. Yet, this verse gives us a clue that all is not well in the minds of the disciple. Their action is one that is of fear. Mark records:
When one does not know what to say, say nothing! Yet, Peter in his usual clumsy self, does the silly thing. As Peter and Jesus continue on the conversation, note how Jesus points Peter back to the Scriptures:
The second is the healing of the boy, in which Jesus reminds the disciples that it is faith in God that is the key to healing. When asked why the disciples fail to drive out the demon, Jesus says:
"This kind can come out only by prayer." (Mark 9:29)
If the special cases can only come out by prayer, non-special cases are obviously possible in prayer. That means in prayer, all things are possible. Shall any one of us pray any less? One with a servant heart will have a heart of prayer.
The third is the notion of who is the greatest. It is not serving the highest or the greatest person in the community, but willing to serve even the least. The servant of God serves God by serving even the least.
What I Learn: The servant of God knows God's Word, prays often, and willingly serves the least of the least.
conrade
Theme: A Servant of God has a servant heart
This chapter highlights three wrong ways to be a servant. The first is missing the forest for the trees. When Peter, James, and John see how Elijah and Moses appear with Jesus, their immediate reaction is to put up three shelters. Obviously, they recognize the dignitaries when they see them. One may not see anything wrong with such an action. Yet, this verse gives us a clue that all is not well in the minds of the disciple. Their action is one that is of fear. Mark records:
"(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)" (Mark 9:6)
When one does not know what to say, say nothing! Yet, Peter in his usual clumsy self, does the silly thing. As Peter and Jesus continue on the conversation, note how Jesus points Peter back to the Scriptures:
Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.” (Mark 9:12-13)If Peter had known the Word, he will have conversed with Jesus out of knowledge of the Scriptures, instead of being led by fear.
The second is the healing of the boy, in which Jesus reminds the disciples that it is faith in God that is the key to healing. When asked why the disciples fail to drive out the demon, Jesus says:
"This kind can come out only by prayer." (Mark 9:29)
If the special cases can only come out by prayer, non-special cases are obviously possible in prayer. That means in prayer, all things are possible. Shall any one of us pray any less? One with a servant heart will have a heart of prayer.
The third is the notion of who is the greatest. It is not serving the highest or the greatest person in the community, but willing to serve even the least. The servant of God serves God by serving even the least.
What I Learn: The servant of God knows God's Word, prays often, and willingly serves the least of the least.
conrade
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Day 3, Mark 1: The beginning of Jesus' ministry
Title: Day 3, Mark 1: The beginning of Jesus' ministry
Theme: Spirit-Led Life Means to Listen First to Obey
Runners on a 100 metre dash will wait for the sound of the starting gun. The start of some Church services will begin at the sound of the church bell. The start of a computer begins with the pressing of the POWER button. Life is not simply about starting. It is about starting well. Jesus starts his ministry by getting ready to receive the starting signal. He humbly goes out to John, and asks to be baptized. The result is spectacular, not in the world's eyes, but in the sight of God.
What is particularly intriguing is this one act of Jesus straightaway results in an applause from heaven. Note how the gospel writer describes:
In this world, we have the tendency of wanting to seek human approval. Subordinates want their boss to see their work. Children longs to have their parents approve of their school grades. Even leaders and pastors of churches seek approval for their work in church or religious organizations. In serving the people of God, one is often tempted to seek the approval of men and women, MORE than God. It comes in a very insidious manner. This is a dangerous trap for any Christian leader. When we seek approval from people, we are bounded to their conditions, their expectations, and their written or unwritten requirements. It may be for a good cause. It may even be for an altruistic purpose. Yet, without the leading of the Spirit, and the final approval of God, it will fall flat with a dull thud. God's work done in God's way will never lack supply. As much as we want to begin our journey well, our first task is not to do things fast. Our first task is to listen in order to obey.
What I Learn: The person of God who is led by the Spirit, seeks God's approval first.
conrade
Theme: Spirit-Led Life Means to Listen First to Obey
Runners on a 100 metre dash will wait for the sound of the starting gun. The start of some Church services will begin at the sound of the church bell. The start of a computer begins with the pressing of the POWER button. Life is not simply about starting. It is about starting well. Jesus starts his ministry by getting ready to receive the starting signal. He humbly goes out to John, and asks to be baptized. The result is spectacular, not in the world's eyes, but in the sight of God.
"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove." (Mark 1:9-10)
What is particularly intriguing is this one act of Jesus straightaway results in an applause from heaven. Note how the gospel writer describes:
And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)
In this world, we have the tendency of wanting to seek human approval. Subordinates want their boss to see their work. Children longs to have their parents approve of their school grades. Even leaders and pastors of churches seek approval for their work in church or religious organizations. In serving the people of God, one is often tempted to seek the approval of men and women, MORE than God. It comes in a very insidious manner. This is a dangerous trap for any Christian leader. When we seek approval from people, we are bounded to their conditions, their expectations, and their written or unwritten requirements. It may be for a good cause. It may even be for an altruistic purpose. Yet, without the leading of the Spirit, and the final approval of God, it will fall flat with a dull thud. God's work done in God's way will never lack supply. As much as we want to begin our journey well, our first task is not to do things fast. Our first task is to listen in order to obey.
What I Learn: The person of God who is led by the Spirit, seeks God's approval first.
conrade
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Day 2, Luke 2: The story of Jesus' birth
Title: Day 2, Luke 2: The story of Jesus' birth
Theme: Do not be afraid
For the third time in the gospel of Luke, there is a specific command: "Do not be afraid." Mary a baby inside her. Nervous about her being pregnant outside of marriage, of being ridiculed by her family and friends, and not knowing what lies ahead, the angel appears not just to Mary, but to Joseph as well.
"And an angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)
It seems almost naturally, that God knows our human weaknesses. He knows that we are prone to fear. He knows that fear prevents one from moving forward, not because of danger or uncertainty ahead, but fear itself. In fact, the biggest problem infecting society is that instead of living a life of faith, we are frequently being driven by fear. The fear of being slapped with a heavy fine keeps us mindful of the speed limit when driving. The fear of our cars being towed away makes us mindful of where and how long we park our cars. The fear of our boss's disapproval makes us come to work punctually, and to do our jobs diligently. The laws of the land are usually for people who break the law and to prevent others from even trying to mess with the law. Fear reigns. In a fallen world, fear runs havoc to disrupt our hopes, our joys, and our true creative ability to seek God.
Perhaps, rather than going on a witch hunt to drive our fear in our lives, let us place faith in front. The opposite of fear is faith. In faith, we stop fear on its tracks. In faith, we shine the brightness of Christ to dispel the darkness of fear. In faith, we walk. the story of Jesus' birth begins not in fear, but in faith.
What I learn: The person of God will not be afraid.
conrade
Theme: Do not be afraid
For the third time in the gospel of Luke, there is a specific command: "Do not be afraid." Mary a baby inside her. Nervous about her being pregnant outside of marriage, of being ridiculed by her family and friends, and not knowing what lies ahead, the angel appears not just to Mary, but to Joseph as well.
"And an angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)
It seems almost naturally, that God knows our human weaknesses. He knows that we are prone to fear. He knows that fear prevents one from moving forward, not because of danger or uncertainty ahead, but fear itself. In fact, the biggest problem infecting society is that instead of living a life of faith, we are frequently being driven by fear. The fear of being slapped with a heavy fine keeps us mindful of the speed limit when driving. The fear of our cars being towed away makes us mindful of where and how long we park our cars. The fear of our boss's disapproval makes us come to work punctually, and to do our jobs diligently. The laws of the land are usually for people who break the law and to prevent others from even trying to mess with the law. Fear reigns. In a fallen world, fear runs havoc to disrupt our hopes, our joys, and our true creative ability to seek God.
Perhaps, rather than going on a witch hunt to drive our fear in our lives, let us place faith in front. The opposite of fear is faith. In faith, we stop fear on its tracks. In faith, we shine the brightness of Christ to dispel the darkness of fear. In faith, we walk. the story of Jesus' birth begins not in fear, but in faith.
What I learn: The person of God will not be afraid.
conrade
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Day 1, Luke 1: Preparing for Jesus' arrival
DAY 1 - Preparing for Jesus' Arrival
Date: 25 Oct 2011
Two questions. Two responses. Different results.
I am very intrigued as I read about the way Luke begins the gospel. Unlike John which begins with a reflection to Genesis 1, or Matthew which starts with a detailed genealogy of the Jewishness of Jesus, and Mark which starts abruptly with a quote from Isaiah, Luke begins with an eyewitness account of two angels appearing to two persons, prior to the birth of John and Jesus. The first appearance is to Zacharias, where the angel of the Lord says:
"Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John." (Luke 1:13)
Zacharias then asks: "How shall I know this for certain? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." (Lk 1:18)
As a result of that question, the angel strikes dumb the lips of Zacharias because he 'did not believe.'
In contrast, when the angel appears to Mary, and says:
"Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus." (Luke 1: 30-31)
When Mary responds with: "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" she is spared.
Why are there seemingly similar questions posed back to the angel, but different results? Why is Zacharais struck dumb, and not Mary?
On closer look, it is about faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Zacharias in his reply to the angel, wants signs and proofs that the angel will do what is promised. Zacharias is more concerned with 'what is the proof?' Mary on the other hand, is simply concerned about the 'how.' One is looking for evidence, while the other is looking for illumination. Zacharias questions in such a way that it smirks of skeptical doubts. Mary asks humbly as one that is honestly curious and accepts the word in faith.
How about us? When we read the word of God, do we question the word skeptically? Or do we accept the Word in faith, and let this be demonstrated in obedience?
Thought: The person of God is a person of faith.
conrade
Date: 25 Oct 2011
Two questions. Two responses. Different results.
I am very intrigued as I read about the way Luke begins the gospel. Unlike John which begins with a reflection to Genesis 1, or Matthew which starts with a detailed genealogy of the Jewishness of Jesus, and Mark which starts abruptly with a quote from Isaiah, Luke begins with an eyewitness account of two angels appearing to two persons, prior to the birth of John and Jesus. The first appearance is to Zacharias, where the angel of the Lord says:
"Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John." (Luke 1:13)
Zacharias then asks: "How shall I know this for certain? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." (Lk 1:18)
As a result of that question, the angel strikes dumb the lips of Zacharias because he 'did not believe.'
In contrast, when the angel appears to Mary, and says:
"Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus." (Luke 1: 30-31)
When Mary responds with: "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" she is spared.
Why are there seemingly similar questions posed back to the angel, but different results? Why is Zacharais struck dumb, and not Mary?
On closer look, it is about faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Zacharias in his reply to the angel, wants signs and proofs that the angel will do what is promised. Zacharias is more concerned with 'what is the proof?' Mary on the other hand, is simply concerned about the 'how.' One is looking for evidence, while the other is looking for illumination. Zacharias questions in such a way that it smirks of skeptical doubts. Mary asks humbly as one that is honestly curious and accepts the word in faith.
How about us? When we read the word of God, do we question the word skeptically? Or do we accept the Word in faith, and let this be demonstrated in obedience?
Thought: The person of God is a person of faith.
conrade
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