Tag: pray

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Second Clearing of the Temple

Palm Sunday marked the triumphal entry of Jesus in Jerusalem just days before his crucifixion. Just after his entry he clears the temple courts by overturning the tables of the money changes and chasing out those who were buying and selling.

Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’

The more I read about Jesus, the more my admiration grows and my faith becomes stronger. Not like a robot reading words and taking notes, but really reading and seeing Jesus as a man walking among the people, talking to them, teaching, laughing, singing, praying, eating, etc.

In these few verses Jesus shakes up the establishment where is hurts the most — in the pockets. Their receipts for this Passover week were no doubt affected. This revealed the core problem, they were focused on receipts and have lost sight of God. Do we do the same?

The week before Christmas gives us a chance to celebrate with those that know Jesus and get excited for what he brings to earth along side of those who don’t know Jesus at all. Lord I pray that we learn about you more each day, that we see clearly what it is you have offered as the greatest gift to mankind and most importantly how to share this gift with the world!

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-48

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Cursing of the fig tree for having leaves but no figs

The title of this post seems to indicate this is about a fig tree that Jesus cursed. I guess I’m a bit distracted today because that just seemed obvious and of little interest. Today, that didn’t speak to me. Tomorrow may be a completely different story. So, I have two observations to consider: 1) Jesus was hungry and 2) Pray with faith.

Both narratives make a point of noting that Jesus was hungry, his physical body needed nourishment. The humanness of Jesus in this passage is intriguing and mind-blowing at the same time. He felt compassion for those who were hungry because he experienced hunger himself.

We also read about “mountain moving” faith that is ours for the asking. Not like some wizard or magic trick, Jesus seems to calmly say,

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

This is the core scripture for the name it and claim it theologians. The Power of Positive Thinking has  been around for a long time, perhaps perpetuated by this verse. (Note: the NIV Study Bible does not provide a comment on this verse–interesting.)

But let’s not get distracted by those who would argue against the power of prayer. Jesus prayed often. If Jesus prayed, we should pray. He taught us how to pray. The key is obviously faith in what we ask for and faith is bolstered by hearing God through daily study of the Scriptures. As we hear his voice, we are continuously transformed, we become assimilated into his family. Our prayers then become less selfish, not about the genie in the bottle, rather we have a different perspective on life.

Lord hear our prayers today. Whether big or small, hear our prayers.

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:12-14, 19-25

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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“Triumphal” Entry into Jerusalem

As Jesus enters Jerusalem he is honored by crowds of people who have heard or seen the great things he has done.

  • “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew)
  • “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark)
  • “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke)
  • “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” (John)

Such appropriate honor and glory for Jesus’ triumphal entry! We grew up calling this Palm Sunday, the week before Easter. Waving branches and shouting “Hosanna!” in the typically peaceful church was great fun for the children and quite appropriate.

But there is a completely different perspective on this story as seen by the Pharisees, the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. This was not a great entry, this was an insurrection, a travesty of justice, something that could not be tolerated.

  • “…they were indignant. Do you hear what these children are saying?” (Matthew)
  • “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” (Luke)
  • “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” (John)

The hindsight of the Gospel record gives us an overview of the situation. It records the good and the bad with the advantage of time and knowledge of events that surround each step of the progression. In the moment, as life unfolds, it’s not so easy to see the distinction. We see the unspoken reaction, but ignore it until the thoughts of those offended come to the surface. The whispers in the crowd develops into a counter-strike movement that divides people.

Lord help us to keep your perspective on all matters, to remember you first as we navigate the complex sea of emotions we call humanness. Help us to keep our personal agendas aside. This Christmas, let us be known as a people that have the light of the world to shine in darkness, a gift freely given to all. I pray this light will pierce the darkest of places as well as those places who are confused, who have generated their own light with their own thoughts and hands.

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 21:1-17, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, John 12:12-19

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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The Rich and the Kingdom of God

The Rich man in this passage begs Jesus to answer his burning question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus clearly explains this is a gift to be given, not a thing to acquire. It’s interesting that Jesus highlights some of the Ten Commandments, certainly something every Jew would know well. If we consider the first four are summarized in a phrase, “No one is good–except God alone,” the one commandment that is not specified is the missing ingredient for this man: “you shall not covet.”

Interesting that this man who has kept God’s commandments since he was a boy didn’t notice the missing commandment. Jesus explains that he lacks one thing: sell all your stuff and follow me. In a flash Jesus penetrates the man’s disguise and reveals his heart. “When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.”

Should we conclude, if you own anything, if you’re not serving Christ alone,  you cannot be saved? Fortunately for us, the disciples hear this teaching and ask, “Who then can be saved?” Let there be no doubt,

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Without the disciples question and Jesus’ clarifying response, I might be troubled and feel trapped by the apparent wealth of my surroundings compared to others. Ah, but perhaps that’s the real insight here: “compared to others,” the tenth commandment. Do I dwell on what I have compared with others? Am I enamored by the latest shiny object? Or do I use what God has provided me as tools to do His work? My prayer is for the latter, though I’m guilty of desiring some things, I pray that I never forget this is all temporary and that many, many people are lost in this world. It is my desire to use everything I’ve been entrusted with to take care of my family (an incredible blessing) and reach the lost. In short, to be a good steward of all God has given me.

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Jesus’ brief teaching on Divorce

I included “brief” in the title for this post because Jesus doesn’t need a lot of words on this topic. It’s clear and concise. Yet this is a volatile and personal topic that demands our attention. No, we don’t need more words from Jesus on the topic. As followers for Christ we enter marriage with the desire for this to be the union of one man and one woman, “and the two will become one flesh.” That is our commitment in marriage.

Matthew’s record of this teaching includes one exception for which divorce: sexual immorality, i.e., adultery, violation of the seventh commandment. Earlier in Matthew (Matthew 5:27-30), Jesus broadens the definition of adultery that convicts us all! Fortunately for us we can come to Jesus for forgiveness and mend our ways.

Both accounts agree that Moses’ law was given because their “hearts were hard.” If we take time to get to know the people Moses was leading we will gain a better appreciation for that description. Their hearts were not open to what God was giving them, they couldn’t see the favor poured out on their behalf. But there were a few that stood out.

It is profound that Jesus reiterates God’s plan for male and female while at the same time recognizing not everyone will marry. Those who choose not to marry are called to a life of celibacy, something the Roman Catholic church demands of Priests and Nuns. Paul would agree with this position and echo Jesus’ words that it would be better for some not to marry.

This is a deep and wide topic that I’m not attempting to cover in 400 words. What I believe with all my heart is this: God honors the marriage of one man and one woman when they seek to honor Him. My prayer is God will be honored in all marriages. For those who do not have God in their marriage I pray they will find Him and reaffirm their vows in tribute to the One that gives us life.

One of the interesting thoughts in the notes in this passage is the idea that the Pharisees were wrestling with John the Baptist’s condemnation of Herod, ultimately the reason for his death. It’s a bit of a rabbit trail from the text, but a note I wanted to capture while thinking about the topic.

(See also comments on Divorce from June 2015)

Bible Gateway Links:

Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:1-12, Mark 10:1-12,

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Parable of the Persistent Widow

As I was praying this morning, I remembered a friend who is going through a particular battle that has taken a huge toll on her physically and emotionally. Then I logged onto my computer and saw the quote from Richard Foster from his book, Prayer. It is difficult to comprehend how prayer works, but we know this is central to our faith. In this passage Luke prefaces the parable with these words:

to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

The woman in the story constantly approaches the judge (notably NOT a man of God) to demand justice. She’s not looking for a handout or for more than her fair share, she just wants justice. The “unjust judge” is tired of being bothered by this lady and in some respect is concerned she might resort to violence, so he hears her case and ensures she received justice.

Jesus explains that if an unjust judge would do this, how much more will God bring about justice for his people.

I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.

The last verse adds a bit of a twist to this parable. Up to this point it’s an easy story to read and nod in agreement. Jesus adds:

However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?

Suddenly we are moved from an interesting story about a nagging widow to a question of faith for us all to consider. We are compelled to pray without ceasing, trusting that God hears our prayers, that God wants to hear our prayers. Lord help us to be a people who prays consistently and persistently and hear our prayers Lord.

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 18:1-8

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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The Coming of the Kingdom of God

Jesus speaks about the end times in this passage, when he will return in a flash, unexpectedly and suddenly. For the Pharisee he explains that the coming of the kingdom of God is right in front of them, but they can’t see it.

The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.

The Pharisees don’t understand this response, because they have their well developed pre-conceived notions as to how the Messiah will return and what he will do. Before we judge the Pharisees too harshly, we should recognize they were working within a system of beliefs that some in this day might call a denomination or church. Jesus holds us to a much higher standard than any set of manmade beliefs.

Jesus goes on to explain to his disciples that his return will come without warning, the long awaited rapture when “one will be taken and the other left.” Suddenly all the worldly wealth and desires pale in comparison to the glory of Christ and His Kingdom.

On that day can we say that we honestly did all we could to spread the Gospel? Lord help me to do your will this day. I long for the day when lightning strikes and those who have truly professed faith in you are redeemed, but I hope and pray that many, many more will see your light before it strikes.

Bible Gateway Links:

Luke 17:20-37

Commentary Links at BibleHub.com:

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Ten Lepers are Healed

As Jesus was walking he was approached (at a responsible distance no doubt) by ten lepers. They shouted out “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” I assume they shouted because as lepers they would have been force into isolated groups. Jesus doesn’t hesitate. He heals them with a word and tells them to go and see the priests to verify their status and be reinstated to the community.

Yet only one of the ten is thankful, only one runs to Jesus to show appreciation, and this one is a Samaritan. I think Jesus wanted to make a point that even those despised by the world can come to him for salvation. The other nine may have been healed physically, but this man was healed completely.

As we cry out to Jesus for many things, I pray we will remember to be grateful for how the Lord appropriately responds.

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Our Eyes — The Light of the Body

In these few verses we find some deep meaning. Matthew and Luke record these key points of an important sermon that Jesus preached by recalling words that challenge us in many ways: “if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.” This isn’t about physical blindness! Take a moment and consider the text and pray for healthy eyes.

Matthew 6:22-23, Luke 11:33-36
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