Christian Reflection and PrayerChristian Reflection2021-10-06T14:00:22+02:00All Rights Reserved blogSpiritblogSpirithttp://christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com/Pastor Kimhttp://christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com/about.htmlA THINLY VEILED PARABLEtag:christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com,2017-03-25:30897882017-03-25T01:05:50+01:002017-03-25T01:05:50+01:00 And He began to tell the people this parable ... (Luke 20:9a). ...
<div>And He began to tell the people this <br />parable ... (Luke 20:9a).</div><div> </div><div>Read Luke 20:9-19</div><div> </div><div>The representatives of the Jewish high <br />court have been humiliated in front of <br />the crowd. They just want to slink back <br />to the high priest's house, but Jesus <br />isn't done with them yet. Since they <br />won't be honest enough to say what they <br />truly feel about John the Baptist, Jesus <br />uses a parable that answers their <br />original question and asserts His <br />authority to carry on His ministry.</div><div> </div><div>In His parable Jesus uses a few brush <br />strokes to quickly paint a picture of <br />God's people. He planted them in the <br />Promised Land, as a man would plant a <br />vineyard. He lent His nation out to the <br />priests and religious leaders, who should <br />use His Word to tend His people and <br />prepare them to serve one another and <br />glorify God with their lives.</div><div> </div><div>When the leaders failed to lead His people <br />correctly, God sent servant-prophets to <br />call them back to faithfully fulfill their <br />work of leading the nation in repentance, <br />faith and good works. But the leaders beat <br />and mistreated the prophets and sent them <br />away empty-handed. Finally, the owner sends <br />His beloved Son-and they plot to kill Him.</div><div> </div><div>The drama is intense. The leaders know Jesus <br />is speaking about them, and their rage and <br />fury grow, even as their hidden plan to <br />murder God's own Son is openly exposed by <br />Jesus to all the pilgrims, who have gathered <br />at the temple courts in Jerusalem.</div><div> </div><div>THE PRAYER:</div><div><br />Lord Jesus, You loved the Jewish leaders and <br />used a parable they understood to reveal the <br />enormity of what they were planning to do. <br />Help me see my sins and run to You for <br />forgiveness and peace. Amen.</div><div> </div><div>Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries</div>
Pastor Kimhttp://christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com/about.htmlWHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHTtag:christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com,2017-03-24:30897372017-03-24T00:19:20+01:002017-03-24T00:19:20+01:00 ... "Tell us, by what authority You do these things, or who is it that...
<div>... "Tell us, by what authority You do these things, or who is it <br />that gave You this authority?" (Luke 20:2b).</div><div> </div><div> Read Luke 20:1-8</div><div> </div><div>The Jewish Sanhedrin or high court led by the high priest is the <br />recognized authority in Jerusalem. They aren't crazy about <br />Jesus driving the animals and moneychangers out of the temple <br />and teaching huge crowds right under their noses. So a group <br />from the Sanhedrin comes to ask who gave Him the authority <br />to do these things.</div><div> </div><div>They expect Jesus to say His authority came from God. Then <br />they will demand proof, which they will refuse to recognize, thus <br />discrediting Him in front of the crowds. Jesus recognizes their <br />intended trap. He politely answers, "I also will ask you a question. <br />Now tell Me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?"</div><div> </div><div>Suddenly, their trap is sprung, but they are the ones caught in it! <br />They could give an answer that would please the crowds, saying <br />John's authority was from God, but they know Jesus will ask why <br />then did they not obey him and receive his baptism. If they tell <br />Him what they honestly think, saying John's authority did not <br />come from God, they fear the crowd will rise up and stone them <br />to death because the people held John to be a prophet.</div><div> </div><div>So the only answer they can give is no answer at all: "We don't <br />know where his authority came from." This is hardly a suitable <br />answer, since they are considered the leaders who are responsible <br />for religious instruction in Israel. They are completely humiliated by <br />the answer they have to give.</div><div> </div><div>Jesus turns it back against them. If you will not answer Me, <br />"Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."</div><div> </div><div>THE PRAYER:</div><div> </div><div>Lord Jesus Christ, Your authority indeed came from God Your <br />Father, the same source of John's authority. Help me accept <br />Your authority and trust in You always. Amen.</div><div> </div><div>Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries</div>
Pastor Kimhttp://christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com/about.htmlA TIME TO CLEAN HOUSEtag:christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com,2017-03-23:30896932017-03-23T13:51:49+01:002017-03-23T13:51:49+01:00 And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold (Luke...
<div>And He entered the temple and began to drive out those <br />who sold (Luke 19:45).</div><div> </div><div>Read Luke 19:45-48</div><div> </div><div>The Jerusalem temple was a reminder of God's presence <br />with His people, and animal sacrifices were a central <br />component of the worship there. As the worshipper laid <br />his hands on the animal's head and confessed his sins, <br />God transferred his guilt to the animal, which was put <br />to death in his place. All these sacrifices pointed ahead <br />to Jesus. He is the Lamb of God who would take our <br />place and be put to death for the sins of the whole world.</div><div>Since Jewish pilgrims travelled great distances for the <br />Passover feast, they were unable to bring along their <br />own sacrificial animals. Jesus has no problem with <br />sacrificial animals being available for sale or with <br />moneychangers converting foreign currency into temple <br />currency. His problem is where those animals were being <br />sold-in the courtyards of the temple.</div><div> </div><div>In holy wrath Jesus drives all of them out. He quotes Isaiah, <br />"It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer,' but you <br />have made it a den of robbers'" (Matthew 21:13; see Isaiah <br />56:7). It is bad enough to make themselves robbers by <br />selling the sacrificial animals at unreasonable prices. But <br />even worse, they carry on their trade in the very courtyard <br />of the temple, where worshippers are trying to pray to God <br />amidst all these distractions.</div><div> </div><div>The Jewish leaders are infuriated that Jesus would challenge <br />their authority and interfere with their trade. But they cannot <br />destroy Him because the great crowds of pilgrims are <br />hanging on His words. As we'll see in the coming days, His<br /> teachings will grow more pointed, and His popularity will <br />continue to increase.</div><div> </div><div>THE PRAYER:</div><div> </div><div>Almighty God, Your Son drove out all distractions from Your <br />temple courts. Clear my mind of all distractions that I may <br />worship You with all my heart, mind and soul. I pray in <br />Jesus' Name. Amen.</div><div> </div><div>Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries</div>
Pastor Kimhttp://christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com/about.htmlTEARS FOR THE HOLY CITYtag:christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com,2017-03-22:30896252017-03-22T00:40:58+01:002017-03-22T00:40:58+01:00 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your...
<div>And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, <br />"Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." He answered, "I tell you, <br />if these were silent, the very stones would cry out" <br />(Luke 19:39-40).</div><div> </div><div>Read Luke 19:39-44</div><div> </div><div>Jesus enters Jerusalem with a large crowd joyfully singing <br />His praises. Some Pharisees come out of Jerusalem and <br />urge Jesus to silence His supporters. But Jesus refuses; <br />this King will have His rightful praise. Even if the people <br />remain silent, the stones themselves will cry out.</div><div> </div><div>In a few days the Pharisees will have their way. These <br />praises will fall silent as the crowds begin shouting, <br />"Crucify, crucify Him!" Reaching the ridge of Jerusalem <br />Jesus begins sobbing. If only the city realized how easily <br />it could escape disaster. All its citizens have to do is turn <br />from their wrongs and trust in Jesus. Woefully, that great <br />peace is hidden from their eyes.</div><div> </div><div>Jesus' tears flow because His all-knowing eyes see what <br />will happen here in 40 years. He sees the Roman legions <br />arriving, encircling the city, and cutting down the trees to <br />build their siege weapons. He sees violence and disease <br />breaking out through the doomed metropolis. He sees <br />starvation and plague ravaging those who remain. He sees <br />the Romans breaking through the city walls and savagely <br />attacking the last defenders at the temple walls. He sees <br />the temple in flames and the defenders being slaughtered, <br />as they turn from their Roman attackers in a desperate <br />attempt to extinguish the fires. He sees the temple <br />reduced to rubble, with not one stone left upon another.</div><div>And He weeps bitterly because all this is so needless. If <br />only they would recognize God graciously visiting them <br />through His Son.</div><div> </div><div>THE PRAYER:</div><div> </div><div>Lord Jesus, Your heart broke at the senseless devastation <br />Jerusalem would suffer because of its foolish unbelief. <br />Guard my heart and mind against unbelief, so I may live <br />with You in heaven, and not suffer eternally in hell. Amen.</div><div> </div><div>Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries</div>
Pastor Kimhttp://christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com/about.htmlTHE KING ENTERStag:christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com,2017-03-21:30895702017-03-21T01:12:13+01:002017-03-21T01:12:13+01:00 ... the whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and praise God...
<div>... the whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and <br />praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that <br />they had seen (Luke 19:37b).<br /> <br />Read Luke 19:28-38</div><div> </div><div>Jesus has travelled to Jerusalem many times in His life, but <br />this trip will be the last time. Every other time He walked <br />through its gates, but not this time. Today He rides into the <br />city as Jerusalem's King, its Messiah. But the King of kings <br />does not ride a splendid war horse, instead He sends His <br />disciples to bring Him a humble donkey, a lowly beast of <br />burden. This animal fits Jesus' entire earthly life. He came <br />as the meek, humble Baby born in Bethlehem's manger; <br />He will lay down His life in humility on the cross.</div><div> </div><div>The crowds are caught up in excitement. They shout <br />"Blessed is the King who comes in the Name of the Lord." <br />The term "blessed" points to the Father, who chose this <br />King and continues to bless Him. Even though He rides a <br />humble donkey, Jesus enters Jerusalem as our King, <br />coming to conquer our great enemies-Satan, sin, death <br />and hell.</div><div> </div><div>The crowds add "peace in heaven and glory in the highest,<br />" the same words the angels shared with the shepherds at <br />Jesus' birth. Peace in heaven celebrates God's peace <br />coming down upon the earth through the Messiah. His <br />victory brings praise to God from His angels in heaven and <br />from all of us who have been saved by His mighty Son.</div><div>Jesus accepts this praise sweeping through the crowds <br />because it is right and true. He is the King riding into <br />Jerusalem to prepare to fight to the death to defend His <br />people. In a few days He will stagger out through the city <br />gates, carrying His cross to the battlefield.</div><div> </div><div>THE PRAYER:</div><div> </div><div>Lord Jesus, our great conquering King, You rode into <br />Jerusalem to wage war for Your people. Receive my <br />thanksgiving for the victory You won through Your suffering, <br />death and resurrection. Amen.</div><div> </div><div>Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries</div>
Pastor Kimhttp://christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com/about.htmlNOT YET - BUT SOONtag:christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com,2017-03-20:30895092017-03-20T03:57:45+01:002017-03-20T03:57:45+01:00 (Jesus said) "But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him,...
<div>(Jesus said) "But his citizens hated him and sent a <br />delegation after him, saying, 'We do not want this man <br />to reign over us'" (Luke 19:14).</div><div> </div><div>Read Luke 19:11-27</div><div> </div><div>Jesus' choice to stay with the chief tax collector<br /> Zacchaeus divides the crowd. Some are upset Jesus <br />is associating with such an open sinner. Others think <br />God's kingdom will appear at once when He reaches the <br />Jewish capital Jerusalem. Jesus tells a parable that <br />answers both ideas.</div><div> </div><div>The people have no trouble picturing His story of a <br />nobleman traveling to a distant country to have himself <br />proclaimed king. That was the way the Roman Empire <br />worked. Herod the Great left the land of Palestine and <br />travelled to Rome before Emperor Augustus proclaimed <br />him king. Only then could he return to rule.</div><div> </div><div>Jesus pictures Himself as that nobleman-the great Son of <br />David and Son of God. Instead of beginning His reign when <br />He enters Jerusalem, He will be murdered by His enemies. <br />But after His resurrection He will leave the earth, ascending <br />into heaven where the Father will proclaim Him King. Then <br />on the Last Day-and not until that Day-Jesus will return to <br />reward His faithful servants and establish His kingdom on <br />the new earth.</div><div> </div><div>Now Jesus turns to His enemies. He has shown great <br />patience, humility, grace, mercy and love toward them, but <br />they have hated Him, without cause. He warns that the time <br />of judgment is coming. He will return with His angel armies <br />to capture His enemies and slaughter them.</div><div> </div><div>To our ears that judgment sounds harsh. But Christ your <br />King has given you fair warning. If you will not bow your knee <br />to Him in faith, you will forfeit your life and suffer eternally <br />in hell.</div><div> </div><div>THE PRAYER:</div><div> </div><div>Almighty God, You have established Your Son as the Ruler <br />of all things in heaven and on earth. Break through my <br />rebellious heart that I may love Him and serve Him now and <br />through all eternity. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.</div><div> </div><div>Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries</div>
Pastor Kimhttp://christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com/about.htmlWHERE'S MY HOSTtag:christianreflectionandprayer.blogspirit.com,2017-03-19:30894682017-03-19T01:12:54+01:002017-03-19T01:12:54+01:00 ... "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today"...
<div>... "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay <br />at your house today" (Luke 19:5b).</div><div> </div><div>Read Luke 19:1-10</div><div> </div><div>Jesus' final week is just a few days away. He has come <br />to Jericho to spend the night, but His host is not home. <br />So Jesus passes through town to find him.</div><div> </div><div>Zacchaeus is a chief tax collector and extremely wealthy.<br /> But he left his tax office when he heard Jesus had come <br />to town. He knew Jesus' reputation-while the Jews and <br />their leaders despised tax collectors as traitors and <br />thieves-Jesus was known as a friend to tax collectors. <br />Rushing to the far edge of town, he climbed a tree to see <br />the Lord.</div><div> </div><div>Jesus comes right up to that spot, stops, and looks up <br />into the tree. Calling Zacchaeus by name, He tells him to <br />come down quickly. Jesus wants to spend this night in his <br />house.</div><div> </div><div>Zacchaeus scurries down and receives Jesus with great joy. <br />The crowd hears this and is terribly scandalized. How <br />could Jesus choose to stay in the home of a notorious <br />sinner? What they didn't know is that Jesus had already <br />begun to change Zacchaeus' heart. The chief tax collector <br />was repenting of his sins and planning to make amends for <br />his past wrongdoings.</div><div> </div><div>Jesus points out that Zacchaeus is a son of Abraham just <br />as are those in the crowd. True children of Abraham share <br />Abraham's faith in God's promise to send the Christ or <br />Messiah. Zacchaeus knew Jesus had given him a great <br />honor by staying in his house. But did he know His Lord <br />had chosen to spend one of the last precious nights He <br />had on earth with him?</div><div>THE PRAYER:</div><div> </div><div>Lord Jesus Christ, with amazing grace You sought out the <br />despised chief tax collector Zacchaeus and honored him by <br />staying at His house that night. Help us appreciate the honor <br />You give us, by promising to remain with us always. Amen.</div><div> </div><div>Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries</div>