December 15, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 15 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Year of Popularity
Read Sections 3.21 through 3.24 (pages 44-46)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
The Life of Jesus 3.21-3.24; 1 Chronicles 17-29
Jesus lifts high the value of marriage and the commitment we should have towards it. We treat it flippantly to our own demise. He also tells us we should be people of our word and not need to point to any other thing to apparently strengthen our commitment, but simply let our word be our bond. And what a backwards economy Jesus calls us to: turning the other cheek and loving our enemies. Both go against our natural tendency to retaliate, get even and protect what is ours. One can imagine extremes of abuse, evil and others selfishness that would cause us to mitigate what Jesus is saying here. But to think about the mindset that God allows and fosters that we prioritize others over ourselves and our possessions to this extent that we demonstrate a trust in how God will provide and take care of us that we become disconnected from the control that we would seek to have over our lives. To the glory of a God who would make this possible!
Marriage. I have to only think of many people I know who have divorced and how messed up their lives became. Heard it said and is so true. You think marriage is tough. Try divorce. So blessed to be a child of God. So many areas where my life changed at 30 years old. Cindy and I started praying together and then we became one. God will absolutely answer that prayer as we are definitely lining ourselves with the will of God when we ask him to bless our marriage. He will!!! Just get out of the way!!! The lust of the eyes today. So easy to walk away and go with your feelings. Soon to realize it’s not only no better. But worse. Jesus then speaks of speaking the truth. All these subjects really mean nothing without a relationship with God. The law is weak. The spirit has power to overcome. A secular world has little chance with a fulfilling marriage or speaking the truth. Or any other subject. Was looking through old documents from my family years ago. 100 years ago my grandfather bought a house. The document read. I Thomas W. Johnson. Promise to pay. William H. Riley. $200 dollars down payment and $50 per month for 12 years. They both signed. That was it!!!! Today you sign at least 50 documents. Because back then your yes was yes and your no was no. Not anymore. Lost our first love
Advent 2023 – Day 15
Thanks Mark for sharing. Good insight. It is so important to be men and women of our word. To our yes be yes and our no be no. I remember those days but the world has so changed around us. But we as Christians need to be just that; keeping our word. We need to be honest people. I remember having a conversion with our son [Michael] who Mel and I raised to be an honest man. He said the whole world lies so don`t be unaware of that. I told him I am fully aware that they do but I will still tell the truth. We are to be reflecting our Lord Jesus in every way. Including showing kindness to those who would want to take from us. Also including loving our enemies as Jesus said and did. At the cross He said Father forgive them for they know not what they do. He even prayed for and taught Judas Iscariot and cared for him even though He knew Judas would betray Him. How far we fail when it comes to loving as Christ did. But we can only do it through Christ`s power within us. Colossians 3;12-13. [ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies. kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.] Whether it is returned or not we still need to follow Christ`s example. God bless all.
I was confused about the “turn the other cheek” verses in light of other scriptures.
Once it is clear that the Jews have rejected Him and He is going to the cross, He tells the disciples to “get a sword.”
Luke 22:35 And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?”
So they said, “Nothing.”
36 Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.”
38 So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”
And He said to them, “It is enough.”
Enduringword.com explains this dichotomy well:
The intent of Jesus seems to be, “I am on the point of leaving you, and when I am gone, you must use common sense means for provision and protection.” Such practical considerations were not needed before, but were needed now.
i. The disciples had been sent out to do ministry without Jesus before (Luke 10:1-17), but then they were received with goodwill and hospitality. Now they faced a hostile world without Jesus and must be prepared.”
It is apparent to people that we are true Christians when they see us forgiving others and loving our enemies. When we do this, we are acting like our perfect Father who forgives all who have sinned against him pouring out his love, grace and mercy.
Loving our enemies and forgiveness can be issues we struggle with as a result of our sin nature. Jesus makes it clear here the expectations He has for us as Christians and while living like this can be difficult at times it brings with it the freedom from anger and hurts that weigh us down. God provides us with the strength to let things go and show His love to everyone!