Matthew 25-12.21.21
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 25:1,2
"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible."
OBSERVATION:
In this chapter, there are 3 parables: the parables of the 10 virgins, the parable of the talents, and the parable of the sheep and the goats. In all 3 parables Jesus illustrated the importance of being ready when He returns. The parable of the 10 virgins teaches us to be prepared and alert for Jesus' second coming.
The foolish ones took their lamps, but they didn't take any oil with them, but the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. The Bridegroom was delayed, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. In the middle of the night there was a shout; 'Here's the groom! Come out to meet Him.' Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, 'Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.' The sensible ones answered, 'No, there won't be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.' When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Those who were ready went in with Him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. Later, the rest of the virgins also came and said, 'Master, master, open up for us.' But He replied, 'I assure you: I do not know you!' "Therefore be alert, because you don't know either the day or the hour."
UNDERSTANDING:
Jesus is so good to give us warning signs about His second coming! And He loves us so much that He gave us special instructions to help us prepare for that Day! He wants us all to be ready, and to spread the good news that God sent His One and Only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life.
LIFE APPLICATION:
I pray, as we wait for Jesus' return, that we will not become lazy or complacent, or be caught unaware, but that we will do our part to be prepared and ready for His second coming. I pray we will serve one another, and demonstrate authentic love for one another. (They will know we are Christians by our love!). The real evidence of our love for Jesus is how freely we are willing to give all that has freely been given to us.
-Robin Orefice
Psalm 67-12.20.21
Scripture
Psalm 67:1 NLT
1 May God be merciful and bless us.
May his face smile with favor on us. Interlude
2 May your ways be known throughout the earth,
your saving power among people everywhere.
3 May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.
4 Let the whole world sing for joy,
because you govern the nations with justice
and guide the people of the whole world. Interlude
5 May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you.
6 Then the earth will yield its harvests,
and God, our God, will richly bless us.
7 Yes, God will bless us,
and people all over the world will fear him.
Observation
The Psalmist gives a song to sing. It gives us a picture or glimpse of God’s heart, plan and desire for all people. An anthem of praise and acknowledgment of who he is, what he does, how he interacts with his people and the breadth of the whole world that is in his divine destiny.
Understanding
The first verse really set the stage here for me. First, we acknowledge who is in control, who our prayers go before and the one who cares for us – the one true God creator of heaven and earth. Who is above all, but yet who is personally involved in our lives. Powerful yet Personal.
The cry for mercy tells us that we begin by understanding our need for him. His mercy that spares of the punishment and judgement that my sins deserve. My actions, thoughts and desires, my words don’t earn a place in God’s presence but his mercy. My good works and best efforts fail but his mercy covers my shortcomings, and then his grace opens the door for his hand to work in and through my life.
When we receive his mercy, we become candidates for his blessing. The very things he has in his heart for us. He has his blessing in store for us, waiting to pour out on us to be with us, for us to know him and experience him personally.
As a result, I love this that the almighty God can look down on me and smile. What? My life can bring you joy that causes you to smile. I think of my kids and it always makes me smile when I see them living and enjoying life. When they experience joy it makes me smile. When we experience his presence and the favor of his smile (or his face shining upon us) there is the perspective that everything is going to be alright because our Father’s great joy over us.
The final word in the first verse here says “Interlude” other versions say “Selah.” Most people interpret that to say – Pause. We could expand that and say wait a moment, don’t rush by what you just read, slow down and think about it. I know your day is full and busy but just pause for a moment, think about what you just read because it is powerful and meaningful. I love how The Passion Translation phrases the word Selah – Pause in his presence.
I love that. That is what my devotions should compel me to do – pause in His presence to experience his mercy, grace, blessing and favor each day. All that and a smile from above too.
What verse 1 communicates to us leads us to the next 6 verses that expands the heart of God from just me to the whole world. His blessing and favor aren’t just for me to experience, as if the gospel was about us. It is so the world will know, and they will discover his love, power and saving grace so they will rejoice in him. So, the world will know.
Life Application
Thank you, Lord, for your mercy, blessing and favor for me today. I know I don’t deserve it and did not earn it, but you choose to look down on me today and smile. What an amazing and mind-blowing concept that you can look at me and smile!! Wow, I bring you joy, and you give me a sense of divine approval because of your mercy, grace and great love. I have confidence in the God who smiles on me that no matter what comes my way the favor of the Lord goes before me.
-Michael Nortune
Pastor Michael is the Lead Pastor at Life Church.
Joshua 18 - 12.17.21
Scripture - What stood out?
JOSHUA 18:3 NIV
So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?
Observation - What does it say?
The Israelites were in the promised land. The territory that God had set apart for his people. Joshua continues to allot the land to the remaining tribes of Israel when he asks the above question of them. The implication being the remaining tribes were not moving quickly enough.
Understanding - What does it mean?
I have a list.
A list of questions I don’t like to hear.
And on that list is this question “What are you waiting for?”
And my reasons for not liking this question is because invariably when I am asked this question it is rhetorical!
The Israelites had made it. God had seen them through! Yet there is an implied delay/sluggishness/reluctance/lack of zeal in divvying up the rest of the land. What were they waiting for? Various commentaries allude to discontent, weariness, and fear of more battle as some of the reasons the Israelites appear to hold back.
But God had seen them through to THE promised land. They had already seen miracles along the way. It was to be theirs. So what were they waiting for?
I can almost hear God speaking and not asking the same question over me.
‘What are you waiting for Ken? How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord….’
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
Lord am I really in the promised land…already? I don’t feel prepared enough. I don’t feel ready. I don’t feel…good about any of this. Forgive me for dragging my feet. I repent Lord. Please Holy Spirit repair the areas of my heart and spirit that need tending to. And may I be obedient to what is being asked of me by my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. In your name Jesus, my Teacher, my Instructor, my Pastor, do I pray amen.
-kenneth lee