Matthew 20- 12.15.22

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 20:28 NLT

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

OBSERVATION:

Jesus has an encounter with a rich young ruler who desires to “do a good deed to enter heaven” (19:16). He is quite enthusiastic to share with Jesus that he follows all the commandments. But—when Jesus proposes that he sell ALL he owns to give to the poor—explaining he would receive riches in heaven—and invites the young ruler to “come be one of HIS disciples”—the cost is just TOO high. The sad young ruler leaves.

This prompts a question from a greatly concerned Peter about their future—and what they will “GET” because after all—they’ve left EVERYTHING to follow Jesus.

The concerns about their future continue when James and John are jockeying for places of honor in heaven asking to sit on either side of Jesus. SO—Jesus STOPS to teach the disciples a clear lesson about SERVING—Serving—the way of Jesus.

UNDERSTANDING:

Serving—the way of Jesus—

Today I am pausing (selah) and continue to be in awe how “personal” Jesus is. Reading HIS word—and the things HE is speaking to me. I may have read certain passages countless times before—but all of a sudden—one certain word OR phrase will ring in my heart—and begin to circulate in my mind. It is like what Katie shared on Sunday—Selah—pause—pay attention—God is speaking WITH me today—Listen—Remember—all the times HE has been WITH me—exalt HIM.

Jesus came TO serve.

I am thinking about this on the heel of Peter’s question, “What will we get?” Jesus, Of Course, didn’t ask everyone to sell their possessions to follow HIM. Jesus Knew in the case of this young ruler—his riches were his “identity”. Much like James and John seeking those honored positions in heaven.

Jesus knows the things that weigh us down. I must be transparent here and share that I periodically need to stop and do a check—asking where is my identity stemming from? I pray my heart is pure for Jesus. For years I strived for those titles—Saks Fifth Avenue Buyer, Bloomingdale’s West Coast Divisional-and once I got them it wasn’t enough—I wanted the next one. But, God was never impressed. In fact—HE specifically told me so one very important day when it all came crashing in with my illness.

“I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, acceptable to God— which is your spiritual service.” (Romans 12:1TLV)

LIFE APPLICATION:

I am a servant of Jesus.

This is the most important title we will EVER have.

It means literally dying to our own ideals and visions of self—however that may look—SO that we may TAKE up the IMAGE of Christ.

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20a NLT)

Jesus explained clearly that “rulers in this world enjoy authority AND flaunt it over others—BUT—with my disciples—it will be…different.”

“Whoever wants to be a leader among you , must be your servant and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.” (Matthew 20:26-27 NLT)

AND with this service we GO with the LOVE of Jesus…Selah…HE is WITH us!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will EVER be able to separate us

from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35, 38-39 NIV)

Dearest Lord Jesus,

Thank you for your revelation of Love that continues to astound me. YOU invade every crevice of our beings to demonstrate YOUR wonder working power at work IN us and THROUGH us. Nothing is TOO much for you. Your Love is reckless and unlimited and able to reach through the thickest walls of depression and oppression and the most remote valleys of of emptiness and sadness—YOUR Love can FILL to overflowing. May we NEVER limit your ability or power to move in unexpected ways or places by our human understanding or expectations. Teach me to Selah—stop—pause—and listen. May our faith and hope arise to the highest peeks for your glory. In Jesus Name. Here I am Lord. Send me.

Tina L Kudelka

Psalm 135-12.14.22

Scripture

Psalms 135:5, 15-18 NIV

“I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods….The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”

Observation-What does it say?

Here is a breakdown of this chapter, according to David Guzik’s commentary on  enduringword.com:

A. The Good God, Creator and Redeemer

1. (verses 1-2) A Call to praise Yahweh.

2. (verses 3-4) Reasons to Praise the Lord.

3. (verses 5-7) Praising God who creates all things.

4. (verses 8-12) Praising God who redeems his people.

B. Exalting God in all His greatness

1. (verses 13-14) The Greatness of God’s fame.

2. (verses 15-18) The Greatness of God in contrast to the empty folly of idols.

3. (verses 19-21) The people of God called to bless and praise Yahweh.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Praise the Lord! We serve a risen Savior who is eternally alive!

If we can sum up this Psalm in one sentence, it is to praise God above all as Creator and Redeemer!

Life Application

There is always a reason to praise the Lord.

We just need to look around us at the majesty of His creation. Look at the trees, the animals, how our bodies work, the sun, moon, stars, oceans, mountains, etc.

Also, we always have a reason to praise God as redeemer of our sins. We are alive today because of Him!

Are there any idols that can compete with the greatness of our God? Nope!

Take some time to selah and pause. Remember that He is Immanuel like Katie preached about on Sunday and praise Jesus today! (Here’s a link to Katie’s amazing sermon last Sunday if you missed it: https://youtu.be/K1UvSV1NPlY)

-Michelle Gaddi

Matthew 18-12.13.22

SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 18:1-5

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. "I assure you," He said, "unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child - this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me."

OBSERVATION:

The disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. This came as no surprise to Jesus because He was aware that they were concerned about who He thought was the most deserving regarding the highest position in the administration He would soon establish. So...in order to answer their question, He avoided pointing to Himself as being the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and instead He called over a child and had him stand among them. He told the disciples, "unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven".

UNDERSTANDING:

The disciples must have been a bit shocked at Jesus' answer because in those days, in the Jewish society, children were regarded as not being important until they were twelve. Until then they were usually seen - but not heard. So, what did Jesus mean? He certainly didn't mean that He wanted the disciples to act childish! He was referring to the humility of being like a child, and how they tend to accept things in simplicity. Children are trusting by nature. They are needy and dependent, and they know almost nothing about life, and yet, Jesus said, "the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these'. (Matthew 19;14). Jesus told His disciples, "whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven".

LIFE APPLICATION:

I pray I will have what Jesus desires: childlike humility. And I pray that I will do my part to help children see their value and importance according to God, and how very much He desires to bless them because of His great love for them.

-Robin Orefice