Luke 23 - 5.3.24

Scripture: ‭‭ Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭38‬-‭43‬ ‭NIV‬‬

”There was a written notice above him, which read: This is the King of the Jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”“

Observation:

Jesus, who changed the world one person at a time, was on the cross dying for our sins between two criminals.  Pilate had hung a sign above his Head that stated, “This is Jesus King of the Jews.” One of them hurled insults at him. Interestingly he did refer to Jesus as the Messiah. Then asked why He wasn’t saving Himself and them too.  The truth is Jesus was leveling his request up.  He was actually saving them in a more complete way.  The other criminal rebuked that man and asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom. This man acknowledged Jesus as well and had faith that Jesus would be returning to His Kingdom. Jesus saw that faith and told him that today he would be with him in paradise.  Jesus was still touching lives on the cross. 

Application:

So many great truths in these verses. This is the scripture that encouraged me when my grandpa passed away. On his deathbed he could receive Jesus. He made prayer hands when he couldn’t  speak. It was about an hour before he passed. I prayed for him and he appeared to see something and was reaching toward the ceiling of his room. God gave me assurance grandpa was entering paradise. 

Reading this today what stood out to me was Jesus saw the eternal need. He knew it was more vital than the instant one. He withstood insults and even worse on the cross so that all who call on Him, as the thief did, can spend eternity with Him in God’s presence in Paradise. The thieves died that day. We know one’s eternity, more amazing than we can imagine, was just beginning. 

I want to never give up hope. I want to consider if my meeting someone’s instant want or need is going to help them reach their most urgent need, salvation. 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank you for all you did for my salvation. You endured so much and I can never repay you. 

Just like the thief hurling insults sometimes what I think is best isn’t. 

Please help me trust you. 

Then, as I am your hands and feet to this world, please help me keep going when times are tough. I choose to seek what is the best action to take as I step out to help others. Saving someone from a problem may help temporarily.  However, I want to remember that tough things and sacrifice bring eternal results far beyond what I can see.  Paradise will be incredible.  Until I get there, I look forward to being amazed at all you will do through those who love you and walk in your will. 

Amen 

- Cindy Howard

05.02.24 - Luke 22

SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:14-18 NIV

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And HE said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

After taking the cup, HE gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

OBSERVATION

Jesus knew that is time of suffering was upon HIM. This would be the last meal HE would share with HIS disciples. It is the Passover Meal—a significant time of remembering.

God had delivered the Jewish people out of Pharaoh’s bondage of slavery in Egypt through signs and wonders. Before they left their life in Egypt there was one final plague. God instructed His people to prepare one last meal of a sacrificial lamb and sprinkle the blood on their lintel and doorposts as a special sign. That night God passed THROUGH Egypt and struck down every First born male son and first born male animal in the land of Egypt.

But every lintel and doorpost marked with lamb’s blood served as a sign to PASS OVER that house so that no harm would come to them. (Exodus 12)

In a traditional Passover meal there are four cups of wine with the 4th Cup concluding the meal. Jesus made a vow to abstain from wine Before the 4th Cup—reserving it—for the time of Fulfillment when ALL Believers will be together in God’s Kingdom at the Banquet.

“People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

(Luke 13:29 NIV)

APPLICATION

HIS STORY

Jesus WAS

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:1-4 NIV)

Jesus IS

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NIV)

Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12 NIV)

Jesus is TO COME

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 22:12-13 NIV)

 ‘Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty,’

who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8b NIV)

PRAYER

LORD Jesus,

YOU are the ONE who WAS and IS and is TO COME. Thank You that Your blood cleanses me and made me new. It is Finished are the three most amazing recorded words I know. Help me Lord to not be distracted with the cares of this world. Help me to be ready and watching eagerly.  Give me Your eyes and Your heart for the lost and point me towards Your field. I pray when You come-- You will find me being about my Father’s business. In Jesus Name. amen.

Tina L Kudelka

Exodus 19 - 5.1.24

Scripture

"You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself." Exodus 19:4

Observation

The Lord has brought the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, with a mighty hand. He has split the red sea, rained manna from heaven for them to eat, and brought water from the rock. Now the Israelites have reached Mount Sinai, and the Lord is about to give Moses the Ten Commandments. The Lord says to Moses, tell the children of Israel that I carried you on eagle’s wings. The imagery here is of an eagle carrying its little eaglets on its strong wings, safely to its destination. Now, think of the journey from the vantage point of an Israelite. Before each of these miracles, there was a point of utter anxiety and pain. They came out of Egypt joyfully, and reached the red sea. While relaxing on the beach, they saw the armies of Egypt behind them. They were caught between the sea and the enemy, and they thought that death was certain. But the Lord delivered them by opening up the sea, and let their enemies perish in the sea. During their journey, they ran out of food that they brought from Egypt. They thought that they would starve in the wilderness! Again, the Lord took care of them by providing manna from heaven everyday. On another occasion, they ran out of water, and they thought they would die from thirst. God provided water from the rock. At Mount Sinai, the Lord looks back at their journey and says, “see I carried you on eagles’ wings”. The Lord was carrying the children of Israel on His wings all the time. He never intended for them to perish in the wilderness. He had already planned for their provision and protection. He was always holding them. There was no need for them to panic and get anxious and fear for their lives. Their God was with them, holding them.

Application

Remember that the Lord has promised to carry us, even till our old age (Isaiah 46:4). He is our refuge, and underneath are His everlasting arms (Deut 33:27). Our life on earth is not meant to be a bed of roses. Jesus said that in this world, we will have trouble (John 16:33). When you face those unexpected forks in the road, and the crises in life, remember that your Father is holding you. You are not alone. Every day of your life is written in His book even before you were born (Psalms 139:16). He who called you is faithful (1 Thess 5:24). Even though we might walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we have no need to fear, because He is with us (Psalms 23:4). Look back at your life, and remember how he has carried you on eagles’ wings and praise him because you are still on His eagles’ wings. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it (Phil 1:6).

Prayer

Father, I thank you because you have carried me on eagles’ wings. When I look back at my life, I see your miraculous hand of deliverance and help. You were always with me. Thank you because you have a plan for my life, and I can trust you. Thank you because you are with me always. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). When I face difficult situations, help me to remember that I am your child, and that you are holding me. Thank you because I can trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George