Parental Guidance

Ezra 10:1-12

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Eph 6:1-3). This passage of Scripture was engrained in my mind at an early age. By the age of ten, I could recite these verses from memory with ease. In my younger days, I often wondered why my parents focused so much time training my siblings and I on committing this passage, and others relating to obedience, to memory. My father and mother understood the importance of obedience to God, and the dangers of disobedience, and were wise enough to help their children develop an understanding of godly principles, through their biblical rearing.

When we obeyed our parents, I can safely assume it brought peace and a sense of joy and comfort to their hearts, as they witnessed their efforts have a positive effect in our lives. Unfortunately, raising seven children in the 80’s was far from a cakewalk. I can also imagine my mom and dad wanting to pull their hair out, during times when we were too much to deal with. Being our parents, and leaders of the home, we were expected to follow and respect their orders and commands, but there were many times when we did the opposite of what we were told, in order to satisfy our selfish wills. We were raised to live different from the world, and not mingle with behaviors and activities that were contrary to God’s Word. This same message was given to the children of Israel in our text, by Ezra the priest. God had already warned His people to keep themselves pure and undefiled from the ways and customs of the pagan people who dwelled in the land they would soon enter, but while some took heed to God’s word, others had different agendas.

Throughout the time of the judges, Israelite men had married heathen women, and then adopted their religious practices. God knew the dangers of mixing the holy with the profane, and told Ezra to warn the people to remain holy. As always, the people rebelled, and willingly mingled with the heathen nation. In the same way my parents probably showed frustration at the disobedience of myself and my siblings, Ezra the priest heard what the people had done, then tore his clothes and plucked out his hair and beard. If that wasn’t enough to show his frustration and disappointment, Ezra sat astonished all day, until the evening sacrifice. At the evening sacrifice, the priest fell on his knees, spread out his hands unto the Lord, and prayed.

Ezra’s sincere prayer gives a great perspective on sin, because he recognized how serious it is, how it affects others, and how God would spare an undeserving nation, if they would only repent. Eventually, the congregation of those who turned away from the Lord, confessed their sins, and were forgiven.

Hearts Of Stone

Zechariah 7:8-14

Living as a born-again believer can oftentimes seem toilsome and laborious, but many who carry heavy burdens while on their spiritual journey, have more than likely added extra weight, due to their disobedience to God’s Word. I can attest to this fact, because I’ve ignored the Spirit many times in the past, thus finding myself in unfavorable situations that linger, even today. When we obey God and His simple commandments, we can avoid adding unnecessary distractions in our lives that cause stress, shame, depression, and regret.

The Lord orders our steps for reasons that cater to fulfilling His divine plan for our own lives, and those He connects us with. Conversely, when we disobey the Father, we can bring potential harm to innocent souls that could have been won, had we only obeyed. The prophet Zechariah was one of three prophets after Judah’s exile; the others were Haggai and Malachi. In our text, the Lord brought word to Zechariah, commanding His people to obey a few simple commands, so that He could bring restoration to the people and their land. The seven commands were, execute true judgment, show mercy and compassion, don’t oppress widows, don’t oppress the fatherless, don’t oppress strangers, don’t oppress the poor, and don’t imagine evil against your brother. Those commands sound extremely easy to follow, right? Hearing the words from the Lord is one thing, but doing them is where the real test begins. Rather than hear and obey God’s commandments, so they could be restored, the people did the total opposite! The text reads, “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets:”

When a man refuses to obey the law, he is dealt the appropriate punishment. In the same sense, God dealt with Judah according to their disobedience. Judah refused to hear God and obey, so He, in turn, refused to hear them when they cried out to Him. God came upon the people with a great wrath, and scattered them with a whirlwind among all nations whom they knew not. “Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.”

Can you imagine how many blessings you’ve missed throughout your life because of your disobedience? Can you also admit, things in your life could have been a bit more manageable, had you only listened to the Spirit, urging you to do the right thing? Be mindful not to harden your hearts toward the Word of the Lord, as the people of Judah did, because only through the Word of God, can we find wisdom, direction, peace, safety, and provision, while avoiding the Lord’s wrath, and all that comes with the penalty of disobedience.

Live Holy

Leviticus 18:24-30

During the days of Moses, God built a reputation for Himself for consistently dealing harshly with those who defiled themselves with the customs and practices of pagan people. Many today even view God as punisher of evil, and accuse Him of being too hard on men. Why was God so severe in His judgments with those He commanded to refrain from idol worship? First of all, God operates from a standard totally opposite from the world. The God of Heaven and earth promotes peace and prosperity, but executes judgment on sin and wicked lifestyles. It’s sad to see how the present world has conformed to worldly standards, which contradict all that holiness exudes.

In our text, the children of Israel had moved from one idol-infested land to another, but were moments away from entering the land God had promised to them. God knew what the people would face in the land of Canaan, so He admonished Israel to do His judgments, keep His ordinances and statutes, and stay away from the abominations and practices the Canaanites took part in. A few of the wicked things Israel was to avoid included having sexual relations with close relatives, committing adultry, offering children as sacrifices, indulging in homosexual relations, and having sex with animals. I’m not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but I’m almost certain, those practices are still being entertained today.

God wanted His people to remain pure and holy, so that His name could be glorified, as they represented His kingdom in the earth, so it was necessary for Israel to keep the statutes of the Lord close to their hearts, to avoid being tempted to follow after the abominable acts of the pagan nation.

While the church today may not be a direct descendant of the ancient Israelites, nor under the Mosaic covenant, we must continue to live holy, and walk after righteousness, not idolatry. In these last days, many who once professed holiness, have turned away to worship idols. Whether they were drawn away by their lust for money, fame, entitlement, or acceptance, many have made the unfortunate choice to walk in darkness, rather than light. I advise all who claim the name of Christ to keep yourselves covered under His blood, and refrain from defiling yourselves with the customs and abominations of this present world. We are all valuable to God, and have an important role to play in His divine plan, so re-commit yourselves to keeping His judgments, statutes, and ordinances. Keep God first, and don’t allow the world’s culture to hinder you from doing your best for the Lord.

Mind Your Actions

Ephesians 4:17-24

One of history’s most coveted minds was that of Sir Isaac Newton. Newton was known for major contributions in the field of science, but most notably were his laws of motion. His third law states, for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In other words, if object Y exerts a force on object Z, then object Z also exerts an equal and opposite force on object Y. For example, when you leap in the air, your legs apply a force to the ground, and the ground applies and equal and opposite reaction force that propels you into the air. Another example of action and reaction is, the principle of causation, or cause and effect. Cause and effect can be defined as the relationship between two things, when one thing makes something else happen. For example, consuming excessive amounts of food without a balanced exercise regimen, will cause undesirable weight gain. Every choice we make in life, will have either a positive or negative impact on ourselves, and those around us.

Those who claim the name of Christ, should remain aware of the fact that their lives are subject to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and their behaviors and actions should reflect every character trait Jesus portrayed in the earth. The Bible teaches that we are to guard our hearts against evil, and keep our minds pure by “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

In our text, the apostle Paul warns the Ephesian church to avoid walking in the ways of “other Gentiles”, because doing so would cause them to fall back into the lifestyle they had been delivered from. Their former actions caused negative reactions, that were displeasing to God. The restored Gentiles were once vain in their minds, which caused a number of negative effects including being left dark in their understanding, alien to God’s way of life, ignorant of God Himself, blind in their hearts, lustful, unclean, greedy, and most disheartening, they were past feeling. While it’s one thing to be ignorant of God, it’s even worse to be ignorant and have a cold heart toward others also. Fortunately, when the Ephesians received the Gospel teachings from Paul, and accepted the God who is above all, through all, and in all His children, they were then ready to have a positive impact in the world.

Do you consider the effects, before you act on your thoughts, or do you act on impulse, without considering the possible ramifications? Mind your actions, because the actions you make today, can either help or hurt someone tomorrow.

Instant Transition

Acts 26:19-23

The more I study and meditate on the life of the apostle Paul, the more my appreciation for his testimony grows. During the time when Paul persecuted and wrecked havoc on the people of God, he received full support from the chief priests, to freely execute his devilish plans. Paul was adamant and focused on nothing except bringing down God’s people, to the point it became routine to kill believers. But, after his “Damascus Experience”, the same men who supported his wicked plans, would ironically turn against him.

The man who literally breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, had become an instant protector and advocate for them. This night-to-day change was made possible, because after Saul met Jesus, he was willing to repent of his former doings. To repent is, to have a change of mind, followed by a change in attitude. Only then, will an individual’s behavior and actions align with true repentance.

Paul was bold for the Lord, and the more he preached the Gospel of Jesus, the greater the multitude of those who despised his message grew. Despite countless attempts to end his life, God protected His servant, and used him to impact the kingdom of God greatly.

It matters not the sin you committed, nor how bad you think you are; what truly matters is, God grants all men an allotted time to repent, and turn their hearts toward Himself. After giving his life to God, the apostle Paul began to realize the importance of time, and that he had to make wise use of it, and we should consider the same in our own lives. Receiving the gift of salvation doesn’t require a long process, but only takes a moment to change your mind, attitude, behavior, and actions. Just like the apostle Paul, you can instantly change your reservations from spending an eternity in damnation, to enjoying forever in the presence of the Lord.

Bread Of Life

Luke 24:13-16, 22-35

After walking with the two disciples for a while, and expounding unto them in all the scriptures, the things concerning Himself, the mystery stranger decided it was time for him to go further and continue his journey. But, the men held him back, and asked that he stay with them, because it was already late in the day. So, the mystery stranger accepted, and the men went into the nearby village to sit and eat. While gathered together for supper, the mystery stranger took bread, blessed it, brake it, then gave to the men with him. Immediately, the eyes of the men were opened, and they recognized it was Jesus who was with them the entire time! Then, Jesus vanished out of their sight! He literally disappeared from before the disciples. Wow! To add to their already heightened levels of excitement, the men said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” All their doubts, worries, and feelings of sadness instantly vanished also, after witnessing the risen Savior for themselves.

In the same way Jesus presented the bread to the men who sat with Him, His own body was presented in a like manner to the world. God took His Son, blessed Him, allowed Him to be scourged and persecuted, then presented Him to the world with the opportunity to receive new life and spiritual restoration through His redemptive blood. Jesus is the bread of life, and only through Him, can our souls be saved. Like the two men in our text, we too should get excited from the Word of God, and allow it to motivate us to share with others, the truth and saving power it holds. Let the resurrection story of Jesus Christ restore the joy of God’s salvation back into your heart, and move you to grow in godliness daily.

In Plain Sight

Luke 24:17-21

All hope seemed lost, as Cleopas and his companion walked with hung down heads and heavy hearts, through the village of Emmaus, which was about seven to eight miles from Jerusalem. The two men were believers in the teachings of Jesus, and had hoped He was the one who would redeem Israel, but as the news of His death continued to spread throughout the lands, the message of hope and redemption began to look bleak and grim to many who followed after the Son of God.

As the men journeyed further into the village, the risen Jesus appeared to them, but through His unfathomable power, He kept the men from recognizing Him. While this act may seem like some Jean Gray or Scarlett Witch type of thing, Jesus literally had all “real” power in His hand, to do as He pleased in the earth. Think for a moment, if Jesus had the power to open blind eyes, wouldn’t it make sense for Him to also be able to temporarily hide His identity from men in plain sight?

Jesus inquired of the men, the details of the conversation they were having, and why they were sad. Cleopas replied, “Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel.” I’m certain you can imagine a slight grin on the face of Jesus, as He listened to the men, yet saw their faith. These two faithful men were in for a real surprise, as they would soon find out who this mystery stranger was in their midst…

Perplexed And Wondering

Luke 24:1-12

Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and other women witnessed Jesus breathe His last breaths from the blood-stained cross. It’s rather unfortunate how Jesus’ disciples hid away from fear of the Jews, while a handful of loyal women stood by the side of the suffering Savior, until the end of His assignment. These same women also followed closely, as Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus carried the lifeless body of Jesus to a tomb, where they assumed His body would remain forever.

On multiple occasions, Jesus told those who followed Him the details of His Father’s plan, but for some reason, they could not grasp the simplicity of His words. Jesus’ message to His followers literally went in one ear, and out the other, in the same way many today disbelieve He’ll return a second time to gather the Saints. A few days after the two men placed the body of Jesus in a tomb, the same women who witnessed His death and burial, returned, bringing spices prepared for His body. Bringing spices to a tomb could be compared to bringing flowers to a grave in our day, as a sign of love and respect for the deceased. To their surprise, the women arrived at the tomb to see the stone that sealed the entrance rolled away. First of all, they should have been home with their family and friends during this time, waiting and anticipating the risen Savior’s arrival, but they believed He was still laying lifeless in the tomb.

After witnessing an empty tomb and wearing a perplexed look on their faces, the women were greeted by two angels, who reminded them of Jesus’ words. Then, they remembered, and their faith was restored. The women hurriedly sought out the disciples, to tell them the great news. Unfortunately, when they arrived and told the men what they experienced, the disciples didn’t believe their words, just as the women disbelieved before being reminded by the angels. How could the men who were closest to Jesus, not believe what He had told them plainly, and on multiple occasions?

Can you relate to the women and disciples in our lesson, who heard the Word, but failed to believe it? Are there moments in your life, when your feelings supercede the infallible and unadulterated Word of God, that speaks truth alone? How often do you take Scripture for what is says, without doubting; believing that what’s written, will come to pass? God’s Word is truth, and those who live by it will avoid harboring worry and doubt, concerning the things He promised. Build your faith and confidence in God, and stand firm knowing that His Word shall not return unto Him void, but it shall accomplish that which He please, and it shall prosper in the thing where He sends it.

Just For Me

Isaiah 53:3-11

Because Jesus loves me, He endured a moment of humiliation, such as none have ever experienced in the history of mankind. As I study the text of this lesson, I feel that trying to reiterate the message in my own words will do a disservice to what Jesus dealt with, during His final moments on the earth.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him…”

God was pleased to see Jesus suffer horribly?! When I see men suffer, it cuts deep to my heart, so how could the Father be pleased to see His only begotten Son endure unfathomable shame and pain? When God looked at Jesus, He saw you and I. God knew, there was nothing we could do to erase our sin debt and its inevitable consequences, so He initiated the plan He had prepared before man was placed in time, so that redemption could become available to all who would accept it.

Jesus endured persecution, because of you. He experienced pain like nothing anyone has ever felt, because of you. The Son laid down His life, and died because of you. Oftentimes we allow ourselves to submit to our feelings of sadness and depression, but God looks on us and sees a soul, striving to endure as Jesus did, in a world full of heartache, pain, and suffering. We are all special to God, and He was pleased to see His Son suffer, because He knew it would redeem us back unto Himself. He did it all, just for you.

“Words”

Luke 18

Jesus was a great teacher, during His time on the earth. Whenever He wanted to relay a message to someone, He would either speak in parables, or use plain speech. He never used tactics or manipulation to woo men with honeyed words, but spoke clear enough for them to understand His motives and intentions. The purpose of His teachings were to bring to light, the knowledge of His Father’s plan, and expose the darkness that roamed the earth, which had infiltrated the hearts of men. Also, Jesus proved that He cared more for men’s souls, rather than abusing His influence to gain wealth. Oftentimes, those who heard Jesus speak, would either be amazed by His words and desire more from Him, or offended by them and seek to kill Him. Either way, the Son of God came with a purpose, and every word He spoke was in direct relation to His Father’s plan.