Saturday, October 04, 2025
First Last
Matthew 19 and 20 The Last First, The First Last
ἐγόγγυζον Gonzo the Great!
Did you notice the order is reversed? : Matt 19:30 "But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
Matt 20:1,16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard…. So the last will be first, and the first last."
Matt 20:1,16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard…. So the last will be first, and the first last."
The parable is not about salvation but service. The denarius does not stand for salvation or eternal life, because salvation is not by good works (Eph. 2:8–9; Titus 3:5–6).
Christ is not talking about rewards for service. God will reward His own differently according to their service (1 Cor. 3:8; John 4:36). If the denarius stands for rewards, then God is not fair, for every worker got the same reward!
No this parable is about the motives of people's hearts. In fact it is about the response Peter asked after the Lord met the rich young ruler.
The rich young man who came to Jesus refused to give Him His all and follow the Lord Jesus. And he went away very disappointed. The rich young man had not forsaken everything to follow Jesus.
Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?"
"when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
"when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
But the Lord detected in Peter's question a problem: There was some heart disease there. He was serving Christ for what he Peter would get out of it!
So the Lord Jesus gave a warning: Matt 19:30 "But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
Then He tells a parable, and ends with the same statement, but in reverse so you notice it!
Then He tells a parable, and ends with the same statement, but in reverse so you notice it!
This parable is dealing with Peter's heart problem.
Matt 20:1,16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard…. So the last will be first, and the first last."
It is dealing with yours and my heart problems.
It is dealing with yours and my heart problems.
10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house,"
Are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful?
Grumbling often indicates heart problems.
It did with the Psalmist in Psalm 73. He had a problem.
This parable has nothing to do with salvation. The denarius (a day's wages in that time) does not represent salvation, for nobody works for his salvation. Nor is the parable talking about rewards, for we are not all going to receive the same reward. "And every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour" (1 Cor. 3:8).
The parable is emphasizing a right attitude in service.
DO YOU HAVE A RIGHT ATTITUDE ABOUT SERVING THE LORD?
Don't Bargain With God!
It is important to note that there were actually two kinds of workers hired that day: those who wanted a contract and agreed to work for a denarius a day, and those who had no contract and agreed to take whatever the owner thought was right. The first laborers that he hired insisted on a contract. But the other workers all trusted that the owner to give them what was right.
This explains why the householder paid the workers as he did: He wanted those who were hired first (who insisted on a contract) to see how much he paid the workers who were hired later. It was one way the owner could show those workers how really generous he was.
Put yourself in the place of those workers who were hired first but paid last. They each expected to get a denarius, because that was what they agreed to accept. But imagine their surprise when they saw the laborers who were hired last each receiving a denarius! This meant their own wages should have been twelve denarii each!
But the three o'clock workers also received a denarius—for only three hours of work. The men last in line quickly recalculated their wages: four denarii for the day's work. When the men hired at noon also were paid a denarius, this cut the salary of the contract workers considerably, for now they would earn only two denarii.
But the owner gave them one denarius each. Of course, they complained! But they had no argument, because they had agreed to work for a denarius. They received what they asked for. Had they trusted the goodness of the owner, they would have received far more. But they insisted on a contract.
The lesson for you and I as Christ's disciples is that we should not serve Him because we want to receive an expected reward, and we should not insist on knowing what we will get. God is infinitely generous and gracious and will always give us better than we deserve. What the Lord wants is that we should trust in Him. We should trust His generosity. We should trust His Grace.
Do you remember the old prayer we used to say before eating. Have you said grace?
"God is gracious, God is good and we thank Him for our food Amen!"
We must trust Him for who He is. God is gracious! God is good! Trust Him for who He is, trust Him unreservedly and believe that He will always give what is best. That is the link back to Psalm 73 which we read earlier this morning. The Psalmist tripped up when he was looking for comfort and rewards now! Respect now! What he should have looked at was God. He should have recognized that all He needed was really God Himself.
I am continually with thee, Thou hast hold of me by thy right hand!
The nearness of God is my good! This is better than current rewards of blessings.
He wants us to trust Him and not ourselves!
He calls us to trust Him. He calls us personally to trust Him without a contract!
There is the danger of pride. "What shall we have?" asked Peter. This parable warned him, "How do you know you will have anything?" Beware of overconfidence when it comes to the rewards God will give, for those first in their own eyes (and in the eyes of others) may end up last! Likewise, do not get discouraged, for those who consider themselves "unprofitable servants" may end up first.
BEWARE OF WATCHING OTHER WORKERS
Beware of the danger of watching other workers and measuring yourself by them. "Judge nothing before the time," Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 4:5. We see the worker and the work, but God sees the heart.
John 21:21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!"
When we get our eyes off the Lord and start watching other believers there will be symptoms. We will get an "evil eye" vs 15. Or is your eye envious because I am generous? NASB Or is your eye evil because I am good? NKJV
We will look at them and not see anything good about them!
When we start comparing, we start coveting and we start complaining. We will never be satisfied with what God gives but we will always want what someone else has.
I want his popularity! I want his powers! I want his prestige!
All of this leads to a bitter attitude towards God..We get the feeling that God has given us a raw deal!
It is a sin for Christians to watch one another and judge one another for the sake of feeling better abut ourselves.
BEWARE OF THINKING GOD IS UNJUST
Finally, we must beware of criticizing God and feeling that we have been left out. Had the early morning workers trusted the owner and not asked for an agreement, the owner would have given them much more. He was generous, but they would not trust him. They did not rejoice that others received more; instead, they were jealous and complained. The goodness of the owner did not lead them to repentance (Rom. 2:4). It revealed the true character of their hearts: They were selfish! Whenever we find a complaining servant, we know he has not fully yielded to the master's will.
We must watch our motives for Christian service. The right work done with the wrong motive dishonours God and robs us of the blessing. It is a solemn thing to realize that Christians whom we may admire today will be ―last at the final reckoning at the Judgment Seat of Christ because their motives were wrong. We cannot judge motives (7:1–3), but we can judge our own hearts. Let's do all for the glory of God because we love Him.
Remember God is Good
Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?'
Matt 19:28 You who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
There is No Competition Competing for $'s Competing for Position Competing for Power
Competing to Prove one's self
Why Do You Serve God? For a denarii? The Search For Significance? Gee
The Performance Trap The Fear of Failure. God's answer is justification.
The Approval Trap From a wrong view of others, the fear of rejection. God's Answer – Reconciliation
Why Do You Serve God?
Romans 12: 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Remember God is Good
Remember God is Great
I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?
Remember God is Gracious
"Or do you begrudge my generosity?" I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, Rom 12:1
If Christians tend to grumble, commiserate, and feel sorry for themselves, is it because they've forgotten grace? Murmuring stems from a belief that one deserves something more. As a result, they're never happy and become a complaining people. In this parable of the workers in the vineyard from Matthew 20:1–16, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that the murmuring person has forgotten that everything is grace. To illustrate this point, Jesus gives us the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. This sermon highlights the grumbling of those who have been in the faith for a long time. They are complainers; they feel they deserve more than the others. They started out well, but got into trouble later on. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones applies this parable to the human condition today. Christians have the gospel of Jesus Christ, but if they do not continue in it, they get into the same trouble. They become entitled and believe they deserve more. What they forget is this: it's all grace. It's always been grace. In the Christian life, all is grace, from the beginning to the end. Christians are called to do all things without murmuring. What a tragedy when Christian people become miserable. What a tragedy when they murmur. The same grace that saved them keeps them. Listen and rejoice––it is all of grace.
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard illustrates the principle that everything in the Christian life is by grace from beginning to end.
How not to be great in God's sight (20-25)i
Sometimes we can profit as much by learning what not to do as what to do, and the disciples here reveal plenty not to do. If a person wants to be great in God's sight (which, by the way, is a very noble goal to achieve), he must not employ self-serving ambition.
Self-serving ambition (20-22a).
Self-confidence (22b-23), You don't know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" And their immediate answer is: "We can,"
Phony indignation (24). "When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers."
Raw power (25) "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them."
I would say this has a slightly different nuance from the rulers who lord it over their subjects, so I refer to it as "charismatic influence."
Charismatic influence (25) "and their high officials exercise authority over them." the powers of popularity and personality to wield personal influence. Christian leadership has to a large extent become a cult of personality.
How to truly be great in God's sight (26-28)
Serve others. (26-27) Jesus turns things completely upside down in respect to greatness. He says, "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave."
The first last, the last first.
"What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe."
The last will be first and the first, last.
The way up is down.
The one who wants to become a leader must become a servant.
# posted by Groseys messages @ 12:15 PM
Romans 3 the greatest paragraph by HB Charles
Thursday, October 02, 2025
Matthew 19 and 20 The Last First, The First Last
ἐγόγγυζον Gonzo the Great!
Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?"
"when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
"when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Matt 19:30 "But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
Matt 20:1,16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard…. So the last will be first, and the first last."
10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house,"
Matt 20:1,16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard…. So the last will be first, and the first last."
10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house,"
Remember God is Good
Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?'
Matt 19:28 You who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
There is No Competition Did you notice
Competing for $'s
Competing for Position
Competing for Power
Competing to Prove one's self
Why Do You Serve God? For a denarii?
The Search For Significance? Gee
The Performance Trap
The Approval Trap
The Fear of Punishment Trap
The Shame and Hopeless Game
The Performance Trap The Fear of Failure. God's answer is justification.
The Approval Trap From a wrong view of others, the fear of rejection. God's Answer – Reconciliation
The Fear of Punishment Trap The fear of punishment; punishing others; blaming others for personal failures God's Answer – Propitiation
The Shame and Hopeless Game Fear of being useless. My past experiences have ruined my future. God's Answer - Regeneration
Why Do You Serve God?
Romans 12: 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Remember God is Good
Remember God is Great
I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?
Remember God is Gracious
"Or do you begrudge my generosity?"
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, Rom 12:1
If Christians tend to grumble, commiserate, and feel sorry for themselves, is it because they've forgotten grace? Murmuring stems from a belief that one deserves something more. As a result, they're never happy and become a complaining people. In this parable of the workers in the vineyard from Matthew 20:1–16, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that the murmuring person has forgotten that everything is grace. To illustrate this point, Jesus gives us the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. This sermon highlights the grumbling of those who have been in the faith for a long time. They are complainers; they feel they deserve more than the others. They started out well, but got into trouble later on. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones applies this parable to the human condition today. Christians have the gospel of Jesus Christ, but if they do not continue in it, they get into the same trouble. They become entitled and believe they deserve more. What they forget is this: it's all grace. It's always been grace. In the Christian life, all is grace, from the beginning to the end. Christians are called to do all things without murmuring. What a tragedy when Christian people become miserable. What a tragedy when they murmur. The same grace that saved them keeps them. Listen and rejoice––it is all of grace.
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard illustrates the principle that everything in the Christian life is by grace from beginning to end.
# posted by Groseys messages @ 5:05 PM
Evolution
Scientists Who Reject the Theory of Evolution :
Many scientists have opposed evolution, responding that it is a false theory without evidence. Among them are:
1-David Berlinski, a mathematician, molecular biologist, and philosopher, is one of the most famous critics of evolution. He sees it as something promoted among people under the name of science and fact, while in reality, his doubts about it only grew as science advanced. He publicly declared this skepticism in Commentary magazine in 1996 in an article titled The Deniable Darwin. In recent years, he published his famous book The Devil's Delusion (2008), and his interviews are filled with remarks about how real scientists mock evolution. They also contain biting scientific sarcasm directed at the imaginary assumptions of evolution and its fatal weaknesses.
Likewise, Michael Denton, a biochemist, once believed in evolution, but as he discovered dozens of fatal flaws with the progress of molecular biology, he authored his famous book Evolution: A Theory in Crisis (1985). This was one of the first books in the modern era to turn the theory of evolution upside down. He also contributed to many scientific documentaries about the exquisite precision and signs of intelligent design in life, Earth, and the universe, all the way to humankind. His work Nature's Destiny (1998) was later translated as well.
2-Michael Behe, a biochemist and professor at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, also began doubting evolution as his scientific specialization deepened and new discoveries emerged—especially after reading Denton's Evolution: A Theory in Crisis. He found that all the points Denton raised indeed refuted random, chance-based evolution. Behe then authored his famous book Darwin's Black Box (1996). He became one of the most prominent founders of the academic framework of Intelligent Design, particularly through his concept of irreducible complexity, which he argued demonstrates the impossibility of gradual, random evolution over time and instead points toward teleology in the sudden appearance of complex organs by some designer.
3-William Dembski, an American mathematician and philosopher, is also a strong opponent of Darwin's theory of natural selection. Dembski argues that the details of living organisms can be described in similar terms, particularly molecular sequence patterns in functional biological molecules such as DNA. His discussion of specified complexity has been highly controversial in the scientific community. Supporters of Intelligent Design consider it a legitimate research program investigating the effects of an intelligent cause—studying its effects but not the cause itself. Accordingly, since the identity of causes outside a closed system cannot be tested from within it, questions regarding the identity of the designer fall outside the concept's boundaries. He co-authored The Design of Life with Jonathan Wells, a book considered one of the strongest scientific critiques of evolutionary theory.
4-Jonathan Wells, an American molecular biologist, studied molecular biology and, with the advent of discoveries pointing to teleology and creation, abandoned atheism for Christianity and became an enemy of evolutionary theory. He authored the famous book Icons of Evolution (2002), as well as The Design of Life with Dembski.
5-Jerry Fodor and Massimo Piattelli-Palmarini—the former a professor of philosophy and cognitive science at Rutgers University, the latter a professor of philosophy and cognitive science at the University of Arizona—also raised doubts. Fodor first began questioning natural selection in his book Why Pigs Don't Have Wings (2007), then co-authored the shocking book What Darwin Got Wrong (2010). In its introduction, they stressed that their critique was scientific, not religious: "This is not a book about God, or about Intelligent Design, or about creationism. Neither of us is involved in any of that. We simply believe it is wise to state this upfront, because our basic view is that there is something wrong—perhaps fatally wrong—with the theory of natural selection."
Phillip Johnson, a legal scholar, was once an evolutionist. But after reading Denton's Evolution: A Theory in Crisis and continuing to study the latest scientific findings, he became fully convinced of evolution's errors, which he saw as mere fabrications and imaginative speculations unsupported by reason or experimental science. He went on to become one of the most famous critics of evolution in the U.S., authoring several books such as Darwin on Trial, Defeating Darwinism, and The Wedge of Truth.
6-Duane T. Gish, a biochemist, also participated in many university lectures and international conferences to scientifically and respectfully rebut the theory of evolution. He published numerous studies showing its flaws, and collected many of his lectures in his book Have You Been Brainwashed?, as well as Evolution: The Fossils Still Say No!
Some claim that evolution is collapsing as science advances, and that its errors have become far more evident in recent years than before. Thousands of specialists now reject it. This has led to research and scientific books exposing its invalidity, showing that Darwin was wrong about the "tree of life." Many scientists now assert that the evolutionary tree is false and misleading. Public objections took their first major step with the Discovery Institute's 2001 list of 100 scientists and specialists in America who rejected Darwinism, where they stated their names and academic credentials. The initiative expanded into a website allowing scientists in the U.S. and abroad to register their objections. When the news spread, Canadian media reported nearly 1,000 scientists opposing Darwinism. Over time, the number of opponents in the U.S. alone reached around 3,000, with more remaining silent out of fear for their positions and reputations. Opposition is not limited to biologists, since evolution also touches on statistics, probability, physics, chemistry, and more—hence physicists, surgeons, and others have also rejected Darwinism.
Many scientists have opposed evolution, responding that it is a false theory without evidence. Among them are:
1-David Berlinski, a mathematician, molecular biologist, and philosopher, is one of the most famous critics of evolution. He sees it as something promoted among people under the name of science and fact, while in reality, his doubts about it only grew as science advanced. He publicly declared this skepticism in Commentary magazine in 1996 in an article titled The Deniable Darwin. In recent years, he published his famous book The Devil's Delusion (2008), and his interviews are filled with remarks about how real scientists mock evolution. They also contain biting scientific sarcasm directed at the imaginary assumptions of evolution and its fatal weaknesses.
Likewise, Michael Denton, a biochemist, once believed in evolution, but as he discovered dozens of fatal flaws with the progress of molecular biology, he authored his famous book Evolution: A Theory in Crisis (1985). This was one of the first books in the modern era to turn the theory of evolution upside down. He also contributed to many scientific documentaries about the exquisite precision and signs of intelligent design in life, Earth, and the universe, all the way to humankind. His work Nature's Destiny (1998) was later translated as well.
2-Michael Behe, a biochemist and professor at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, also began doubting evolution as his scientific specialization deepened and new discoveries emerged—especially after reading Denton's Evolution: A Theory in Crisis. He found that all the points Denton raised indeed refuted random, chance-based evolution. Behe then authored his famous book Darwin's Black Box (1996). He became one of the most prominent founders of the academic framework of Intelligent Design, particularly through his concept of irreducible complexity, which he argued demonstrates the impossibility of gradual, random evolution over time and instead points toward teleology in the sudden appearance of complex organs by some designer.
3-William Dembski, an American mathematician and philosopher, is also a strong opponent of Darwin's theory of natural selection. Dembski argues that the details of living organisms can be described in similar terms, particularly molecular sequence patterns in functional biological molecules such as DNA. His discussion of specified complexity has been highly controversial in the scientific community. Supporters of Intelligent Design consider it a legitimate research program investigating the effects of an intelligent cause—studying its effects but not the cause itself. Accordingly, since the identity of causes outside a closed system cannot be tested from within it, questions regarding the identity of the designer fall outside the concept's boundaries. He co-authored The Design of Life with Jonathan Wells, a book considered one of the strongest scientific critiques of evolutionary theory.
4-Jonathan Wells, an American molecular biologist, studied molecular biology and, with the advent of discoveries pointing to teleology and creation, abandoned atheism for Christianity and became an enemy of evolutionary theory. He authored the famous book Icons of Evolution (2002), as well as The Design of Life with Dembski.
5-Jerry Fodor and Massimo Piattelli-Palmarini—the former a professor of philosophy and cognitive science at Rutgers University, the latter a professor of philosophy and cognitive science at the University of Arizona—also raised doubts. Fodor first began questioning natural selection in his book Why Pigs Don't Have Wings (2007), then co-authored the shocking book What Darwin Got Wrong (2010). In its introduction, they stressed that their critique was scientific, not religious: "This is not a book about God, or about Intelligent Design, or about creationism. Neither of us is involved in any of that. We simply believe it is wise to state this upfront, because our basic view is that there is something wrong—perhaps fatally wrong—with the theory of natural selection."
Phillip Johnson, a legal scholar, was once an evolutionist. But after reading Denton's Evolution: A Theory in Crisis and continuing to study the latest scientific findings, he became fully convinced of evolution's errors, which he saw as mere fabrications and imaginative speculations unsupported by reason or experimental science. He went on to become one of the most famous critics of evolution in the U.S., authoring several books such as Darwin on Trial, Defeating Darwinism, and The Wedge of Truth.
6-Duane T. Gish, a biochemist, also participated in many university lectures and international conferences to scientifically and respectfully rebut the theory of evolution. He published numerous studies showing its flaws, and collected many of his lectures in his book Have You Been Brainwashed?, as well as Evolution: The Fossils Still Say No!
Some claim that evolution is collapsing as science advances, and that its errors have become far more evident in recent years than before. Thousands of specialists now reject it. This has led to research and scientific books exposing its invalidity, showing that Darwin was wrong about the "tree of life." Many scientists now assert that the evolutionary tree is false and misleading. Public objections took their first major step with the Discovery Institute's 2001 list of 100 scientists and specialists in America who rejected Darwinism, where they stated their names and academic credentials. The initiative expanded into a website allowing scientists in the U.S. and abroad to register their objections. When the news spread, Canadian media reported nearly 1,000 scientists opposing Darwinism. Over time, the number of opponents in the U.S. alone reached around 3,000, with more remaining silent out of fear for their positions and reputations. Opposition is not limited to biologists, since evolution also touches on statistics, probability, physics, chemistry, and more—hence physicists, surgeons, and others have also rejected Darwinism.
# posted by Groseys messages @ 7:46 AM
Wednesday, October 01, 2025
Weak leadership
12 Characteristics of Spiritually Weak Christian Leaders
By Chuck Lawless on Oct 01, 2025 01:00 amI'm hesitant to write this post because I know I probably exhibit some of these characteristics. Nevertheless, here are some of the primary issues I see in this group of leaders:
- They lead in their own power rather than God's power. They may use the language of "God's power," but honesty would require them to say that they're living in their own strength.
- They manage rather than lead. They're not casting vision. They cannot talk with specificity about what they believe the church should be 3-5 years from now. Most of their work relates only to managing what's already happening–and that doesn't require God's help.
- They pray reactively, not proactively. In fact, most of them are not prayer warriors. Their tendency is to plan first and then ask God to bless their plans. Seldom do they genuinely seek God first and then follow His lead.
- They lead an organization, but not their family. They might even appear to be great leaders of their church, but they're losing their family in the process. Externally, they get good publicity. In their home, everything is in shambles.
- They firefight rather than ignite fires. Much of their ministry is responding to fires, often because they believe that putting out little fires saves the church from facing bigger fires. They're always watching for the fires of conflict, and they give no attention to igniting God-focused fires of worship and evangelism among their church members.
- They lead out of charisma rather than crucifixion. On the stage, they excel. Any thought of "dying to self," though, is more a matter of saying the right words than living the life. Leaders who love being on the platform seldom think about being on the altar.
- They speak the gospel on Sunday, but "foolish talking and crude joking" (Eph 5:4) the rest of the week. For some reason, they give themselves permission to talk privately in ways they would never talk from the pulpit. That's not imitating God (Eph 5:1).
- They tell others to evangelize but expect the lost to come to them. Others must reach out to their friends and neighbors; these leaders, though, evangelize only from the pulpit and within their office. Any initiative belongs only to the non-believer seeking help.
- They're aware of everyone else's sin, but not so aware of their own. Apparently, their discernment stops with their own lives, and they genuinely miss what others see so obviously in them. Hence, they can be both arrogant and unaware—a dangerous combination.
- The Bible is their source for sermons, not their source for life. Beyond sermon preparation, their spiritual habits suggest that the Word means little to them.
- They have few Christian friends, and none of those friends holds them accountable for godly living. They may have folks they call "friends," but they're just acquaintances. These leaders lead out of isolation and aloneness that lack accountability–and that's a problem.
- They push back if anyone does confront them. Their immediate response to critique is to "bow up." My guess, in fact, is that some of the readers of this post are bowing up a bit right now. If you're among that number, I encourage you to be honest in your own self-evaluation. All of us–beginning with me–have much room to grow as leaders.
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Pastors, do you find yourself in any of these descriptions? If so, spend some time with the Lord.
# posted by Groseys messages @ 8:30 PM
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Are you born again ?
It is impossible to over-emphasize the importance of having the New Birth, of being what Jesus and the New Testament call, being "born again". For as Jesus Himself said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3). In other words, don't leave home (earth) without it!
But, you ask, is it even possible for me to really KNOW that I have been born again? Some groups say, No, it's not. In fact, they say that it's a sin to even think that you know you're born again or that you have eternal life.
Yet that is the exact opposite of what the Bible itself says. The apostle John wrote his first letter with the intent and purpose that you, in fact, would know that you have eternal life. Listen to what he says: "And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life (1John 5:11-13). He says, "We KNOW that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren" (1 John 3:14). God wants us to have this "know it" assurance: "And by this we KNOW that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him" (1 John 3:19).
"OK, then, how do I know?"
The first letter of John gives us several proofs, or evidences that we have been born again and belong to Jesus.
1. The Proof of Fellowship with God. " But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 Jn. 1:7). We maintain this fellowship with Him by confessing our sins to Him directly (1 Jn. 1:9). Am I having fellowship with my Heavenly Father?
2. The Proof of Obedience. "But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him" (1 Jn. 2:5). He doesn't mean sinless perfection (see 1 Jn. 1:8,10), as that is impossible in this life. But there is a lifestyle of increasing obedience to Jesus (see Jn. 14:15,21,23-24). Is there a growing obedience in my life to God through Christ?
3. The Proof of Abiding. If you abide or remain in the same Christ you received at the start of your Christian life, this is proof that you're His. "Therefore let that abide [or, remain] in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides [or, remains]in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life" (1 Jn. 2:24-25). Am I abiding in Jesus, like I did at the start?
4. The Proof of a Changed Life. If you're the Real Deal, there will be a changed life, a practice of righteousness. "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother (1 Jn. 3:9-10, ESV). How has God made my life more like His?
5. The Proof of Brotherly Love. True Christians love other Christians. "We KNOW that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers" (1 Jn. 3:14, ESV). This isn't simply having good feelings toward them, but the practice of meeting real needs in a commitment to your brother or sister's highest good. Do I love my brothers and sisters in Christ?
6. The Proof of the Indwelling Holy Spirit. "Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we KNOW that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us… By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit." (1 Jn. 3:24, 4:13). In the genuine Christian, there is the impact of a Personality greater than our own. The Spirit of God makes His presence known by the fruit of the Spirit, the character qualities of Christ (see Gal. 5:22-23), and the personal awareness and assurance that HE is there, crying, "Abba, Father" deep in our hearts (see Rom. 8:15-16). Am I aware of the Holy Spirit's moving and presence in my life?
7. The Proof of Continuing Faith. "Everyone who believes [or, continues to believe] that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him… I write these things to you who believe [or, continue to believe] in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life" (1 Jn. 5:1, ESV). If, after years of trial, suffering, even persecution because of your allegiance to Jesus, you STILL trust in Him, there is one and only one reason for it: you have been born of God! As Peter says, you're the "Genuine Article" (see 1 Peter 1:6-7). So do I still believe in Jesus, regardless of problems or opposition?
8. The Proof of Answers to Prayer. "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we KNOW that he hears us in whatever we ask, we KNOW that we have the requests that we have asked of him" (1 Jn. 5:14-15). God doesn't answer prayers by accident. He purposefully hears and answers His very own children. This, John says, is how we KNOW we are His! Has God answered my requests to Him?
Again, bottom line, and it's very simple: "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life" (1 Jn. 5:11-13). He wants you to KNOW!
"Can I Really Know That I'm Born-Again?" © 2025 by Edward Michael Gross, Lion Press. All Rights Reserved.
But, you ask, is it even possible for me to really KNOW that I have been born again? Some groups say, No, it's not. In fact, they say that it's a sin to even think that you know you're born again or that you have eternal life.
Yet that is the exact opposite of what the Bible itself says. The apostle John wrote his first letter with the intent and purpose that you, in fact, would know that you have eternal life. Listen to what he says: "And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life (1John 5:11-13). He says, "We KNOW that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren" (1 John 3:14). God wants us to have this "know it" assurance: "And by this we KNOW that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him" (1 John 3:19).
"OK, then, how do I know?"
The first letter of John gives us several proofs, or evidences that we have been born again and belong to Jesus.
1. The Proof of Fellowship with God. " But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 Jn. 1:7). We maintain this fellowship with Him by confessing our sins to Him directly (1 Jn. 1:9). Am I having fellowship with my Heavenly Father?
2. The Proof of Obedience. "But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him" (1 Jn. 2:5). He doesn't mean sinless perfection (see 1 Jn. 1:8,10), as that is impossible in this life. But there is a lifestyle of increasing obedience to Jesus (see Jn. 14:15,21,23-24). Is there a growing obedience in my life to God through Christ?
3. The Proof of Abiding. If you abide or remain in the same Christ you received at the start of your Christian life, this is proof that you're His. "Therefore let that abide [or, remain] in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides [or, remains]in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life" (1 Jn. 2:24-25). Am I abiding in Jesus, like I did at the start?
4. The Proof of a Changed Life. If you're the Real Deal, there will be a changed life, a practice of righteousness. "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother (1 Jn. 3:9-10, ESV). How has God made my life more like His?
5. The Proof of Brotherly Love. True Christians love other Christians. "We KNOW that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers" (1 Jn. 3:14, ESV). This isn't simply having good feelings toward them, but the practice of meeting real needs in a commitment to your brother or sister's highest good. Do I love my brothers and sisters in Christ?
6. The Proof of the Indwelling Holy Spirit. "Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we KNOW that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us… By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit." (1 Jn. 3:24, 4:13). In the genuine Christian, there is the impact of a Personality greater than our own. The Spirit of God makes His presence known by the fruit of the Spirit, the character qualities of Christ (see Gal. 5:22-23), and the personal awareness and assurance that HE is there, crying, "Abba, Father" deep in our hearts (see Rom. 8:15-16). Am I aware of the Holy Spirit's moving and presence in my life?
7. The Proof of Continuing Faith. "Everyone who believes [or, continues to believe] that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him… I write these things to you who believe [or, continue to believe] in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life" (1 Jn. 5:1, ESV). If, after years of trial, suffering, even persecution because of your allegiance to Jesus, you STILL trust in Him, there is one and only one reason for it: you have been born of God! As Peter says, you're the "Genuine Article" (see 1 Peter 1:6-7). So do I still believe in Jesus, regardless of problems or opposition?
8. The Proof of Answers to Prayer. "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we KNOW that he hears us in whatever we ask, we KNOW that we have the requests that we have asked of him" (1 Jn. 5:14-15). God doesn't answer prayers by accident. He purposefully hears and answers His very own children. This, John says, is how we KNOW we are His! Has God answered my requests to Him?
Again, bottom line, and it's very simple: "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life" (1 Jn. 5:11-13). He wants you to KNOW!
"Can I Really Know That I'm Born-Again?" © 2025 by Edward Michael Gross, Lion Press. All Rights Reserved.
# posted by Groseys messages @ 7:43 AM
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Isaiah 53
Sermon: The Suffering of Christ
Text: Isaiah 53:3–5
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief… 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."
1. Christ's Suffering Was Foretold (Prophecy Fulfilled)
• Long before His birth, the prophets declared that the Messiah would suffer (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22).
• His suffering was not an accident, but part of God's eternal plan for salvation.
• Lesson: Nothing in our lives is outside of God's knowledge. Even suffering has a divine purpose.
2. Christ's Suffering Was Physical
• He was scourged, mocked, crowned with thorns, nailed to the cross (Matthew 27:26–35).
• He endured intense pain that He didn't deserve.
• Lesson: The depth of His wounds shows the depth of His love.
3. Christ's Suffering Was Emotional
• Rejected by His own people (John 1:11).
• Betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, forsaken by His disciples.
• He even cried out, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).
• Lesson: When we feel abandoned, we can take comfort knowing Christ understands rejection and loneliness.
4. Christ's Suffering Was Spiritual
• On the cross, He bore the weight of the world's sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• The sinless Son of God became the sin-bearer.
• Lesson: Sin has a heavy cost, but Christ paid it in full.
He died in your place for your sin
5. The Purpose of Christ's Suffering
• To bring us peace with God (Romans 5:1).
• To heal us from sin (1 Peter 2:24).
• To give us eternal life (John 3:16).
• Lesson: His suffering was not in vain—it was for you.
6. Our Response to Christ's Suffering
• Gratitude – Live with thankfulness for His sacrifice.
• Holiness – Turn away from sin, since Christ died to free us from it.
• Endurance – When we suffer, we follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
• Witness – Share His love and sacrifice with others.
Conclusion
Christ's suffering reveals both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of His love. On the cross, love and justice met. We are forgiven, healed, and given new life because He chose to suffer in our place.
Call to Action:
• Remember His sacrifice daily.
• Live not for yourself, but for Him
Text: Isaiah 53:3–5
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief… 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."
1. Christ's Suffering Was Foretold (Prophecy Fulfilled)
• Long before His birth, the prophets declared that the Messiah would suffer (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22).
• His suffering was not an accident, but part of God's eternal plan for salvation.
• Lesson: Nothing in our lives is outside of God's knowledge. Even suffering has a divine purpose.
2. Christ's Suffering Was Physical
• He was scourged, mocked, crowned with thorns, nailed to the cross (Matthew 27:26–35).
• He endured intense pain that He didn't deserve.
• Lesson: The depth of His wounds shows the depth of His love.
3. Christ's Suffering Was Emotional
• Rejected by His own people (John 1:11).
• Betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, forsaken by His disciples.
• He even cried out, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).
• Lesson: When we feel abandoned, we can take comfort knowing Christ understands rejection and loneliness.
4. Christ's Suffering Was Spiritual
• On the cross, He bore the weight of the world's sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• The sinless Son of God became the sin-bearer.
• Lesson: Sin has a heavy cost, but Christ paid it in full.
He died in your place for your sin
5. The Purpose of Christ's Suffering
• To bring us peace with God (Romans 5:1).
• To heal us from sin (1 Peter 2:24).
• To give us eternal life (John 3:16).
• Lesson: His suffering was not in vain—it was for you.
6. Our Response to Christ's Suffering
• Gratitude – Live with thankfulness for His sacrifice.
• Holiness – Turn away from sin, since Christ died to free us from it.
• Endurance – When we suffer, we follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
• Witness – Share His love and sacrifice with others.
Conclusion
Christ's suffering reveals both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of His love. On the cross, love and justice met. We are forgiven, healed, and given new life because He chose to suffer in our place.
Call to Action:
• Remember His sacrifice daily.
• Live not for yourself, but for Him
# posted by Groseys messages @ 8:51 PM
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Conversion of Varani in Fiji
Sam Tamata wrote
Hunt was a remarkable man. He was formerly a plough-boy in Lincolnshire. He had not trained as a linguist (unlike Aberdonian David Cargill), yet he quickly learned the Bauan dialect (which later became the standard for written Fijian).
By the time of his early death, aged 36 years in 1848, he had translated the whole New Testament into Fijian and had begun translating the Old Testament.
In 1845 an important breakthrough occurred. A formerly bloodthirsty and treacherous man named Varani became a Christian. He was nephew of the high chief of Viwa and comrade-in-arms of the feared Cakobau. It happened like this.
Hunt was reading aloud one day the account of the crucifixion of Jesus from the newly translated Gospel of Matthew. He noted that Varani was visibly stirred. He then taught Varani to read the Bible for himself. Soon Varani began to follow Hunt's example of going into the bush to pray alone.
Important convert
Varani told his friend Cakobau that he was going to be a Christian. Cakobau threatened to kill and eat him. Varani replied, 'I fear you, but I fear the great God much more'.
Thankfully, Cakobau did not carry out his threat. On Good Friday, 21 March 1845, Varani publicly 'bowed the knee to Jehovah'. He then joined a baptismal class.
Those early missionaries were not willing to prepare anyone for baptism, even if they were chiefs, unless they showed clear evidence of godly sorrow for sin. While they realised the strategic importance of Fijian chiefs professing Christ, they looked for evidence of a real change of heart.
But Varani's conversion was thorough. Again and again his life demonstrated that the great change had taken place.
He renounced violence and became a man of integrity and peace, one of the finest Christians of that era. He was clubbed to death in 1853 while trying to settle a quarrel between others.
# posted by Groseys messages @ 8:39 PM
Matthew 18:1-14 A Parable About True Greatness
Matthew 18:1-14 A Parable About True Greatness
Greatness! The Pursuit of Power. Fame Fortune Power and Pleasure… Chuck Swindoll summarised these four attitudes as that which constitutes life for most people. This is the source of the problems in our world.
What's wrong with the world? I am! Said G K Chesterton! "Pride is the mother of all sins, and there is a bit of her DNA in all of us."
What a question! Had they forgotten the first beatitude—"Blessed are the poor in spirit" (5:3)? Had they forgotten the faith-filled Roman centurion's humility—"Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed" (8:8)? Had they forgotten that father's mustard-seed faith—"a man came up to him [Jesus] and, kneeling before him, said, 'Lord, have mercy on my son'" (17:14, 15)? Yes. Yes. Yes. It seems they had forgotten.2
In 18:4 Jesus tells us that the motive behind his disciples' question was pride, for he begins that verse, "Whoever humbles himself . . ."
- You Need To Be Converted
"The kingdom of heaven, a phrase Matthew uses some 32 times, is synonymous with the kingdom of God.
The phrase "enter the kingdom of heaven" is used three times in the book of Matthew (see also 7:21; 19:23-24) and in each case refers to personal salvation. It is the same experience as entering into life (18:8) and entering into the joy of the Lord (25:21).
The fact that a person must enter the kingdom assumes he is born outside of it under the rule of Satan and that he is not naturally a heavenly citizen under the rule of God. The purpose of the gospel is to show men how they may enter the kingdom and become its citizens, moving from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God's beloved Son (Col. 1:13). The central focus of Matthew's gospel is to draw men and women into the kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ, and that is doubtlessly one of the reasons the Holy Spirit placed this book at the beginning of the New Testament. Throughout his gospel, Matthew carefully and systematically presents the components of genuine belief.
The phrase are converted translates an aorist passive of strepho which elsewhere in the New Testament is always translated with an idea of "turning" or "turning around." It means to make an about face and go in the opposite direction.
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (3:2) "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted (Strepho turn) and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." "turn to God from idols to serve a living and true God" (1 Thess. 1:9).
God raised up His Servant, and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways" (Acts 3:19, 26).19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities." NKJV turn, return. ESV NASB
The term is used repeatedly in the book of Acts to speak of conversion (11:21; 15:19; 26:18, 20).
David Wells describes conversion with this statement: Christianity without conversion is no loner Christian, because conversion means turning to God. It involves forsaking sin, with its self-deifying attitudes and self-serving conduct, and turning to Christ, whose death on the cross is the basis for God's offer of mercy and forgiveness. Jesus was judged in our place so that God could extend his righteousness to us. Conversion occurs when we turn from our waywardness and accept Christ's death on our behalf.
Sensitivity: Be Tender about Sin 4 Whoever humbles himself … unaware of the need for power, self assertion, competition, aware of sin.
D. A. Carson says, "The child is a model, in this context, not of innocence, faith, or purity, but of humility and unconcern for social status. Jesus assumed that people are not naturally like that; they must change to become like little children."
Sincerity: Be Turning from Sin To the Saviour
Simplicity: Be Trusting In the Saviour
Wells "Conversion is not an isolated event but is related to the entire life of faith that follows from it. It is the moment of birth into a new life. It is like a doorway into a room. A person is born to live, not to linger on the edge of the womb in a time of limbo. A person opens a door not for the pleasure of standing forever on the threshold but to enter the room. The evangelical world has strangely perverted this truth. Evangelicals often make the test of spiritual life one's willingness to testify about the moment of birth. Describing one's sensations in passing through the doorway is considered proof that one is in the room! . . . The only real proof of our conversion is an obedient and fruitful life. P.43.
The point about conversion, though, is that it is the way into Christian faith; it is not the entirety of Christian faith. Conversion is only the threshold to the building of salvation. (p.22.) Christianity is inescapably preoccupied with changed lives. (p. 45.)
Conversion denotes a transformation from self-dedication to dedication to God. (p.45.)
Conversion results in a religion that becomes socially tangible. (p. 47.) Above all, conversion implies a movement from theory to practice. (p. 47) The reality of conversion witnesses to God's lordship . . . and is not just a figment of metaphysics. (p, 48.)
In the Christian world today, however, what we have all too often is an aberration–spiritual birth that is not followed by an obvious spiritual life. (p. 23.) When Jesus issued the Great Commission, he did not tell his followers to go into all the world and ask people to raise their hands or to fill out a decision card. Rather, he enjoined them to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything he had commanded. (p10.) Just as there is no discipleship without conversion, so there also can be no conversion without discipleship. The two belong together. (p. 23.)
Boice: "To enter the kingdom people must possess the humility of children, but to do so they need to be radically changed. People are not humble by nature. We are self-seeking, selfish, and driven by pride. What do we need if we are to become humble, trusting what God has done for our salvation and not what we can accomplish for ourselves? The answer is clear: We need to "turn" or "be converted," which is God's work. We need to pray the prayer of Jeremiah 31:18: "Turn me, and I shall be turned, for you are the LORD my God" (my translation). We "must be born again" (John 3:7). How do we know if we are converted? The evangelical bishop John Ryle said, "The surest mark of [any] true conversion is humility." It is when we humble ourselves and trust Jesus alone to save us that we can be sure we are converted."
- You Need To Be Concerned
Σκανδαλίσῃ "he or she may stumble" sin 6,7 Don't Be A Stumbling Block To Kids
By Disenfranchising Them 5,6 receive or not?
By Disillusioning Them Skandalio
By Despising Them 10 Why not Angels are witnesses, God promises punishment if you do.
People have turned to this Bible verse above all others for the idea of guardian angels, though there is not much in the Bible elsewhere to support that idea. In Daniel the archangel Michael appears as a protector of the Jewish people (see Dan. 12:1). Hebrews 1:14 refers to "ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation." Revelation 1-3 refer to the angels of the seven churches. The "angels" may be pastors of these churches.
God cares for each of us individually. When I see a hundred sheep in a meadow, I cannot begin to imagine how a shepherd can distinguish one sheep from another and miss one if it is caught by a predator or wanders off. All sheep look alike to me. But I am told that shepherds know their sheep. They know them individually, and, what is more, their sheep know them and respond to their voices. Jesus was building on this fact when he told the people of his day, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep" (John 10:14-15). We know that God knows his people individually and cares for them individually because when he calls them to faith he calls them "by name" (John 10:3). God cares for His children individually. Don't despise that which God loves.
God's pursues the lost.
God understands our weaknesses and their weaknesses. I have never taken care of sheep or even had anything to do with them, except for seeing them in fields from time to time. But I am told that sheep are stupid creatures, probably the most stupid animals on earth. One way they show their stupidity is by so easily wandering away. They can have a good shepherd who has brought them to the best grazing lands, near an abundant supply of water, but they will still wander off to where the fields are barren and the water undrinkable.
God seeks us when we stray. God seeks them when they stray. Don't not seek what God seeks! Make Seeking Children and Youth Your Priority 12, 13
God rejoices when they return to Him 13,14
Boice: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? "Jesus answered the question, and we have been trying to understand Jesus' answer. But here I want to follow up by asking, Did the disciples get it? Were they actually turned and changed to become like little children? We know they didn't get it right away, because they are still fighting for the top position two chapters later. On that occasion the mother of James and John came to Jesus asking that one of her sons be chosen to sit at his right hand and the other son be chosen to sit at his left hand when he came into his kingdom (Matt. 20:21). They had probably put her up to it. So when the other disciples heard what she had asked Jesus, "they were indignant with the two brothers" (v. 24). They wanted those positions themselves.
What did Jesus do? He got them together and went through it all again. "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (vv. 25-28).
As long as Jesus was with them, they didn't get it. But when he died, they did, for they understood at last that he had given himself for them and had bought their salvation at the cost of his own life. And they really were changed.
The disciples were all guilty of this self-advancing spirit, according to the Gospel. But among the many who were guilty, James and John stand out as the most guilty because of their compliance with the efforts of their mother to get them the first places. Yet think what happened to them! At one time Jesus called them "Sons of Thunder," no doubt because of their arrogant, boisterous attitudes (Mark 3:17). On another occasion they wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy a village of the Samaritans that did not receive them (Luke 9:54). They were changed when they finally got their minds off themselves and onto Jesus.
What were the disciples thinking about when Jesus told them about the lost sheep? They had been arguing about which of them should be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. With that in the immediate background, presumably they were thinking of themselves as among the ninety-nine who were still on the hillside and were wondering which of the ninety-nine would be the "top sheep." As long as they were thinking of such things, they would never be concerned for the one who was lost, and they would never do anything to help find him or her. We are never more like God than when we exert ourselves to seek others. God rejoices over the one we help to bring home. Are you on board with God's plan?
# posted by Groseys messages @ 3:39 PM
