Luke 22 & 23 & 24

It was Passover, and Jesus was to be the once-for-all Passover lamb.   What a deeply emotional and poignant time this must have been.   One of the Twelve, Judas Iscariot gives opportunity to Satan to enter his heart to betray Jesus who he has spent the last three years closely with.   Even at the Last Supper, after the disciples were discussing who was the betrayer that Jesus revealed was one of them, the disciples started disputing about who was the greatest.   And Jesus had to remind them that they needed to be servant leaders; and He was their ultimate example.

Jesus took the bread and the cup and gave them to His disciples, telling them to "do this in remembrance of Me."  So, that each time we eat of the bread and drink of the wine, we will remember that His body was given and His blood was shed for our sins.   The shedding of His blood sealed the new covenant - the forgiveness of our sins through faith in Jesus Christ; because no one was able to keep the old covenant based on the Law.

 Jesus warned Simon Peter of the testing that would come; but also encouraged him that He has prayed that his faith would not fail and afterwards, he will use what he has learned to strengthen others.  Jesus said "when" you have turned back to me, not "if" you turn back to me.  This is assurance that He will overcome.  Jesus also warned the disciples to be prepared for the coming challenges after He fulfills prophecy on the cross.

Then in agony, Jesus prayed in Gethsemane at the Mt of Olives, as the disciples slept when they should've also been praying. There, Judas led an armed group of chief priests, temple guards, and elders to Jesus.  It must have been such a poignant moment when Jesus asked, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"  It is now close to the final moments, the "hour, when darkness reigns."

13-Oct:  We see how Peter learned from his trials and was able to "strengthen others" through his leadership in Acts and his writings in 1 & 2 Peter.  While Satan may have thought that nothing would be left after the sifting, Jesus knew that through it, the "wheat would be separated from the chaff", and Peter would come out "refined" like through fire.

16-Oct:  "When darkness reigns" summarizes what happens in the rest of the passage:

• Peter, one of Christ's closest disciples, fails the testing from Satan and denies Christ three times as predicted.   While he wept bitterly in sorrow and repentance here, we must remember that Christ reinstates him during one of His post-resurrection appearances, and Peter later goes on to become a great leader of the Early Church and encourages others (e.g. through 1 & 2 Peter).
• Guards mock and beat Jesus - how painful to read this passage and see that Jesus, who is God and has all power, willingly suffered through this
• The Religious leaders in the Sanhedrin blinded to the Truth condemn Jesus of blasphemy, when He was only speaking the truth, for He is the Messiah and Son of God

This is what happens when the prince of darkness reigns - there is violence and truth is suppressed; and even believers can be tempted to fall.  So, we are reminded that earlier in the passage, it is important to be in PRAYER.

23-Oct:  Darkness continued to reign as Jesus was sent to the Roman Governor Pilate.   The Jewish religious leaders brought false charges and kept insisting on the accusations despite both Pilate and Herod not finding any basis for the charges against Jesus.   And even though Christ was innocent, He was subjected to unjust insults, mocking, and scourging.   The religious leaders and the crowd even asked for the release of the rebel and murderer Barabbas instead of Jesus for the customary release of a prisoner during Passover.   They asked that Jesus be crucified, the worst form of punishment for criminals; and Pilate "surrendered Jesus to their will." 

Words are not adequate to describe the horrific injustice that Jesus willingly suffered for our sake.  I have no words.....

25-Oct:  Not only did the religious leaders, Pilate, and Herod bring about the worst injustice in human history, they also lost out on an amazing opportunity.   They were face to face with the creator of the universe and could have asked Him anything in the world.   Instead, they mocked and scourged Him and condemned Him to die on the cross.  What a travesty....

30-Oct:  As Jesus was suffering and facing excruciating death on the cross, He still showed His love and mercy to the women weeping, the criminal who believed, and even through asking forgiveness to all those who "do not know what they are doing."  Of all the reactions we see from the women, the crowd, the soldiers, the rulers, Pilate, the centurion, His followers, I wonder what my reaction would've been had I been there at that time.   Looking back, with what I know now, I would've wanted to be like Simon the Cyrene to help bear the cross or the centurion who glorified God.  I am grateful that Christ bore my sins and opened up direct access to the Father through Him our High Priest.

A question did arise related to Christ's prayer "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing".   What did this forgiveness entail?  Were they/we no longer accountable for what was done?    There are many angles to view this from:

• For one, there is the positional vs relational forgiveness aspect.   That Jesus forgives what they/we did against Him and does not harbor bitter resentment, just as He taught His disciples.   Yet, it says nothing about positional forgiveness that comes when we are saved by faith and receive full atonement and justification.   
• Also, just because we don't know what we are doing does not make us unaccountable for the consequences nor does it take away the guilt.   That only happens through confession and repentance and faith in Christ.
• Then, it is interesting that it was a somewhat "open-ended" prayer, in that he did not specify who "they" were nor what it is they had done.  In that respect, it can apply also to us; for we were also responsible for Him having to die on the cross, for we have all sinned and deserve death.  And, there are times when we did not fully understand or know when we did sin.  So, in that respect, this is an example of Christ's intercession for us.

6-Nov:  Even Jesus being buried in the tomb by Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, was a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53:9).   The women were the first to learn that Jesus has Risen, because they came to the tomb early Sunday morning as soon as they could after the Sabbath.   They found the stone rolled away from the tomb and the body not there.  Angels told them that He has Risen and was living.   The initial response of the disciples was not believing the women; and Peter (and John) ran to the tomb to see with their own eyes.

This passage shows us that remember His Word and observing the evidence can help us to see the Truth; and the Resurrection is a truth that is a foundational pillar of the Christian faith.  Evidence from this passage counters many of the myths that were meant to discredit the validity of this event.  It is seen that the women knew exactly where the tomb was (and would not have gone to the wrong one), that there were many different eyewitnesses at different times, that Christians began meeting on Sunday instead of the normal Sabbath, etc.

13-Nov:   On the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared to Cleopas and another follower.  The two men were initially downcast, had lost hope that Jesus was their Messiah and Redeemer, and were slow to believe the women's testimony and the prophecies.  Yet, Jesus brought them to the realization that "the Messiah [had] to suffer these things and then enter His glory"; and then explained to them from Scripture.  When their "eyes were opened", they then became excited and joyful witnesses of the Resurrection!

As Jesus was explaining Scripture to the two, they said their "hearts were burning".    It makes me wonder what exactly it means to have our hearts burning.... From my own experiences, there are times when I am filled with so much joy that I'm ready to burst; and I think this may be similar; that their hearts were so on fire for God as Scripture was revealed to them.  Also, Jesus didn't just reveal Himself to them right away.   He had them go through the process leading to their understanding of the Truth; and as soon as they recognized Him, He disappeared.   So, it shows that the Christ's main purpose in talking with them was to teach them through Scripture that He had to suffer and die; and then resurrect and ascend to glory.

And then, the specific mention of Jesus appearing to Peter shows the heart of Christ in the restoration of Peter after his failure in the denials.  The details of what they discussed was not recorded in Scripture; and this was prior to the restoration described in John, because by that time the disciples had returned to Galilee.  How special for Peter, that Christ made a point to appear to Him after the Resurrection.

12-Jan:  As the Apostles and followers of Jesus are gathered discussing the post-resurrection appearances; Jesus appears in their midst.  His greeting "Peace be with you"  is significant in several ways - "Peace" or Shalom is a common Jewish greeting and there is also a Greek equivalent; but, also, they may have needed to have peace in the midst of their fear after the crucifixion; but most importantly, now that Jesus has died on the cross for the sins of the world and has resurrected in victory over sin and death, they can now truly have Peace with God.  Jesus then provides evidence to them that He has truly resurrected, showing them the wounds in his hands and feet and even eating in their presence.  Then, He pointed them back to Scripture and ensured they understood some essential points:

• He, the Messiah, was to suffer and die; and has resurrected
• They are to preach the message of repentance and forgiveness of sins, because it is for our sins He had to die; "in His Name" because it is through Christ that we are forgiven; "to all nations" showing that God's Plan has always been proclaiming the gospel to the world
• They are to be His Witnesses; but, they had to wait for the Holy Spirit; for we can do nothing without the power of the Holy Spirit

Jesus then Ascended, and the Ascension signified that the Holy Spirit can be sent to us (which it was 10 days later at Pentecost); that we too may rise and enter glory as Christ did; and that this was the end of His coming to earth when He emptied Himself, but now returned to glory sitting at the right hand of the throne of God and interceding for us.

In response, the disciples worshipped, were obedient (went back to Jerusalem), were filled with joy, and praised God (boldly in the temple).

Learning and Growing

God has been teaching me and making me aware of some things lately.  Just yesterday, at church, my assistant pastor talked about being fearfully and wonderfully made; and that one of the most important uses of our minds is to know God.   Then, for Harvest America, I reviewed some of the talking points needed for counselors.  It was a blessing to see the whole event come together; and we were able to rejoice that a couple of people placed their faith in Christ or made recommitments.

Also, I've still been thinking about what it means to have God as our inheritance, for we are now part of the "royal priesthood".   Some of the things I've thought of, is that we have access to all of Who God Is.   He provides for us and sustains us, just as the inheritance of land would've done for the tribes of Israel.  Also, He is a treasure that we can "pass on" to others who become part of the Family of God.

Another thing that He has repeatedly spoken to me, is that I should find the Joy in Living.   It began with the Ecclesiastes study, and then, I read about it in "Unfinished", and saw it referenced in "The Trial" movie.  There have also been other references here and there.   It is something that I probably should work on; since, my attitude lately has more been towards wanting to be in the presence of the LORD, for "to die is gain".   Yet, I am still in God's presence here on earth, and while I am here, it makes sense to live joyfully.

Then, I've been thinking about what to write on COA for my church newsletter.  We've been serving now for over 3 years in this outreach; and it is neat to see that how God is at work.   The gospel message is clearly given and we have seen lives touched.  It is an opportunity for me to be "the hands and feet" of Christ to the homeless and needy in the community; and to be able to show His compassion and love to others.

7-Oct:  A good verse I came across as I was looking for Scripture to include in the newsletter article was "And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God."  (Hebrews 13:16, NLT)

31-Oct:  God seemed to be opening up views into singleness and marriage this past year with the dates, the book I just read, and awareness of the Boundless MarryWell site.  This Sunday's message at church is supposed to be on singleness, as my pastor has been going through a series on family and home.  Even today, I'm listening to a Focus on the Family broadcast on "Navigating Dating and the Single Life" with Lisa Anderson from Boundless.  She talked about many of the things that I have faced as well - feeling that as singles we are "no one's most important person".   We should also not be afraid to be intentional in desiring marriage; and because marriage is a reflection of God's character, it is under attack and we need to have a healthy perspective of marriage.  We are to remember that marriage formation starts while we are still single, learning to build and maintain relationships, gaining Biblical perspectives, etc.

Cooking Fish

My experience with cooking fish has had its ups and downs.  For the longest time, I even avoided it altogether, since it would leave the whole house smelling like fish for days.   However, I've found that certain ways of cooking fish cause less of a residual odor than others.

Steaming fish seems to leave a strong odor for a long time.  Quick pan fry less so; and small fish chunks work well for the dishes I've been cooking.  Baking can leave a lingering odor; but, one that worked fairly well was to broil (such as miso teriyaki salmon).

However, it wasn't until this weekend, that I feel like I've finally cooked fish really well.   It's a simple pan fry.   Salt and Pepper the fish; heat pan (not too hot) and oil; sear best side first (side without skin) a few minutes (rule of thumb I read was about 5 minutes per inch) until the sides look like fish was started to get done; then flip over and cook till done (NOTE:  it is best to turn over only once).   Then melt some butter and add lemon.  At end, add some herbs (like parsley).   This turned out really well.

14-Oct:  Using a similar method, I cooked fish with lemon butter and dill.  It was good, but the previous one seemed to have turned out a little better.  On the side, I also made a persian cucumber salad with dill, rice vinegar, red onions, salt, and sugar.   It was a nice light salad.

Getting Up

"For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes." (Proverbs 24:16)

Heard this verse today; and it really stood out.  What a great verse, since it is a reminder that God helps us up when we fall.   I have experienced this myself; and it is encouraging to know that no matter how many times I fall (even when I am tripped), God will help me rise.

Luke 20-21

Despite knowing that His DEATH on the cross was within a few days, Jesus still taught in the temple proclaiming the gospel, thus showing His heart for the lost.   Then, in several rounds of verbal "battles" with the religious leaders, Jesus:

• Makes a point regarding His divine authority without having to answer the religious leaders directly
• Through a parable, clearly shows that the religious leaders will be killing the Son of God, the Cornerstone
• Wisely shows that we are to "give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s", effectively circumventing the "trap" the religious leaders were trying to set

Jesus shows His wisdom and grace in dealing with His opposition.

As the verbal "battles" between the religious leaders and Jesus continue, the Sadducees pose a scenario and question on Levirite marriage, which in their minds exposed the absurdity of resurrection.   However, Jesus answered in such a way that showed that they are not only incorrect in their views on the resurrection, but also on angels and how things will be in eternity.  In this round, He was once again able to silence His opponents.

Jesus, then, posed a question about the Messiah; which showed that though He was a descendent of the line of David when He came to earth as a Man; but, that He was also Lord and God.  Jesus also gave a warning to His disciples against the hyprocrisy of "the teachers of the law".

Then in Chp 21, Jesus commended a poor widow who demonstrated sacrificial giving.  This is similar to when King David had said that he would not sacrifice to God anything that costs him nothing.  Also, Jesus could have been using this example as an illustration of the religious leaders "devouring widows' houses" (Luke 20:47).

As Jesus then spoke to his disciples of the coming destruction of the temple, He also answered their question about the sign of the End Times by giving them a series of signs to will indicate "that the kingdom of God is near" (False Messiahs, wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, signs from heaven and in the sun, moon, stars, tossing of the sea, etc).  The End Times will be a fearful "time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written", with distress, death, and captivity.   

Jesus also warned them of coming persecution and betrayal; but, assured them that He would "give [them] words and wisdom that none of [their] adversaries will be able to resist or contradict".  He encouraged them to stand firm, for they will know that their "redemption is drawing near".   When Jesus returns, He will "in a cloud with power and great glory".

With a parable of the fig tree, He assured them that the signs are an indication of the assured fulfillment of prophecy.  They were not to be weighed down by the world and its sins; but, to always be prepared and ready for His Return. 

Jesus continued teaching, even though His end on earth was near. 

Heaven on Earth

My small group started a new series from Dr David Jeremiah of Turning Point ministries on "Searching for Heaven on Earth" based on the book of Ecclesiastes.  So far, it's been a good reminder that we will never find true meaning "under the sun"; for the true meaning of life is found only in the SON, in God.   Asaph came to the same conclusion in Psalm 73.

One "insight" came to me as we were discussing, and when combined with what God has been teaching me about stewardship, I'm reminded that for those of God's people who have much, much will be required.  For someone like King Solomon of great wealth, much would've been expected of him, for he was given stewardship of so much.   So, from that perspective, wealth is greater responsibility, and if seen in that light, would be something that we may want to ponder before pursuing; to see if we can faithfully handle that responsibility.

Something also that was mentioned, was related to Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart".   I think I've heard it before; but, I didn't remember it.  But, a better interpretation of this verse is that rather than God giving us what we desire; it is really saying that He will give us desires, which are in line with His.

10-Oct:  In the lesson on Ecclesiastes 3, Dr Jeremiah said that if you take all the trials out of your life, it would be "vanilla".   Life is made of both with and black (sharp and flat) keys.  vs 12 emphasizes being happy and doing good; and vs 13 being thankful.

10-Jan:  The lesson on Ecclesiastes 7 is one of the best of the series so far.   The title itself "When Bad is Better" demonstrated a different perspective than usual.   Some of the "right-side up" points made were:

• Sorrow is better than Laughter - adversity can develop us as nothing else can; and it is easier to learn through adversity than prosperity for wisdom is forged through trials.  In vs 1, when Solomon said the day of our death is better than the birth; it was related to a good name.  At death, when we have lived our life well, then we die with a good name; but, at birth, we have our lifetime to affect our "name".  Man's highest purpose is not to be happy, but to know God
• Rebuke from the Wise is better than Praise of a Fool
• The Hard way is better than the Easy - similar to the first point, sometimes it is best not to look for the "short cut"; but to grow through the process of the "hard way".  We should also start with the end in mind, asking "where will this path lead me?"
• Today is better than Yesterday - In the valleys, we cannot help but turn to the LORD and see HIM high and lifted up

Overall, what we KNOW is better than what we can't figure out; so, TRUST in the LORD Who we KNOW.  Also, it was interesting that in the lesson, I made a connection with what I was focusing on last year on Loving God.  In Psalm 119:67, it showed that affliction helped the Psalmist grow in obedience; and since those who love God obeys His commandments; then, it can follow that affliction helps us to love God more.

23-Jan:  "Wisdom to be Thankful For" - In the Ecclesiastes 7:11-29 lesson, what stood out was that wisdom is better than wealth; so either in prosperity or in poverty, we can trust God.  We are not to let what we don't understand cause us not to trust HIM

5-Mar:  Folly - In Ecclesiastes 10, foolishness even in little things can cause ruin.  It can easily get into leadership, labor, and language.   He gave an acronym of H.A.R.M. for Hit and Run Mouth.   Throughout the OT, foolishness is associated with sin and wisdom with righteousness; so that acting in wisdom requires yielding to the Spirit's leading in contrast to our sinful natures

20-Mar:  "Before It's Too Late" - In Ecclesiastes 11 and 12, we are reminded that:

• Life is uncertain so embrace it (11:1-6) - The phrase to "cast bread upon waters" refers to putting grain on ships for commerce, and the use of the plural points to diversifying)
• Life is short, enjoy it (11:7-10) - Live each day with gusto
• Express faith thoughtfully (12:1-2)
• Embrace aging thankfully (12:3-7)
• Life is mysterious, examine it (12:8-12) - Get wisdom from God; Christianity and Knowing God is not about search but finding
• Life is Obedience, express it (12:13-14) - Fear God and Keep His Commandments => so, the meaning of life in found in relationship with Him

The series ends with Psalm 92:12-15 - The Righteous will flourish even in old age.

Tears

There is something cleansing in shedding the tears of a heart in deep pain and sorrow.  And this is where I find myself.   No matter how much I prepared for this possibility, the reality of it just pierces the heart more deeply than I could imagine.

It's not just the loss of him specifically that I am grieving.   It's the embodiment of what this represents; it's the realization of my fear of rejection; and it's the doubts created by my insecurities.

Yet, I did say that I would trust God no matter the outcome; and I believe that He knows what is best for me.  So, maybe this is a test to see if that is true; and whether I still believe that His grace is sufficient for me.   I know that I will get through this; I do love God with all my heart, soul, and mind; and there is nothing on earth I desire more than HIM.    That has not changed, even in spite of my circumstances.

What I learn from this experience, is that my faith is still strong, though tested.  And that what I advised another person is demonstrated in my life.

Also, this experience ties a loose end, and I no longer have to ever wonder about it.  I also see that I will just continue what I have been doing - serving God wholeheartedly and letting HIM use me, no matter my circumstance.

Even in the midst of the disappointment and sorrow, I can see that God's Hand was in this.  He did not leave me to be utterly crushed; but showed me that there was some measure of interest and gave me the clear message that there was respect for my being a faithful servant, that I was an "impressive person", and that time spent together was enjoyed.

I trust that I learn and grow through all my experiences, this one included.

8-Sep:  God, in His wonderful love and caring, provided the reassurance and encouragement that I needed.  I've felt affirmed by several others; and I do feel that the self-esteem that was shaken has been restored.  I love my God who provides all that I need.   Amen!

25-Sep:  Looking back, I do think that overall, what I take away from this experience is that tying of the loose end; and knowing that I have been able to face my fear of rejection and come out of it stronger through God's guidance.

30-Sep:  There was a quote that stood out to me, spoken by the Mulan character in the "Once Upon a Time" show of all places:  "Your belief in love was not strong enough to overcome your fear of rejection."  Interestingly, what that says to me is that we would be willing to risk rejection if we found a love worth risking it for.

9-Oct:  I heard a quote today from Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" that I thought was beautiful:  "I love you with so much of my heart that none of it is left to protest with."   I would like to find One I would love that much.

1-Nov:  The Focus on the Family newsletter today talked about find the value in spouses; and I'm reminded how important it is that the person I am with would recognize my value.   Proverbs 18:22 says "The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD."


31-Jan:  Enough time has passed that I feel like I have been able to process and gain some perspective.  Looking back now, I can accept that this was likely for the best.  As I have learned more about the situation and about him, as well as having had time to think it through; I can see that there would have been challenges and I wonder if there are areas that he still needs to resolve and grow in.  So, I can truly say that I am resting in God's decisions for my life; and I entrust my future to HIM, waiting for His best for me.