Nazareth – Praying Pint

34.q. “For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out”

Matthew 26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Romans 7:18-20 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

What can a person do when they have intentionally chosen to do that which they have said they would not? Some may deny the act or give it no thought. Its significance of it to them is like a passing of a gust of wind, they felt it but give it no thought. They may even give an excuse for it – I had no choice, I was just following the crowd, it wasn’t my idea, it really isn’t that bad, It didn’t adversely affect anyone else, no one saw me do it, etc…….. People like this may come to a place where they are sorry but never come to a place where they repent.

There are then those who become aware of the fact that they did exactly what they said they would not. Their heart is ripped in two and their sorrow is soul deep. Oh, that we would have hearts so tender as to be broken easily for the sins we commit. How sad is it if you are not aware of the sins you are committing? If our sole purpose in this life on this side of eternity is to honor and glorify Jesus Christ, then being aware of how we may be falling short would be a good thing to know and repent of. Having a tender heart that is open at all times to the leading and correcting Spirit of God will always lead us down paths of growth, maturity, grace, love, mercy, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding – And yes, it will lead us down paths of repentance if we would.

Our strength is not in ourselves but in the power of the Holy Spirit.

34.p. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Matthew 21:1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

This coming of Christ was described by the prophet Zechariah, Zec 9:9. When Christ would appear in his glory, it is in his meekness, not in his majesty, in mercy to work salvation. As meekness and outward poverty were fully seen in Zion’s King, and marked his triumphal entrance to Jerusalem, how wrong covetousness, ambition, and the pride of life must be in Zion’s citizens! They brought the ass, but Jesus did not use it without the owner’s consent. The trappings were such as came to hand. We must not think the clothes on our backs too dear to part with for the service of Christ. The chief priests and the elders afterwards joined with the multitude that abused him upon the cross; but none of them joined the multitude that did him honour. Those that take Christ for their King, must lay their all under his feet. Hosanna signifies, Save now, we beseech thee! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord! But of how little value is the applause of the people! The changing multitude join the cry of the day, whether it be Hosanna, or Crucify him. Multitudes often seem to approve the gospel, but few become consistent disciples. When Jesus was come into Jerusalem all the city was moved; some perhaps were moved with joy, who waited for the Consolation of Israel; others, of the Pharisees, were moved with envy. So various are the motions in the minds of men upon the approach of Christ’s kingdom. (Henry)

As I read Henry’s comments I think his point on “Cry of the day, whether it be Hosanna, or Crucify Him”, is common in all men. Jesus made this very clear when He spoke of the seeds that fell on dry ground and had no roots, seeds that grew into plants but were choked out by weeds, and seeds that grew and produced fruit. Caught in the moment and being committed for a moment is not trusting, relying, obeying, surrendering, serving, or following Jesus with a repentant heart. No, it is a head nod and words from the lips but not from the heart. Being convinced that this is what it takes to have eternal life they continue on just as before but with a confidence that is fueled by satan and demonic spirits that guide and direct the affairs of this world. When given the choice of Barabas or Jesus, they chose Barabas and cried out “crucify Him.” Satan’s demonic spirit invades people’s hearts and minds and guides them toward envy, power, glory, self-worth, self-reliance, addictive drugs, pornography, lies, fear, hate, and worldly obedient foolishness. Look at what society approves, pornography is called, adult entertainment, abortion is called, woman’s right, and those engaged in transgender and gay lifestyles are called, alternative lifestyles. These are the very people that Jesus willingly went to the cross to save. Condemning them or giving head nods of approval are both wrong. However, we are to see them as they are, lost, blind, and deaf to things of God. We do well to give them hope in Jesus Christ, sharing the gospel with them.

Giving head nods and lip service to Jesus is another tolerance people accept as the norm as society moves away from the light of Jesus Christ choosing darkness rather than the light.

Believing, trusting, humbly serving, following, and obeying Jesus Christ for His honor and glory is more than a head nod or words from your lips. It is a repentant change of your heart and mind that is soul deep. As His love permeates into our hearts and minds, it is then we will see, with compassion, the souls bound by satan’s deceptions and want to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

33.c. “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards”

Mat 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Matthew 13:53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Matthew 11:6   And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Isaiah 53:3    He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Mark 6:3    Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Luke 7:23     And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

John 6:42    They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

1 Corinthians 1:23-28  but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,  but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;  God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,

A miracle conception, humble birth, the Son of God, with brothers and sisters of a carpenters family, in a small village of little recognition, Nazareth and spoken of by prophets is where Jesus seems to have the same type of rejection as was from the Jewish leaders. Their unbelief limited the mighty works that He had done in other villages. They were offended that He was teaching them as one with authority, wisdom, and understanding. They could only see Him as Jesus the son of Joseph and Mary. Who was He to come back home and proclaim things of God?

Rejection of Jesus results in a continuation of life without Him. Many think life is fine this way and they close their ears and eyes to things of God. Like these people from His hometown who rejected Him personally are those who now continually reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They say it is a made-up story, a fairytale. They seem to have made up their minds and become firmer and firmer in their rejection of the Son of God. They find no value and purpose in Jesus in their lives.

To those who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, He is more than just the Son of God. He is their redeemer, friend, power, strength, joy, peace, courage, and rest. He gives them life, a life more abundant and purposeful. He has given them hope of eternal life. He gives them strength to face all trials and troubles because He said He would never leave them or forsake them. He gives them peace that passes all understanding. He gives them light in a dark and lost world. He guides their paths through this life. He has promised that He will be with them forever and ever. Though He cannot be seen, He is more real than what we can see and touch. He is able to redeem the vilest and lost person and give that person new life. How can anyone reject Jesus Christ and the gospel of redemption, salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life? We do well to remember to honor and glorify the Son of God, Jesus, in all we say, think and do.

32.f. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few”

Matthew 9:35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Acts 2:22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—

As Jesus encountered the depth of human need He was moved with compassion for them. He spent His time teaching and healing. Jesus here described what man is apart from God; that we are like sheep having no shepherd. This means that we are in a lot of trouble until we come under the care of our Shepherd. Being without a shepherd was worse than being under Roman bondage. The people had people who claimed to be spiritual leaders, scribes, priests, and Pharisees. For all their work and piety, these proclaimed spiritual leaders offered nothing that would guide a person into a right relationship with God. Jesus said these leaders do not attend to their flock nor do they harvest ripe fruit and allow it to go to waste.

“Pretenders were many, but real ‘laborers’ in the harvest were few…Man-made ministers are useless. Still, are the fields encumbered with people who cannot use the sickle. Still, the real gospel teaching men are few and far between. Where are the instructive, soul-winning ministries?” (Spurgeon)

How many preachers, teachers, and leaders go about their vocation proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ without compassion for the lost souls of men. Oh, they may have started out this way but have since turned this holy ministry of the Kingdom of God into seeking more money, recognition, and honor for themselves. They have turned from compassion for lost souls to lusts of the flesh, having a form of godliness but have become blind to the author and finisher Jesus Christ who rightly deserves all honor and glory. These teachers, preachers, and leaders may have lost their pure compassion for lost souls. It has become diluted or traded in for human and worldly ideals. The thing is, God’s Word does not return void. Though these people teach with hearts and minds divided amongst godly and worldly, God’s Word is still able to reach lost souls. God’s Word should never profit man in ways other than that which will honor and glorify Jesus Christ. In the blessings of forgiveness, redemption, salvation, healing, peace, joy, courage, strength, and love from Jesus Christ we surely benefit while on this side of eternity. However, all of these benefits are for His honor and glory.

Pray for teachers, preachers, and laborers who are willed with the continued presence of the Holy Spirit and with their hearts, mind, and souls focused and consumed on honoring and glorifying Jesus Christ. Bind temptations of this world from affecting their ministries. Protect them from everything that will draw them away from this holy honor to honor and glorify Jesus Christ.

30.k. “To open the eyes that are blind”

Matthew 4:12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Psalms 107:10-14   Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons,  for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High.  So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help.  Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.  He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.

Isaiah 42:6-7    “I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,  to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

Luke 1:78-79   because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high  to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Jeremiah 13:16   Give glory to the LORD your God before he brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the twilight mountains, and while you look for light he turns it into gloom and makes it deep darkness.

2 Timothy 2:25-26   correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,  and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Spiritual darkness, separated from God, and yet, able to see what God the Creator created. Blind to righteousness, holiness, and things of God. For over 400 years no prophet of God had been sent to proclaim the will of God to the Israelites. It is not as though the Israelites sat idly by. They perfected a means of holiness and righteousness based on what a person should and could do to be right before God. They had a form of godliness but not in line with true worship, surrender, and reliance on God alone. Though they thought they had godly wisdom and were a bright light for all to follow, they were foolish in their understanding and though their eyes were open they perceived nothing. They were in utter darkness to true worship, honor, and glory of God.

Imagine being deep into in a very rocky and dangerous cave without light – utter darkness. Every step taken could be your last. There is no light to help guide the next step, no light to keep you from harm, let alone a pathway forward. Darkness becomes the way of life. It is just the way life is. Though no one can see they will speak as if they can. Shouts will be heard in the darkness, “over here is the way”, “It is safe to come this way”, “I have found the path”, “Listen to me”, etc…. so as many that hear these voices of direction, they follow them blindly. It does not matter that the person or voice or idea they are following will lead them further into darkness, closer to danger, and further away from God. Into darkness, they were born and seem satisfied away from the light. And then there was the light of Jesus, the Son of God, the light of the world, bringing light into the darkness. As then and as now, there were those who saw the light and willingly believed, repented, and followed it, but there were many who shielded their eyes and turned away from it. They saw the light and chose darkness. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is light unto salvation, redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life.

20.h. “Desire without knowledge is not good”

Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

Acts 26:9-10    “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.

Galatians 1:14   And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.

Proverbs 19:2   Desire without knowledge is not good

2 Corinthians 4:4    In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Philippians 1:9     And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,

This is where so many religious people – even sincere Christians – go astray. They have plenty of zeal but little knowledge. This is a perfect description of Paul himself before his conversion. Saul of Tarsus was a notorious persecutor of Christians before Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus. Knowing the bible inside out, reading it endlessly, attending church services faithfully, etc…, are all good things to be zealous about. But, what is missing? There is a key element missing or not placed first ahead of all this zealous action. What is the purpose of these zealous actions? What reason can you give to be zealous in these matters? You can do everything right (in your own eyes and understanding and knowledge) and still be so very wrong.

Jesus Christ is to be honored in all we do, say, and think. Being zealous for this alone we bring all other godly living in-line. When our zealous actions omit honor and glory to Jesus Christ first, then they are wrong. When we want to take or receive honor and glory for our zealous actions, or if we want to share honor and glory with Jesus Christ, we lack knowledge and understanding. ALL honor and glory are His. Any zealous acts, thoughts, words, should only be zealous for bringing honor and glory to Him. Being zealous will have a purpose, otherwise, why would you be zealous. Herein lies the issue. Purpose! If our hearts, minds, and soul have a deep zealous desire to honor and glorify Jesus Christ, then our zealous purpose has meaning. If our hearts, minds, and souls have a deep zealous desire to know and understand Him more and more, then our zealous purpose has meaning. Being zealous apart from bringing all honor and glory to Jesus Christ is fruitless. Desire and being zealous without knowledge is not good.

14.t. “How do you know me?”

John 1:43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Jesus found Philip. Would this indicate that Jesus was looking for him, or that Jesus came upon him, or that Jesus tracked him down? This is Jesus the Son of God and I am sure He knew exactly where Philip was. Philip, like Andrew, followed and told someone else. Philip tells Nathanael “we have found Him” and then tells him who they have found, “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph”. The one who Moses in the Law and the prophets wrote. It would appear that Nathanael is a bit of a cynic. “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Note that Philip did not argue with Nathanael, he just said come and see. A good point for us to remember is that it is Jesus who will soften the heart and open the eyes not us. We share but at no time is a person coming to Christ a result of us, it is all of God and His calling. The fact that we shared is actually the direct result of the Holy Spirit of God working through us. Never us, never about us, and never to be claimed by us.

Somewhere in this calling, softening, and eye-opening a person either responds to the Gospel or rejects it. I can tell you this is a mystery to me. I had heard the gospel for over a year but never had an understanding in my heart or have my eyes opened. Then, one special day a neighbor across the street who we hardly knew invited us (my wife and I) to hear an evangelist speak. It was a Thursday night 22 March 1979. On that day my heart understood the need for forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. My eyes were wide open and when the offer to come to meet Jesus at the altar was given. I could not say no. There was no way to say no. No, was not even a thought. It was as if I had no choice. I did not even have to think about it. It was more like having a severe cut to your jugular vein and a doctor being present and asking if you want to be saved. You don’t give any thought to saying no. The urgency in responding yes to be saved left no room for that thought at all.

I am sure there are those who Jesus has softened their heart to understand and has opened their eyes but they do choose to not believe the urgency of their impending eternal death and separation from God. This is a big mystery to me. I could not have said no and yet there are others who easily say it. I am not sure how many times a person will be allowed to reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Could it be once or 1,000 times? Some hearts are softened and other hardened – this I do not understand. I am sure the more times the offer of salvation is rejected the easier it is to reject the offer the next time. I guess this is why Jesus said narrow is the path the eternal life and broad is the highway to hell.

It is up to us to share the Gospel. It is up to us to speak of Jesus Christ, forgiveness, redemption, salvation, and repentance. It is up to us to live and speak in such a way that people see Jesus. It is up to us to honor, glorify, worship, follow, trust, and obey Jesus. Be a willing servant to be used and led by Jesus and allow Him to do the work of softening or hardening. Our task is to say “Come see Jesus”

Seek and to Save

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

“And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”

John 1:43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

These comments are not mine but I found interesting and share them with you. All are called but many reject the calling outright. It is not a slight thing to refuse the summons of God through his messengers. God will hold those who refuse that summons responsible on Judgment Day. There is a more subtle way to refuse the summons. One may pay lip service to the external call but never truly embrace Jesus internally as offered in that call. This refusal subjects us to God’s just judgment. The bad news is we have no power in ourselves to change our rebellious hearts. The good news is God is pleased to change rebellious hearts by the invincible power of his Spirit. If we have responded to the external call in repentance and faith, it is only because God has first been at work in us to turn us to himself in Christ. Salvation is truly by grace alone. This truth is unsettling, but Jesus unsettles us for a reason. He wants us to find salvation and life in him alone, by grace alone. And only in Christ may we find an everlasting, unshakeable foundation.