Monday, December 31, 2018

Exodus 2:1-10 The Deliverer Arrives

Moses' parents were Amram and Jochebed, both from the tribe of Levi.  "Hebrews 11:23 commends both the father and the mother for trusting God.  Certainly it took faith for them to have normal marital relations during that dangerous time when Jewish babies were being killed," my commentary said.

In Acts and Hebrews, we're told that Moses was seen to be "no ordinary child," and it is evident that God had a special purpose for him, my commentary continued.  Moses' mother was trusting God by putting her son in the basket in the Nile, and God didn't fail her.

And when Pharaoh's daughter came to the river to bathe, "God used a baby's tears to control the heart of a powerful princess ... A baby's tears were God's first weapons in His war against Egypt."

"He used Miriam's words to arrange for the baby's mother to raise the boy and get paid for it!"  The princess named him Moses, meaning "born" or "son" in Egyptian, and sounding like the Hebrew word meaning "draw out".  "Years later, his name would remind Moses of the God who rescued him and did great things for him in Egypt."

Father, this child surely must have known You had a plan for him.  As a man, Moses could certainly look back and see how You had communicated with him and guarded him.  I'm so thankful that You've begun doing the same with me.  I love going over what You've already done in my life, preparing me for what You still have to show me.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Friday, December 28, 2018

Exodus 1 -- Life In Egypt Just Got Rough

Jacob and his sons had migrated to Egypt at God's command to escape famine in the land they were inhabiting.  He'd already prepared the way, putting Joseph as second in command of Egypt.  For their lifetimes and many more, God caused the Egyptians to bless them as they had brought blessings to Egypt.  They'd watched the dynasties come and go, until finally a pharaoh came to power who'd never heard of Joseph or what he'd done.  The Jews had become a significant minority in Egyptian society, and he saw them as a national security risk, deciding that invaders might form an alliance with them to overthrow the Egyptians.  

Reversing the idea of emancipation, he three them into slavery in an attempt to reverse their population growth, but it had the opposite effect!  When afflicting the adults didn't work, he tried killing all Jewish boys at birth.  He probably thought he'd absorb the girls into the Egyptian race through marriage to Egyptian slaves, my commentary said.  "But Genesis 3:15 and 12:1-3 said that God would not permit such a thing to happen, and He used two Jewish midwives to outwit Pharaoh.  This is the first instance in Scripture of what we call today "civil disobedience" -- refusing to obey an evil law because of a higher good."

Seeing that so many Jewish boys were surviving birth, Pharaoh decided to put the entire ethic Egyptian population into action, getting them to report the presence of male Jewish babies so that they could be drowned in the Nile.  That river was sacred to the Egyptians, yet it would be polluted with decaying bodies!  "The real cause of the conflict announced in 3:15 was the enmity between the people of God and the children of Satan:  a conflict that still goes on in the world today."

Father, it's always so amazing to watch Your plan at work throughout history and despite Satan's best efforts to thwart Your plans!  Guide me as I read this again to see how even this prepared the world for the arrival of Your Son.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Matthew 28:16-20 The Commission

My commentary stated that the ascension did not occur at the place and time described in these verses, "but later, after He had ministered to His disciples in Jerusalem (Luke 24:44-53)."  It said the "Great Commission" does apply to us as believers, so we should understand the factors that are involved.

1)  An authority -- Jesus had authority -- the right to use power," so we may obey Him without fear.  No matter where He leads us, no matter what circumstances we face, He is in control ... The early church operated on the basis of the Lord's sovereign authority.  They ministered in His name.  They depended on His power and guidance.  They did not face a lost world on the basis of their own authority, but on the authority of Jesus Christ."

2)  An activity -- "While you are going, make disciples of all nations," is how verses 19-20 translate... "Being a disciple meant ... apprenticeship ... a disciple attached himself to a teacher, identified with him, learned from him, and lived with him.  He learned, not simply by listening, but also by doing ... It is not enough to win people to the Savior; we must also teach them the Word of God.  This is also a part of the Great Commission."

3)  An ability -- "Jesus is also present with His people as they scatter into the world to witness.  Had He remained on earth, Jesus could not have fulfilled this promise.  It is when the Spirit came that Jesus could be with His people no matter where they were."

Father, help me to not stop telling others about You.  It was so great to see many of the young people You have led me to disciple during this holiday season.  Thanks for reminding me of that joy to help me keep doing it! 
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Matthew 27:57-28:8 The Resurrection

After Joseph and Nicodemus placed Jesus' body in the tomb, they had a large stone rolled over the entrance.  My commentary said, "The disciples had forgotten that Jesus promised to rise from the dead on the third day, but His enemies remembered."  They asked Pilate for guards and also sealed the stone to the face of the rock.

At dawn on Sunday, as the women were coming to anoint His body, an earthquake and an incredibly bright light occurred, and an angel told them He had risen and would see His disciples in Galilee.  As they headed to tell the disciples, Jesus appeared to them and they worshiped Him.  

Father, on the day we celebrate Your Son's incarnation, I am amazed at Your timing that I am also reading of His resurrection.  This just shows me how short this life is compared to eternity, and I'm glad I'll be spending it with You.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Friday, December 21, 2018

Matthew 27:45-56 Rejected By The Father

My commentary labeled this section "Rejected By The Father".  Once Jesus was affixed to the cross, darkness engulfed the land for three hours.  In Jewish history, there had been three days of darkness before the first Passover in Egypt, my commentary reminded us, so we can know that this darkness was similar -- not an eclipse or a sandstorm.

"After three hours, the darkness left.  Then Jesus cried, 'My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?' (Psalm 22:1).  It was during the time of darkness that Jesus had been made sin for us.  He had been forsaken by the Father!  That darkness was a symbol of the judgment that He endured when He was 'made a curse' for us ... How could a holy God look with favor on His Son who had become sin?" my commentary said.

At the moment of His death, "three miracles took place simultaneously:  The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; an earthquake opened many graves; and some saints arose from the dead," my commentary continued.  "The torn veil indicates that He conquered sin; the earthquake (similar to what Moses experienced on Mount Sinai when the law was given) suggests that He conquered the law and fulfilled it; and the resurrections prove that He defeated death."

Father, I envision Your Son on that cross in that terrible darkness, taking on the weight of the sins of the world, mentally flashing through scenes of every filthy act of every human who'd ever lived or would ever live.  It pains me to think of the suffering He endured when my own sins were put on Him and He was judged for them.  What agony I was a part of producing!  Forgive me.  Thank You for Your sacrifice.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Matthew 27:27-44 The Hours Before Crucifixion

"History states that Christ died, but theology explains, "Christ died for our sins."

Jesus had been up all night, during which he had been mocked by the soldiers.  They'd stripped Him and placed an old soldier's cloak on his bleeding back and a crown of thorns on his head.  Then they childishly acted out fake homage.  Some spat on Him and hit Him in the head with the reed they'd provided as His scepter, as had been prophesied in Isaiah 50:6, my commentary said.

He carried His cross part of the way, until the soldiers drafted Simon from Cyrene to get the procession moving along again.  They tried to give Him a narcotic drink to dull the pain, but He refused.  "He did the will of God in complete control of His faculties, fulfilling Psalm 69:21."  The soldiers gambled for His clothing, fulfilling Psalm 22:18.  The crucifixion was performed next to what in our day would be a highway, and passersby heaped scorn on Him, as did the Jewish leaders after He was affixed to that cross.  

Father, I marvel that You could even show such love to humans the way we treated Your Son.  You had every right to destroy the world, but instead You loved it.  Thank You for Your infinite love!
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Matthew 27:11-26 The Undoing of Pilate

My commentary started this section by showing how Pilate fit the bill for his position in this drama:  "He was not liked by the Jews because he did things that deliberately violated their law and provoked them.  He was not above killing people to accomplish his purposes."  Wee, he ought to get along great with that Jewish council!  Sounds just like them!  

The Jewish council had carefully crafted three charges against Jesus specifically designed to require Pilate to act:  "1) He was misleading the nation; 2) He was forbidding the payment of taxes, and 3) He was claiming to be king."  These got Pilate involved, because they threatened Roman rule."

Pilate, ever the politician concerned about maintaining his lifestyle, chose the "claiming to be king" charge.  "If he could deal with this revolutionary properly, Pilate could please the Jews AND impress the emperor at the same time," my commentary said.  However, once he and Jesus talked, Pilate was convinced Jesus posed no danger, and he was ready to free him.  Even a side visit to Herod, though, didn't go his way.

He then saw another opportunity in the annual tradition of releasing a prisoner during Passover.  He picked the vilest man in custody -- one no person would want released in his town -- yet the Jewish leaders incited the crowd to select him over Jesus!  The leaders were beginning a riot that they always fought against during Passover!  Pilate relented, and went down in history as the man who condemned Jesus to die.

Father, I know it was actually my sin that Jesus died for, taking them from me and placing them on my behalf upon Himself and facing Your wrath over them so I would never have to.  Even acknowledging this, I still find myself adding to that list of sins, yet He died for all of them -- even my future sins.  I will never be able to finish saying thank You when I see You both someday!
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Matthew 27:1-10 The End of Judas

The Jewish Council had met illegally, deciding Jesus' fate at night, so they reconvened in the morning to properly condemn Him to death.  Judas apparently witnessed the illegal trial, according to my commentary, and realized that Jesus had been condemned to die.  That made me wonder just what he'd been expecting of Jesus when he made the deal with the council for the 30 pieces of silver.  My commentary doesn't say.  If he truly expected an earthly kingdom and was convinced of Jesus' divine powers, might he have thought that Jesus was holding back or too timid to begin the hoped-for insurrection against the Romans to establish the earthly kingdom Judas expected and wanted to be a big part of?  Was his treachery his own way of forcing the issue, in the belief that, when pushed, Jesus would have to begin the process of instituting that earthly kingdom?  My commentary said Judas' response to the death sentence was remorse and regret.  The words in Matthew 27:3, it said, "indicate, not a sorrow for sin that leads to a change of mind and action, but a regreat at being caught, a remorse that leads to despair."  Now he realized that his dream was all over.  There was to be no place for him and no kingdom on earth, and he also likely feared the Romans would round up the whole crew for execution.

He tried to give back the money, but the priests, in their unbelievably kosher attitude, said it was tainted and they couldn't keep it.  He threw it at them and left, and he committed suicide.  They used the money to buy land for a cemetery to bury Jewish strangers who died in Jerusalem.  Their hypocrisy sickens me.  Judas' misunderstanding of Jesus' true mission (if indeed he had completely misunderstood) is terrible.

Father, keep my mind on You and what You are doing in this world.  Don't let me ever believe anything that is not of You.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Friday, December 14, 2018

Matthew 26:69-75 Peter Fails Christ

"Peter has been criticized for following afar off, but that was not his mistake.  His mistake was that he followed at all.  He was supposed to get out.  Jesus had warned Peter that he would deny Him ... Jesus had expressly commanded the disciples not to follow.  If Peter had listened to the Word and obeyed it, he would never have failed the Lord in such a humiliating way," my commentary said.

John also had followed with Peter and gotten both of them entrance into the high priest's house.  He was a part of this failure.

Instead of watching and praying, to keep them from temptation, they'd fallen asleep and later entered into temptation and Peter fell.  

"Mark's account of this event indicates that the cock crowed twice.  after the third denial, the cock crowed for the second time ... the first cock-crowing was a warning to Peter, and he should have left the scene immediately."

But after the resurrection, Jesus took Peter aside and restored him to his discipleship.  He then did the same publicly.  Peter learned "to put no confidence in his own strength."

Father, help me not to make rash decisions based on my own confidence, but to obey You.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Matthew 26:57-68 The Arrest

Those who arrested Jesus did not take Him straight to the house of the high priest.  Instead, they first stopped at the house of Annas, who was sort of the "godfather" behind the office of high priest.  Five of his sons had served as high priest, my commentary said, and now his son-in-law, Caiphas, was high priest.  (The Romans were limiting the term of high priest to suit them.)  

Witnesses could not be found that could truthfully present charges, so two false witnesses altered a statement He had made, reporting that He said, "I can destroy the temple of God and build it again in three days."  

Jesus would give no reply to the charges, even though the temple He'd referred to was His own body, and they were the ones doing the destroying.  

"Caiphas knew that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, so he put Him under oath to declare this.  The clever priest knew that Jesus could not avoid replying.  Jesus did affirm that He is the Son of God.  He applied to Himself Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13, both of which were messianic passages ... He predicted His resurrection and ascension."

Strangely, the Sadducees, which included Annas and Caiphas, did not believe in resurrection, and they only believed the five books of Moses were authoritative.  But, they pounced on Jesus' use of Psalm 110 and Daniel 7 and His claims about the coming resurrection!"

Father, years ago my own intellect got in the way of my beliefs about You and Your Son, just as theirs did here.  Please keep me humble and help me not to think I know better than You do.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Matthew 26:31-56 More Betrayal

Jesus took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane after the meal.  The name means "oil press", and with oil often symbolizing the Holy Spirit, it certainly seems fitting.  It's tempting to say that a long day, travel, and a big meal can lead to sleepiness, but Jesus commanded His disciples to watch and pray, and gave Peter personal warnings, yet all of them failed to obey His command.  Even His use of the prophecy in Zechariah 13:7 had no effect.

I cherished my commentary's discussion of Jesus agonizing over what was to come.  It's  easy to say that Jesus the divine had come to see what we humans cherish about physical life and that He was agonizing over the upcoming loss of it.  But my commentary said, "Jesus was not wrestling with God's will or resisting God's will.  He was yielding Himself to God's will.  As perfect Man, He felt the awful burden of SIN, and His holy soul was repelled by it.  Yet as the Son of God, He knew that this was His mission in the world.  The mystery of His humanity and deity is seen vividly in this scene."

Judas' multiple kisses used to identify Jesus to the guards were repulsive, particularly since Jesus identified Himself to them.  

Father, it's beyond our ability to understand the nastiness of sin that Your Son must have felt.  I can never thank Him enough for taking on mine!
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Matthew 26:17-30 Faithfulness vs Betrayal

"Faithfulness vs. Betrayal" is the title my commentary uses for this section.  It's amazing to watch God and Jesus at work providing for the Passover meal.  The disciples were to look for a man carrying a pitcher of water.  That sounds crazy to us, but in those days, women carried the water, not men.  This man would lead them to the upper room for the meal's preparation.  They'd then be able to find a perfect lamb, have it slain in the temple courtyard, then roast it whole.

"Up to the very end, the disciples did not realize that one of their own number, Judas, was the traitor.  They did not see any difference in the way Jesus treated Judas, which is remarkable testimony to our Lord's patience and love."

During the Passover meal, Jesus announced the presence of a traitor.  Each asked Him, "It isn't I, is it?", expecting a "no" answer.

Judas was sitting on Jesus' left, and John on His right.  "It was an honor to be given a morsel of bread by your host.  Jesus gave the bread to Judas, and Judas accepted it, knowing full well that he was betraying his Lord."

"Judas's treachery was predicted in Scripture and was part of the plan of God.  But from the human point of view, Judas was guilty of a base crime and was completely responsible for what he did.  Divine sovereignty and human responsibility are not in conflict, even though we may not be able to understand how they work together to fulfill God's will."

Father, You are all-wise and all-knowing.  I often don't understand how Your divine sovereignty works in light of my human responsibility, but I am so glad You offer grace.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Matthew 26:1-16 Worship, Not Waste

We read of Mary pouring very expensive ointment on Jesus, which He identified as worship and preparing His body for burial.  Judas was incensed by this, calling it waste, saying that it could have been sold for a great deal of money and given to the poor.

Jesus certainly cared for the poor.  He'd fed them twice in large numbers, healed them, and urged His followers to do likewise.

"Jesus didn't criticize the disciples because they were concerned about the poor.  He was concerned about the poor, and we should be, too.  He was cautioning them against missing their opportunity to worship Him.  They would always have opportunities to help the poor.  But they would not always have the opportunity to worship at His feet and prepare Him for burial," my commentary said.

Judas was the one who'd caused such a stir about wasting the money.  He wasn't a true believer, thinking Jesus was going to be a military savior of Israel, and that as His treasurer, he'd be appointed to an important post.  He was worried about the waste of a few ounces of liquid, but totally unconcerned about the waste of "his opportunities, his life, and his soul."

Father, keep pointing out the important things to me.  Show me how to best love those You put in my path.  And help me to relish worshiping You and Your Son.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Matthew 25:31-46 Sheep, Goats, and Brethren

My commentary titles this part "Christ's Coming And The Gentile Nations" and explains how Jesus will judge individuals who are not Jewish.  It says this is not the Great White Throne judgment being discussed, for that is to take place after Jesus' 1000-year reign.  "This judgment takes place on earth immediately after the battle of Armageddon, before the kingdom is established on earth, for the saved are told to inherit the kingdom."  It also has nothing to do with salvation by good works.

There are three groups mentioned -- sheep, goats, and brethren, and Warren Wiersbe says the brethren represent believing Jews from the tribulation period.  Sheep represent saved Gentiles, while goats represent unbelieving Gentiles.  It's his belief that the believing Gentiles stepped up to help believing Jews who will not take the mark of the beast and will therefore be unable to buy and sell during that time period.  The goats represent those unbelievers who did not care what happened to the believing Jews.  My commentary said, "There are sins of omission as well as sins of commission.  Not doing good is the moral equivalent of doing evil (James 4:17)."

It does say that the sheep were blessed but the goats were not cursed, and it reminds us that "Matthew 25:41 does not state that the everlasting fire was prepared for the goats.  It was prepared for the devil and his angels.  God never prepared hell for people.  There is no evidence from Scripture that God predestines people to go to hell.  If sinners listen to Satan, and follow his ways, they will end up where he ends up -- in the torments of hell.

Father, thank You for saving me from that destiny.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Friday, November 30, 2018

Matthew 25:14-30 The Three Servants

If we're not careful with parables, we can end up where we weren't intending to go.  For example, I can remember talking with some people about this parable and admonishing the two faithful servants for being so reckless with their master's money, because investing in ventures with 100% returns certainly indicates they were taking on high risks!  (That's the ex-banker in me)  But Jesus was using simple math, probably for simple people not trained in finance.

My commentary did a much better job:  "Each servant in this parable was given money according to his ABILITY ... We have been assigned our ministries according to the abilities and gifts God has given us.  It is our privilege to serve the Lord and multiply His goods."

"The unfaithful servant hid his talent in the earth.  Instead of using his opportunities, he buried them!  He did not purposefully do evil.  But by doing nothing, he was committing sin and robbing his Lord of service and increase."

What does that say to each of us about our involvement (or lack thereof) in ministries of our own churches?  By not participating, we may be just like the servant who buried his master's money.  God assigns us our ministries, and according to our abilities, which He placed within us and fully knows, much better than even we do.  We must trust Him.  

Father, show me what You would have me to do.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Matthew 25:1-13 He IS Coming Soon

My commentary began:  "The church has known for 2,000 years that Jesus is coming again, and yet many believers have become lethargic and drowsy.  They are no longer excited about the soon-coming of the Lord.  As a result, there is little effective witness given that the Lord is returning."  That fairly well describes the bridesmaids in the parable who hadn't bothered to keep their oil lamps filled.  Their duty was to wait and be ready, but they also got lethargic and complacent, probably thinking that it wouldn't happen that night.  Without their lamp burning, they weren't taken to the wedding feast.

We agree on once saved, always saved, yet my commentary did have a cautionary note:  ".... the foolish girls who had no oil suggests that not every professing Christian will enter heaven, for some really have not trusted Jesus Christ sincerely.  Without the Spirit of God and the Word of God, there can be no true salvation."

Father, thank You for reminding me that there is no time for complacency and lethargy in telling others about Christ, particularly those I love.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary For

Monday, November 26, 2018

Matthew 24:45-51 Jesus' Words for Us

My commentary says that these verses apply to the present church age, not to the Jewish nation, because "in this section, the emphasis is on the Lord delaying His return," since that is what He's doing now -- delaying his return.

"In this section, He describes inward attitudes," it said, not outward events.  "While everyone who has trusted Jesus Christ as Savior is going to heaven, not every believer is ready to meet the Lord."

When Christians are judged by Jesus in Heaven, it will not be our sins that are judged, because those have already been judged on the cross.  "But He will judge our works and will give rewards to those who have earned them."  Here He judges obedient vs disobedient servants.  In Galatians and Ephesians, God's people on earth are called a household, and "God has put servants over each household to feed the members ... The purpose of spiritual leadership is that the leaders feed the peoplenot that the people feed the leaders! ... It is a serious thing to be a pastor or other officer in a local church.  We must take care that our motives are right and that we serve Christ and His people in love ... The servant's task is not to be popular, but to be obedient.  He must feed the family the food that it needswhen it needs it."

"If the spiritual leaders is obediently doing his job when the Lord returns, he shall be rewarded.  But if that leader is not doing his job when the Lord returns, he will be dealt with in a severe way ... The whole picture is one of pain and loss.  This does not suggest punitive measures at the judgment seat of Christ, because there we will have glorified bodies.  But it does suggest loss of reward and loss of opportunity."  

"What caused this servant's downfall?  Something went wrong in his heart ... He mistreated his fellow servants.  Whenever God's servants cannot work together, it is often because somebody has forgotten that the Lord will return ... That should motivate us to be faithful and loving."

Father, please help me to serve where You want and to serve as You taught us.  Remind me often that service requires great responsibility.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Friday, November 16, 2018

Matthew 24:15-44 The Middle and End of the Tribulation

Jesus packs a lot of information into these verses, drawing together things Daniel was shown centuries before and actually spanning a large part of Israel's history.  There's mention of seventy weeks, but my commentary said the Hebrew word for week means "a week of years" or 70 years, and also seventy sevens, meaning 490 years:

1)  "During 7 weeks (49 years) the city of Jerusalem would be rebuilt and worship reestablished.  (That happened in the Old Testament).
2)  After 63 weeks (434 years) Messiah would come to Jerusalem and die for the sins of the world.  That totals 483 years.  
3)  The prince will make an agreement with the Jews for one week (seven years) to protect them from their enemies.  (483 + 7 = 490)

The decree to rebuild Jerusalem was given in 445 BC by Cyrus ... There were exactly 482 prophetic years (of 360 days each) between the giving of the decree and the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the King."

The remaining week of seven years was to take place after Jerusalem was destroyed (in 70 AD) and rebuilt.  (From Daniel 9:26)  "The prince that shall come is a name for the Antichrist and at some future date he will make his covenant with Israel and come to the city to permit them to rebuild the temple.  That's  when the final seven years will begin, according to my commentary.

Jesus goes on to talk about the middle and end of the Great Tribulation, which Christians now living will not have to endure, most Bible scholars say.

Father, I'm glad that You pursued me and save me by the sacrifice of Your Son, so that I won't have to worry about any of this ... Help those I love to also accept His sacrifice and join us with You there.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Matthew 24:1-14 Jesus Begins To Discuss The Tribulation

The questions the disciples had asked Jesus about the destruction of the Temple showed that "the atmosphere of this discourse is Jewish... concerning the Jewish people.  The full truth about the rapture of the church had not yet been revealed, for it was a mystery," my commentary began.  

Jesus began discussing in this chapter tribulation events -- the church is taken out, then a time of peace and safety, then the suffering.  Then He will return.

In these verses, He lets us know what the beginning of the tribulation will be like.  It includes religious deception where the Antichrist will make a protection agreement that will be welcomed by Israel.

There will still be wars, as there always have been.  My commentary indicates that it's almost assuring us of the normality of war -- that the time of peace doesn't mean there won't be war.

Famine will skyrocket food costs.  Deaths in increasing natural disasters will be notable, including epidemics.

Christians will face increasing persecution, including deaths, and all nations will be involved, not just a few -- something that hasn't happened before.

Lack of loyalty and lawlessness will reach such a level that law enforcement agencies will not be able to keep the peace.

The 144,000 Jewish evangelists from Revelation 7 will carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.  But my commentary specifically stated, "This verse does not teach that the gospel of God's grace must be spread to every nation today before Jesus can return for the church.  It is the Lord's return at the end of the age that is in view here.

Father, these events are hard to imagine, but the increase in lawlessness we've seen in our own country the past two years sure let's us know it's possible.  Protect us, and help us to bring others into Your fold.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Matthew 23:37-39 Hard Truth And Ridiculous Grace

"Jesus spoke these words of lamentation as a sincere expressions of His love for Jerusalem, and His grief over the many opportunities for salvation that they had passed by," my commentary said.  "God could not force His salvation on the people; neither could He change the consequences of their stubborn rejection."

How incredibly sad it must have been to offer them so much and all they had to do was accept it and conform their lives to God!  Yet people today are just as blinded to the truth and react in the same manner, as if their very life and liberty would be taken away if they did!  Jesus was heartbroken for His own people, who would not accept Him as their Savior and Messiah.

Father, I marvel at Your patience and goodness, and as Tauren Wells puts it, "hard truth and ridiculous grace," combined to become Your love for us!  Thank You for pursuing me until I finally understood and gave in!  Do that for those I love as well, Father!
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Friday, November 9, 2018

Matthew 23:13-36 They Weren't Clean On The Inside

My commentary said Jesus did not lose His temper and He wasn't bitterly angry in these verses.  He was angry at the Pharisees' sins and what they were doing to people.  But His attitude was one of painful sorrow that the Pharisees were blinded to God's truth and to their own sins.

Some things it noted:

"It's bad enough when you keep yourself out of the kingdom, but worse when you stand in the way of others."

"Instead of mourning over their own sins and mourning with needy widows, the Pharisees took advantage of people in order to rob them."

"Jesus called them children of the devil -- people who rejected God's way of salvation (righteousness through faith in Christ)."

"They were blind to the true values of life.  Their priorities were confused ... They were not seeking for the righteousness of God; they were greedy for gain.  They worked out a religious system that permitted them to rob God and others and still maintain their reputations."

"The Pharisees majored on the minors.  They had rules for every minute area of life, while at the same time they forgot about the important things."

"The Pharisees were careful to keep the outside very clean because that was the part that men would see, and they wanted the praise of men.  But God sees the heart."

"The Pharisees were liars and murderers."

How very different from Jesus they were.  I want to be like You, Jesus!

 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Matthew 23:1-12 What Was Wrong With The Pharisees

Jesus explained to the common people what was so wrong with most Pharisees and the way they viewed their religion.  According to my commentary:

1)  "They had a false concept of righteousness -- They had assumed an authority not their own.  They had seated themselves in Moses' seat ... There is no record in Scripture that God assigned any authority to this group ... Jesus told the people they were not to obey the traditions and the man-made rules of the Pharisees ... To the Pharisee, righteousness meant outward conformity... They ignored the inward condition of the heart.

2)  They had a false concept of ministry -- To them, ministry meant handing down laws to the people and adding to their burdens ... The Pharisees commanded, but they did not participate.  They were hypercritical religious dictators, not spiritual leaders.

3)  They had a false concept of greatness -- To them, success meant recognition by men and praise from men.  They were not concerned about the approval of God ... They thought that position and titles of honor were a mark of greatness."

1 Peter 5:6 says that if we exalt ourselves, God will humble us.  But if we humble ourselves, in due time God will exalt us.

Father, keep me humble, and keep me serving You.  Don't let me get my priorities mixed up.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Monday, November 5, 2018

Matthew 22:41-46 A Personal Question

"Jesus had to take an indirect approach with His enemies.  He made this sound like another theological question, when in reality it was the most important personal question they would ever face," my commentary began.

"Whose Son is the Messiah?" Jesus asked.  "They knew the answer:  He is the Son of David.'  Once they had given this answer, He asked a second question .... quoting from Psalm 110:1 -- 'The Lord [Jehovah] said unto my Lord [Adonai], 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'"

They knew this referred to Messiah.  "Only the Messiah could sit at the right hand of Jehovah God ... Nobody dared to question the accuracy or the authority of the text.  'If Messiah is David's Son, then how could Messiah also be David's Lord?'  There is only one answer to this question.  As God, Messiah is David's Lord; as man, He is David's Son.  He is both 'the root and the offspring of David' (Rev. 22:16).  Psalm 110:1 teaches the deity and humanity of Messiah.  He is David's Lord and He is David's Son."

Jewish scholars couldn't get their arms around this.  They wondered if there were two Messiahs.  And how could God's servant suffer and die?  (Guess they forgot about the prophets they'd killed.)  They couldn't put together human and divine.  "They dared not ask Jesus any more questions, not because they had believed the truth, but because they were afraid of the truth.  They didn't have courage to believe the truth and act on it.  We dare not make the same mistake today."  

So..... who do you say that Jesus is?

 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Friday, November 2, 2018

Matthew 22:34-40 An Ethical Question

The Pharisees were likely overjoyed with the way Jesus embarrassed the Sadducees, their enemies, even though they wanted to kill Him, too.  One Pharisee, though, showed respect for Jesus and asked Him a question:  "Which is the greatest commandment?"  Jewish scribes had been debating this for centuries, my commentary said.

Jesus answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind ... And the second command is like the first:  'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'"

My commentary said, "If we have a right relationship with God, we will have no problems with His commandments.  Love is the basis for obedience."

There's that little word 'all' in those verses, and I wonder how often we try to hedge with it or ignore it.  Perhaps we decide to love God with 95% of our hearts, or 92% of our minds.  Perhaps there are commandments that we might have problems with.  Perhaps we have trouble keeping them.  To me, we can have no problems with His commandments (we agree that they are right), yet in our sin, we break them, fully knowing we are wrong, not the commandments.  That becomes a place where our relationship with God suffers, and as it said, "Love is the basis for obedience."  We have to love Him more than we love ourselves.  Ronnie Hill, my friend who is a youth evangelist, always said 95% obedience = 100% disobedience.

Father, help me to continue to have that kind of love for You.  When I'm tempted to love myself more, remind me of where that's gotten me in the past.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Matthew 22:23-33 A Doctrinal Question

The Sadducees thought they could win where the Pharisees and Herodians had failed.  They only believed in the authority of the five books of Moses.  They did not believe in resurrection, saying that Moses never mentioned it.

"But Jesus told them that they were ignorant, didn't know the Scriptures, and didn't know the power of God (meaning they really didn't know God) ... Jesus wanted to answer their claim that there was no resurrection, and He did it by referring to Moses! ... He reminded them of Exodus 3:6, where God said to Moses, 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'  He did not say, 'I was the God of Abraham'... By saying 'I am,' the Lord made it clear that these three men of faith were at that time ALIVE.  And by repeating 'the God of', the Lord was saying that He knew them and loved them personally and individually," my commentary said.

Father, thank You that they are alive and that I know that I will one day be just as alive after I leave this earth, fully known and loved by You!
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Matthew 22:15-22 A Political Question

"Several truths were taught by Jesus:  Christians must honor and obey rulers; Christians must honor and obey God; and man bears God's image and owes God his all," my commentary said.

Two Jewish groups were enemies -- the Pharisees and the Herodians.  Pharisees hated Roman occupation of their country.  Herodians supported Herod, the ruler assigned by Rome, and they wanted to do anything necessary to keep him in power.  Jesus was their common foe, and so they chose to work together against Him; they picked the poll tax.  No matter how He answered, He'd anger someone.  Refusing to pay it would anger Rome, and requiring its payment would anger the Jews.

He knew their hearts and their plans.  Looking at a Roman coin, He asked who was portrayed on it.  "Caesar."  He then said they should give what was Caesar's (the money) to him and give what was God's (their very lives) to Him.  

Father, please help our country right now to understand these truths and to take them to heart.  We desperately need You now.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Monday, October 29, 2018

Matthew 22:1-14 Blaspheming The Holy Spirit

I've wondered about this part of chapter 22, and I liked how my commentary explained it.  Here is what it said:

"Again, we meet the Father and the Son, and the Son is alive (in spite of what the husbandmen did) and has a bride!  The suggestion is that the Lord Jesus and His church are depicted ... The Father is still inviting the people of Israel to come, in spite of what they did to His Son ... How did the nation's leaders respond to the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the apostles?  They rejected the Word and persecuted the church... How did the king in the parable respond to the way the people treated his servants?  He became angry and sent his armies to destroy them and their city.  He then turned to other people and invited them to come to the feast.  This is a picture of God dealing with Israel.  They rejected the Father when they refused to obey John the Baptist's preaching.  Israel rejected the Son when they arrested Him and crucified Him ... The Holy Spirit came on the early believers and they witnessed with great power that Jesus was alive and the nation could be saved ... But Israel also rejected the Holy Spirit.  (Stephen said so in Acts 7:51).  With the stoning of Stephen, God's patience with Israel began to end, though He delayed the judgment for almost 40 years ... This final rejection is, to me, the awful blasphemy against the Holy Spirit that Jesus spoke about in Matthew 12:22-32.  This was a national sin, committed by Israel ... the rulers rejected the witness of the Spirit, and this brought final judgment.  They had rejected the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, and there were no more opportunities left.  This 'sin against the Holy Spirit' cannot be committed today in the same way as Israel committed it, because the situation is different."

Father, thank You for not giving up on me when I was away from You.  I don't know what I'd have done and where I'd be if You had said, "Forget him!"
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Matthew 21:33-46 It Applies To Us

Still on the vineyard parable, my commentary referred me to Isaiah 5:1-7.  "Jesus reminded the Jews of God's goodness to them as a nation.  God delivered them from Egypt and planted them in a rich land of milk and honey.  He gave them material and spiritual blessings and asked only that they bear fruit for His glory.  From time to time, God sent His servants (the prophets) to the people to receive the fruit.  But the people mistreated the servants, and even killed some of them.  What should the householder (of the parable) do?  He could have sent his armies to destroy these wicked men.  But instead he sent his own son to them.  The reference, of course, is to Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  He is the heir ... The people listening to the parable were caught up in the drama and did not realize that they passed sentence on themselves."

If we're not careful, we'll get caught up in this, thing how stupid those Jews were for not seeing who Christ was, and we won't realize that the story fits us as well.  We crucify Him with our sin.

Father, never let me forget that You didn't give me what I deserved.  Instead, in Your love, You gave me grace.  And that grace is Jesus.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Disobedience And A Basic Principle Of Christian Living

The religious leaders demanded that Jesus explain what authority He had to cleanse the Temple.  After all, they were the temple leaders, and if it truly needed cleansing, they were the ones to do it.  The real problem was that they were the ones polluting it with foreign currency exchange and overpriced and selectively approved sacrifice sales.  For three years He'd been openly saying His authority came from God, yet they were unwilling to accept that answer.

My commentary said, "It is a basic principle of Christian living that we cannot learn NEW truth if we disobey what God has already told us.  'If any man is willing to do His will, he shall KNOW of the teaching, whether it is of God.' (John 7:17 NASB)."

"The religious rulers had rejected the truth preached by John, and therefore Jesus could not impart new truth.  Both He and John were under the same authority."

Father, I've also experienced "dry" spiritual times when it seemed my willingness and ability to learn more of Your truths were blocked.  Help me to know when disobedience is involved, so that I may reconnect with what You are wanting to show me each and every day.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Matthew 21:12-22 Did Jesus Really Get Angry And Kill A Tree?

Jesus had to reveal the hypocrisy of Israel in this section and chose to do so by 1)  cleansing the temple, and 2) cursing a fig tree.  My commentary helped particularly with that last part.

The very idea that the temple -- the holiest place in Israel -- should need cleansing says it all.  God had ordained and designed the Court of the Gentiles as a place where non-Jews could observe the Jewish rituals and become knowledgeable about Himself.  Annas, the former high priest, and his sons managed to turn it into a service center were they carried out an extremely lucrative foreign currency exchange and place to purchase "approved" sacrifices.  The Gentiles were effectively crowded out, and in fact most had no desire to worship in such an area.

My commentary also said, "When Jesus called the temple "My house", He was affirming that He is God."  He also called it a den of thieves because "the religious leaders were using the temple and the Jewish religion to cover up their sins."

I had been puzzled by the fig tree, though.  Being God, it seems Jesus would have known before approaching it that it bore no fruit.  Also, "the same power that killed the tree could also have given it new life and fruit.  Jesus certainly would not hold a tree morally responsible for being fruitless," my commentary said.  "The fig tree symbolized the nation of Israel ... Just as this tree had leaves but no fruit, so Israel had a show of religion but no practical experience of faith resulting in godly living.  Jesus was not angry with the tree.  Rather, He used this tree to teach several lessons to His disciples."  It fulfilled the purpose for which it had been created!

Primarily, "God wants us to produce fruit in the lives of His people ... the main interpretation has to do with Israel.  The time of judgment had come ... Jesus used this event to teach His disciples a practical lesson about faith and prayer ... The temple was supposed to be a house of prayer, and the nation was to be a believing people.  But both of these essentials were missing.  We too must beware the peril of fruitlessness."

Father, lead me to bear fruit for You as You have planned for eternity past.  Show me what changes You want me to make to do that.

 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Friday, October 12, 2018

Matthew 21:1-11 His First Planned Public Demonstration

Jesus had never planned and promoted a public demonstration of His message and ministry until this point, my commentary said.  In fact, He'd cautioned people not to tell who He was.  In doing so now, "He was obeying the Word and fulfilling the prophecy recorded in Zechariah 9:9, which could only apply to Jesus Christ, for He is the only One with credentials that prove He is Israel's King."

Zechariah opened with "Rejoice greatly!"  But Jesus wept because He saw judgment coming.  Matthew had omitted, "He is just, and having salvation," my commentary said, because His act of mercy and grace was not an act of judgment.  He did bring salvation, but they refused to accept it.

"The public presentation did something else:  It forced the Jewish leaders to act ... The prophetic Scriptures required that the Lamb of God be crucified on Passover.  This demonstration ... incited the rulers to act ... Even our Lord's miracles didn't convince them of who He is."

Father, You are all-wise and all-knowing, and every action in this chapter exactly fit the plan You designed before the creation of our world.  Help me to take to heart that You are still just as all-wise and all-knowing.  I can trust You with my life.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Matthew 20:17-34 Third Demand of Our King -- Glorify Him Completely

The previous demands of the King were that we love Him supremely and obey Him unreservedly.  This section shows that we must also glorify Him completely, my commentary says.

James and John and their mother approached Jesus requesting that the two disciples get reserved seats on special thrones in Jesus' kingdom.  They at least did believe in prayer and they dared to believe the promise Jesus had given about sitting on thrones.  And it took faith to believe He would establish these thrones, sine He'd just told them He was going to die.

Yet there were also several things wrong with their request:  "They wanted their will, not God's will, and they wanted it their way ... they lacked heavenly direction.  They were thinking like the world ... Their request was fleshly, because they were selfishly asking for glory for themselves, not for the Lord ... The request was of the devil.  It was motivated by pride.  Satan had sought a throne and had been cast down."

"The key to greatness is not found in position or power, but in character.  We get a throne by paying with our lives, not by praying with our lips ... If our prayers do not bring us nearer to the cross, they are out of God's will."
"We cannot acknowledge Jesus as our King unless we love Him supremely, obey Him u, and glorify Him completely.  But if we do these things, we will share in His life and joy, and one day reign with Him!"

Father, show me if I'm lacking in any area, and help me to obey.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Monday, October 8, 2018

Matthew 20:1-16 Careful How We Understand This

It's certainly important to have a good understanding of what was really going on in this parable.  Peter's previous question, "We have forsaken all, and followed You; what then shall we have?", led to the possibility of a wrong motive for service, my commentary said, and Jesus told the next parable as a result.

My commentary began by stating outright that "the parable has nothing to do with salvation ... nobody works for his salvation.  Nor is the parable talking about rewards, for we are not all going to receive the same reward ... The parable is emphasizing a right attitude in service ... there were actually two kinds of laborers in the parable -- those who wanted a contract and agreed to work for a fixed amount, and those who had no contract and agreed to take whatever the owner thought was fair."

Those who had the contract were paid last, and they watched as the generosity of the master played out, only tof ind that they got only what they agreed to  -- because they did not trust the goodness of the owner!  Had they, they would have received far more.  

"The lesson for Christ's disciples ... 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 ... We must trust Him unreservedly and believe that He will always give what is best."  Finally, it said, "Beware of the danger of watching other workers and measuring yourself by them... We see the worker and the work, but God sees the heart ... We must beware of criticizing God and feeling that we have been left out."

Father, keep my eyes on You and not on others.  I know that I can trust You to give me more than I could ever imagine.  Never let me doubt that!
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Friday, October 5, 2018

Matthew 19:16-30 The Rightful Demands He Makes On Us

My commentary says that here the Lord explains "the rightful demands that He makes on those who want to trust Him and be His disciples."

First, we must love Him supremely.  The rich young ruler was sincere, but he'd been trained that salvation was by works and not by faith -- something the Jewish people believed at that time.  "In spite of his position is society, his morality, and his religion, he felt a definite need for something more."

In His reply, Jesus didn't focus on salvation, but on the definition of the word "good".  In effect, He said, "Do you believe that I am good and therefore that I am God?"  When the young man, "Which commandment?", it seems that he thought some commandments were more important to keep than others.  He failed to understand that breaking one breaks all.  He was also thinking only of external obedience.  He'd forgotten about attitudes of the heart.

"Jesus knew that this man was covetous; he loved material wealth.  By asking Him to sell his goods, Jesus was forcing him to examine his own heart and determine his priorities ... the young man still did not truly love God with all of his heart.  Possessions were his god.  He was unable to obey..."

Father, help me to turn loose of everything that I might try to love more than You.  Help me to understand the promises Jesus made at the start of this -- that You'll reward me a hundred times more for what I sacrifice -- and that it isn't really a sacrifice, but an investment.
 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Matthew 19:1-15 Divorce

"The religious leaders had already tried to ensnare Jesus with questions about the Sabbath ... and they'd failed.  They tried again, this time with a most controversial issue -- divorce," my commentary began.  "Instead of going back to Deuteronomy, Jesus went back to Genesis."  We can find there God's original design and intention for men and women.  Divorce laws wouldn't be needed if it were followed.

It's amazing to hear this:  "The only thing that was not good about creation was the fact that the man was alone.  The woman was created to meet this need ... Marriage makes possible the continuation of the species ... From the beginning, it was God's command that sex be practiced in the commitment of marriage.  Outside of marriage, sex becomes a destructive force, but within the loving commitment of marriage, sex can be creative and constructive," it continued.

"The Pharisees were not interested in discovering truth.  They were interested only in defending themselves and what they believed.  This was why they asked about the Jewish law of divorce in Deut. 24:1-4.  Moses gave only one commandment:  The divorced wife could not return to her first husband if she was put away by a second husband.  Moses did not command divorce; he permitted it."

"The divorce that Moses permitted in Deut 24 actually severed the original marriage relationship.  God permitted the woman to marry again, and her second marriage was not considered adulterous.  The second man she married was called a husband and not an adulterer ... This means that scriptural divorce does sever the marriage relationship.  Man cannot break the relationship by his laws, but God can break it ... Jesus made it clear that this Mosaic law was a concession on God's part ... Rather than having two people living together in constant conflict, with one or both of them seeking fulfillment elsewhere and thus commit sin, God permitted divorce.  This divorce included the right to remarriage.

Father, I pray for my friends who have gone through this.  Help them to know Your heart and Your love for them, and draw them closer to You!

 
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford