Friday, April 05, 2013

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Friday, April 05, 2013        I Warned My Disciples      

Page 274      Matthew 26:30-35; Mark 14: 26-31; Luke 22: 31-39

Today’s reading is a classic illustration of strategy and tactics. A strategy is the master plan employed to fulfill a vision. Tactics are specific actions implemented to advance the strategy. God’s vision is the redemption of all humankind. God’s strategy was simple: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

The tactics of Jesus, God’s only Son, included all the miracles he performed as well as the times when Jesus sent out his disciples “to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (Luke 9: 1-6 and Luke 10:1-20). In those instances, God’s tactics included Jesus’ favor going with the disciples for their protection, and the assurance of the success of their mission. In today’s reading Jesus told his disciples that the former tactic (Jesus’ favor for protection) will no longer be employed. Now the disciples are to “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!” (Luke 22:36). The Acts of the Apostles and the epistles of Paul contain ample proof that Jesus’ hedge of protection for his followers had been removed, as the disciples encountered many trials and tribulations in the fulfillment of their mission.

However, Jesus has not left us alone and defenseless. Jesus prayed for Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail” (Luke 22:31-32). And, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34 NIV).

God’s vision is still the redemption of the world. His strategy for Jesus as the Messiah of Israel has been replaced with Jesus living his life through his fully devoted followers. God’s tactics for fulfilling His strategy are for His children to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”

(Matthew 28:19-20a).

Without doubt our mission is very demanding and difficult, and at times dangerous. Even so, God is faithful:

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age”

(Matthew 28:20b).

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  In addition to this BLOG they are distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com. The BLOG is also available on Amazon Kindle, by subscription

The second edition of my book, First Think – Then Pray has been released as an e-book on Amazon Kindle. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGQL5JC

The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ

(Seed Sowers Christian Book Publishing House. http://www.seedsowers.com/)

Monday, April 08, 2013      Gethsemane

Page 277      Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46; John 18:1