Seductive subordinate loyalties ∙  

Seductive subordinate loyalties ∙  

Who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? – Luke 14:28

Luke 9:57-62

 57 Someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

 58 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

 59 He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, saying, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

 60 But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! You must go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”

 61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”

 62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

“Smart leaders understand that their job requires them to identify trade-offs, choosing what not to do as much as what to do. Grading the importance of various initiatives in an environment of finite resources is a primary test of leadership” (HBR).

Three interdependent elements are crucial for executing any project: objectives, resources, and timing. Achieving the desired outcome of a project requires clear goals, sufficient resources, and an appropriate timeline. If you alter one part of this triangle, the others must be adjusted accordingly.

While all three elements are vital, resources are the most crucial. They are what allow an objective to be met within a given timeframe; without adequate resources, any project remains a mere concept. Once a leader decides which resources will be allocated to specific objectives over certain periods, the need for ranking diminishes. This process naturally distinguishes three types of priorities: critical, important, and desirable (HBR).

The invitation from the Lord Jesus Christ to follow Him isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the most crucial and vital calling, surpassing all other loyalties. It is not merely desirable or important; it is essential and indispensable. It requires our unwavering commitment, and anything that hinders our complete dedication to Him must be set aside (ESV, Notes).

This requires a paradigm shift in our priorities, focusing solely on what truly matters. Sadly, less critical priorities can gradually blur our focus, drain our energy, and consume our efforts. We begin to struggle with the seductiveness of subordinate allegiances. Dr. Richard H. Seume describes it as “The lure of the lesser loyalty.” Often, it’s the minor distractions, the little things, not major crises, that steal our time from the Father. They nibble away on our commitments, and we lose our laser focus. We hardly notice the erosion of our determination and resolve to the Father’s prime directive for us.

Song of Solomon 2:15 Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!

Foxes, small animals that can damage vineyards, often dig around vines, loosening soil and destabilizing roots. They chew on trunks and roots, which can kill the vines or prevent fruit production. By eating tender shoots and grapes, they can destroy the crop for the season. 

This could easily be restated as: “It’s the little foxes, not the lions, that spoil the vineyard” or “The biggest threats come from the smallest sources.” The foxes symbolize the little things not effectively dealt with that add up and create hindrances that stand in the way of the fulfillment of objectives. In Song of Solomon 2:15, they threaten to spoil love relationships.

REFLECT & PRAY

“The path of Christianity is strewn with the litter of straying saints. Invariably, each who has strayed has chosen to be led by a lesser loyalty” (Swindoll).

Father, the poignant words “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love” haunt me whenever I sing them. They bring tears to my eyes as I reflect on my tendency to stray from the God I cherish. Please take my heart and seal it for your courts above.

INSIGHT

Robert Robinson (1735-1790) may not be best remembered for his sermons, as they have been more or less lost to history. Yet, his hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” has become immortalized. At the age of 20, Robinson was introduced to Christianity by George Whitfield in 1755. Just two years later, in 1757, he penned a hymn that reflected his newfound joy and confidence in his faith.

Sadly, over time, Robinson began to stray from his dedication and drifted away from his commitment to the truth of Scripture. He became “a great soul racked and rent by the clash of inward loyalties” (Graham W. Hughes). “The allurement and siren song of “intellectual” speculations loosed him from his theological moorings until he drifted far from shore and became shipwrecked in heresy” (Doug Kutilek). His spiritual turmoil robbed him of the joy his own words once brought him.

A popular, though unverifiable, anecdote recounts that during a stagecoach journey, a woman asked Robinson’s opinion on the hymn she was singing. He reportedly replied, “Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then” (christianity.com).

How tragic it is that the seductiveness of subordinate loyalties can lure away any child of the King.

How can we avoid drifting away?

To prevent such drifting, we must thoughtfully consider our priorities and ensure we have the resources to follow through and complete the Father’s assignment He has for each of us. We are called to be His disciples. True discipleship demands significant sacrifice and commitment.

Luke 14:28-32

 28 But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?

 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you.

 30 They would say, “There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!”

 31 Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him?

 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away.

These Scriptures reveal profound truths. They highlight that one can follow the Lord Jesus Christ without fully committing to discipleship. An anecdote tells of a conversation with a renowned scholar about a former student. The scholar remarked, “He may have attended my lectures, but he was not one of my students” (Barclay).

Tragically, there are many believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, but so few who are genuinely committed and faithful disciples.

It is crucial to count the cost of following Christ. While the demands may seem daunting, we are not expected to meet them alone. The One who calls us to this challenging path accompanies us every step of the way and awaits us at the journey’s end (Barclay).

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love.

Take my heart; O take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above.

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© Dr. H 2024

From Milquetoast to Moses ∙∙

From Milquetoast to Moses ∙∙

By faith [Moses] endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. – Hebrews 11:27

Hebrews 11:24-29  

 24 It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

 25 He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.

 27 It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

 29 It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned.

Timidity is characterized by a deficiency in courage and confidence. Timid individuals often lack self-assurance and inner strength. They are quickly startled and remain on high alert. This state is typically marked by self-doubt and anxiety about what might happen. Perpetually shadowed by self-doubt, they are preoccupied with the fear of unforeseen circumstances. Such individuals navigate life with a cautious tread, constantly wary of what might lie around the corner.

“The timid are afraid before the danger, the cowardly while in danger, and the courageous after danger” (Jean Paul).

“History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid” (Dwight D. Eisenhower).

And yet the Father chose Moses to become one of the most outstanding leaders of all time.

Numbers 12:3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more humble than any other person on earth.

The Hebrew term anav, often rendered as “meek” or “humble,” essentially means to be lowly, bent over, and in need, paired with a humble mindset that chooses to endure wrongs rather than retaliate. In the Targum Palestine, this translates as being bowed down in his mind, i.e., overwhelmed (Pulpit Commentary).

Moses initially resembled the timid and cautious Mr. Casper Milquetoast, incarnate, a timid soul, “the man who speaks softly and gets hit with a big stick.” Think Barney Fife rather than the imposing figure of Charlton Heston.

Despite this, Moses was transformed into a man of faith and a formidable leader. How did this change occur? Initially, he acted out by slaying an Egyptian, and things immediately went from bad to worse. It led to immediate and severe repercussions, leaving him humiliated and exiled to the wilderness.

The wilderness is the Father’s school for testing, preparation, and refinement. Moses undoubtedly faced significant discouragement and disillusionment. What motivated his actions as he faced the challenges of life? He had more excellent opportunities than most people could ever imagine. His heart was forever captured when he encountered the Father at Sinai. The Father spoke words of assurance, commitment, and purpose into his heart.

Moses lacked confidence, and his first words after the Father told him what He wanted him to do were filled with recoiling self-doubt, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)

Moses offered many excuses as to why he was a poor choice and inadequate for the task.

Exodus 4:10 Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

The Father used Moses just as he was, filled with doubt and lacking confidence. Does that hit a little close to home? The Father uses folks just like us.

Despite it all, God eventually used Moses to free the Israelites from Pharaoh’s control, just as the Lord had promised. By faith. . . he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible (NLT).

Moses overcame Pharaoh by believing that the Father would keep His promises.

Exodus 4:11-12

 11 Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD?

 12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”

“When we trust God, we get what God can do; but when we trust ourselves, we get only what weak people can do” (Wiersbe).

REFLECT & PRAY

Whatever task the Father assigns us, He will empower us to accomplish it as long as we stay focused on Him and rely on His strength and direction.

Isaiah 46:11 I have said what I would do, and I will do it. I have planned it; surely I will do it.

Father, I recognize many of Moses’ weaknesses in myself. Please inspire me to live by faith and place my trust in You.

INSIGHT

Life is fleeting, and wisdom is learning to hear the Father’s voice, attuning ourselves to the Father’s guidance, and making the best choices grounded in what He Says.

While the Bible acknowledges that sin brings momentary pleasure and godliness involves temporary hardship, the ultimate rewards of a godly life far surpass the fleeting joys of sin (Stanley).

Of course, it is important to remember that not all pleasures are sinful.

1 Timothy 6:17 God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.

However, many impulses and cravings can lead to sinful actions. Frequently, our yearnings and desires are emotional reactions to the things we see, taste, or experience. By engaging our conscious mind, we can seize these impulses or random thoughts and desires, allowing us to resist them effectively (2 Corinthians 10:4).

Hebrews 11:25 [Moses] chooses to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

“Moses chose the imperishable, saw the invisible, and did the impossible” (Havner).

“The decisions we make today will determine the rewards tomorrow. More than this, our decisions should be motivated by the expectation of receiving rewards . . . The Epistle to the Hebrews emphasizes: ‘Don’t live for what the world will promise you today! Live for what God has promised you in the future’” (Wiersbe)!

Hebrews 12:2 Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God, the Father.

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© Dr. H 2024

Duking it out with Dagon ∙

Duking it out with Dagon ∙

After the Philistines captured the Ark of God, they took it from the battleground at Ebenezer to the town of Ashdod. They carried the Ark of God into the temple of Dagon and placed it beside an idol of Dagon. – 1 Samuel 5:1-2

1 Samuel 5:3-12

 3 But when the citizens of Ashdod went to see it the next morning, Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground in front of the Ark of the LORD! So they took Dagon and put him in his place again.

 4 But the following day, the same thing happened – Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the LORD again. This time his head and hands had broken off and were lying in the doorway. Only the trunk of his body was left intact.

 5 That is why to this day, neither the priests of Dagon nor anyone who enters the temple of Dagon in Ashdod will step on its threshold.

 6 Then the LORD’s heavy hand struck the people of Ashdod and the nearby villages with a plague of tumors.

 7 When the people realized what was happening, they cried out, “We can’t keep the Ark of the God of Israel here any longer! He is against us! We will all be destroyed along with Dagon, our god.”

 8 So they called together the rulers of the Philistine towns and asked, “What should we do with the Ark of the God of Israel?” The rulers discussed it and replied, “Move it to the town of Gath.” So they moved the Ark of the God of Israel to Gath.

 9 But when the Ark arrived at Gath, the LORD’s heavy hand fell on its men, young and old; he struck them with a plague of tumors, and there was a great panic.

 10 So they sent the Ark of God to the town of Ekron, but when the people of Ekron saw it coming, they cried out, “They are bringing the Ark of the God of Israel here to kill us, too!”

 11 The people summoned the Philistine rulers again and begged them, “Please send the Ark of the God of Israel back to its own country, or it will kill us all.” For the deadly plague from God had already begun, and great fear was sweeping across the town.

 12 Those who didn’t die were afflicted with hemorrhoids, and the cry from the town rose to heaven.

Luck is often described as an unexpected event or situation that happens by chance beyond our control. Many people see luck as a guiding force in their lives. A good luck charm is an object believed to bring fortune to its owner, often carried or worn for protection. These charms can be anything from a horseshoe or four-leaf clover to a rabbit’s foot, lucky coin, religious emblem, or talisman.

The idea of good luck charms is closely tied to superstition. Even though there’s no scientific evidence to back their effectiveness, these charms can provide comfort and confidence to those who believe in them. Each charm’s importance is steeped in folklore, mythology, religion, tradition, or a mix of these elements.

Historically, the people of Israel made a grave mistake by treating the Ark of the Covenant, the holiest artifact on earth, as a mere good luck charm. The people of Israel put their trust in the Ark of God instead of putting their trust in the God of the Ark. This misguided belief led to severe consequences: the Ark was captured by the Philistines, symbolizing their victory over Israel’s armies.

The story serves as a cautionary tale respecting sacred objects and highlights the unmatched power of the living God of Israel.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence and authority among the Jewish people and His rule over them. Similarly, for those who are children of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ holds a comparable significance as the Ark did for Israel. We need to give the Lord Jesus Christ His rightful place in our lives. With His presence and guidance, we can navigate each day with confidence.

Father, I am grateful for Your presence and the assurance of Your help. Teach me to walk humbly with You and to seek forgiveness quickly when I falter.

INSIGHT

The Ark of the Covenant was the centerpiece of the Tabernacle, residing in the Holy of Holies. Inside, it held the two tablets of the law, and on top was the golden “mercy seat,” where God’s majestic presence dwelt. This was considered God’s throne, from which He communicated with His people (Exodus 25:10-22) (Wiersbe).

Exodus 25:22 I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there, I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.

The “Philistines,” originally from the Aegean region, were seafaring people whose name likely comes from the Hebrew peleshet, meaning “invader” or “migrant.” They settled along the coastal areas of “Palestine,” a name that shares its roots with “Philistine.”

The Philistines are known for their aggressive and militant nature. Their clashes with Israel began around the 12th century BC. They held a significant advantage with their superior iron weapons and maintained a monopoly on iron production in the region. This dominance enabled them to control Israel, even prohibiting blacksmithing among the Israelites, who had to rely on the Philistines for tasks as basic as sharpening their tools (1 Samuel 13:19-22).

God gave Israel specific instructions for waging war, as outlined in Deuteronomy 20. They were to enter battles trusting in the Father after they searched their hearts and made things right with Him.

Instead of seeking guidance from the Father, the Israelites foolishly decided to imitate Moses and Joshua by taking the Ark into battle (Numbers 10:33-36; Joshua 3-4, 6). They placed confidence in the Ark itself to ensure their safety and victory rather than putting their faith in the God of the Ark. This was a grave error, as they attempted to manipulate divine power for their own ends. They acted out of ignorant superstition, treating the Ark as a mere good-luck charm.

Unlike Moses and Joshua, the Israelites did not seek God’s will, walk by faith, or aim to honor and glorify Him. They hoped the Ark’s presence would deliver them from their enemies (Wiersbe). The battle was lost, and the Philistines captured the Ark, leading to a humiliating and demoralizing defeat.

The Philistines placed the Ark in the temple of Dagon to proclaim their god Dagon’s superiority over the God of Israel, mocking and belittling Him. This arrogance invited divine judgment.

1 Samuel 2:30 I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.

Now comes the sweet irony. The Father has a way of getting defiant people and their false gods to bow before Him. The Father will not be used to achieve selfish ambitions.

God demonstrated His power over the Philistines and their false god, Dagon. The Philistines realized they were not just fighting Israel but the living God of Israel. Dagon was found prostrate, without a head or hands, symbolizing submission to the Ark and the God it represented.

1 Samuel 5:3-12

 3 But when the citizens of Ashdod went to see it the next morning, Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground in front of the Ark of the LORD! So they took Dagon and put him in his place again.

 4 But the following day, the same thing happened – Dagon had fallen face down before the Ark of the LORD again. This time, his head and hands had broken off and were lying in the doorway. Only the trunk of his body was left intact.

Psalms 97:7 Those who worship idols are disgraced – all who brag about their worthless gods – for every god must bow to him.

The Philistines were supernaturally afflicted with “tumors.” The Hebrew word translated as “tumors” is ophel. Ophel refers to an abnormal “swelling,” “growth,” or “sores” occurring on the skin. They were contagious and life-threatening (1 Samuel 5:9, 11-12).

The Philistines, both shocked and terrified, were desperate to rid themselves of the Ark. In a futile attempt to escape responsibility, their wise men devised a plan: they hitched two cows to a cart, placed the Ark on it, and set the cows free, allowing them to ‘moo-ve’ their way back to Israel. However, their plan was no match for the divine intervention that was to come.

It was never a fair contest! Lifeless, man-made idols stood no chance against the Almighty, living God of Israel. Dagon lost his hands (1 Samuel 5:4), while God’s mighty hand struck the Philistines with afflictions and death, causing widespread panic (1 Samuel 5:6, 9).

Israel’s initial defeat by the Philistines set the stage for God’s ultimate victory over Dagon.

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© Dr. H 2024

Good deeds – harsh reactions ∙

Good deeds – harsh reactions ∙

The oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark. Then the LORD’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. – 1 Chronicles 13:9-10

Romans 7:5-25

 5 When our old nature controlled us, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.

 6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now, we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.

 12 But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.

 14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.

 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

 21 I have discovered this principle of life – that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.

 22 I love God’s law with all my heart.

 23 But another power within me is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.

 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

“The Gift of the Magi,” penned by O. Henry in 1905, beautifully captures the essence of sacrifice and love through the story of Jim and Della Young. Each cherished a prized possession: for Jim, it was the gold watch handed down from his grandfather and father, while Della treasured her long, flowing hair that reached down to her knees.

As Christmas approached, both yearned to delight the other with a special gift, yet their financial struggles posed a challenge. Della aspired to buy a gold chain for Jim’s watch, and Jim hoped to purchase a luxurious hairbrush for Della’s exquisite hair. In a profound act of love, Jim sold his watch to buy the brush, and Della sacrificed her hair to buy the chain. Their exchange of gifts revealed the depth of their love and the sacrifices they were willing to make, moving them to tears as they embraced. True love often means selflessly prioritizing another’s joy and delight sacrificing whatever it takes to make it happen.

However, human relationships can be complex, with good intentions sometimes leading to unexpected outcomes for ostensibly good deeds. Ironically, doing good is often fraught with unforeseen and unintended consequences.

Bible-based counselors suggest that unresolved childhood wounds can shape adult responses. Painful past experiences can trigger disproportionate reactions to seemingly minor provocations in relationships, leading to fight, flight or emotional shutdown responses.

We tend to get most angry at the people that we are closest to because they are least likely to abandon us. Sometimes, one partner reacts very harshly to what seemed to the other to be a good deed. The doer of the deed is often wounded and responds, “But I did not do anything wrong.” And from there, things go downhill. Until these old wounds are addressed, they can continue to influence behavior and communication.

There is an invisible, unstated principle working itself out. Until the lingering, old wounds are genuinely healed, we act out of our hurt. What we say flows from what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45).

Scriptures offer wisdom on managing anger and fostering peace. Proverbs advises gentle answers to deflect anger and highlights the folly of quarreling, while James reminds us that human anger does not yield God’s righteousness. Responding with anger achieves little; instead, we have the power to choose understanding and forgiveness.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Proverbs 20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

Proverbs 29:22 An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.

James 1:20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

Being angry and lashing out accomplishes nothing of any value.

Recognizing the root of our reactions is crucial. By embracing forgiveness and consciously opting for positive, moderated responses, we can diminish lingering anger over time, fostering healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

REFLECT & PRAY

We know that the law is good when applied appropriately. It was not crafted for those who walk in righteousness, but rather for the lawless, the rebellious, the ungodly, and the sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy (1 Timothy 1:8-9).

Father, I find it challenging to fully grasp the vastness of Your holiness and the sanctity of all You declare as sacred. It is equally difficult for me to uncover the profound wounds within myself and to embrace Your healing and release. Yet, this remains the deepest longing of my heart – an earnest desire for spiritual growth and restoration.  

INSIGHT

Why did the Father strike Uzzah dead for merely touching the Ark? Though it seems his intentions were good, it’s essential to understand the specific laws that governed this situation. The Father established rules through the Law of Moses to guide Israel towards a successful and righteous path, many of which impart vital life lessons.

Just as parents warn children against touching hot surfaces or playing with fire for their own safety, the Father’s commandments serve to protect and instruct. David and his men, despite their zeal for the Father, failed to honor the Ark’s sanctity by transporting it on an ox-driven cart, akin to a modern U-Haul. Such negligence equates to disrespect towards the Father. Nothing good could come from it: “Treatment of the ark is tantamount to treatment of God himself” (ESV notes).

According to Mosaic law (Numbers 4:15), the Ark was never to be touched by Israelites. Only the Kohathites, a Levite clan, were permitted to carry it, using specially designed poles inserted into rings on the Ark (Exodus 25:12-15). Touching it, regardless of intent, was a direct violation warranting death. This is harsh! But how is it different from getting burned by playing with fire? Yet, it parallels the consequences of ignoring the natural laws that the Father established.

God is holy, righteous, and just, but also gracious and compassionate. While He upholds His laws, He yearns to extend mercy to those who genuinely seek it. This balance of justice and mercy reflects the divine character, teaching us the importance of reverence and obedience to His will.

Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

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© Dr. H 2024

Old-time religion ∙∙∙

Old-time religion ∙∙∙

You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! – John 5:39

Luke 24:44-47

 44 He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

 46 and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day,”

 47 “and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”

That old time religion

Give me that old time religion, Give me that old time religion,

Give me that old time religion, It’s good enough for me.

It was good for Paul and Silas, It was good for Paul and Silas,

It was good for Paul and Silas, It’s good enough for me.

It was good for the Hebrew children, It was good for the Hebrew children,

It was good for the Hebrew children, It’s good enough for me.  

Makes me love ev’ry body, Makes me love ev’ry body,

Makes me love ev’ry body, It’s good enough for me.

Great works of literature share common elements: a central theme, a structured narrative, and a topic or subject. What is the theme of the Bible? The answer is concise and summarized by one word: redemption. What is the subject of the Old Testament Scriptures? Again, the answer is straightforward. The subject of the Old Testament Scriptures is a person: The Lord Jesus Christ. This sacred book, crafted by the Father, centers on His beloved Son, who provides redemption from sin.

Often, when we approach the Scriptures, they seem more like an enigmatic novel rather than a straightforward guide. The Bible can appear as a closed book, its profound truths elusive and hidden. It often seems inscrutable.

This was the experience of the disciples despite spending over three years with the most outstanding teacher that has ever lived. They frequently struggled to grasp His teachings fully. They simply did not get it. It wasn’t that the Scriptures were inaccessible; instead, the disciples’ hearts were closed. They were unresponsive, their ears dulled, and their minds clouded and muddled. They failed to comprehend fully the teaching and wisdom they received.

Their understanding was heavily influenced by the cultural norms and religious beliefs of their time. They were caught in a web of futile speculations and conflicting ideas, missing both the grand narrative and the finer details. In their intellectual stubbornness, they resembled the Gentiles, the pagans of their era. Yet, the transformative power of truly understanding the Scriptures lies in breaking through these barriers and embracing the clarity and redemption that the Lord Jesus Christ offers.

Ephesians 4:17-18

 17 The Gentiles . . . are hopelessly confused.

 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.

The disciples were not outsiders to the faith; they were Jews, deeply rooted in their rich spiritual heritage. This irony added a profound layer of tragedy to their situation. Despite their intimate knowledge of the Mosaic law and their cultural identity, their hearts and minds remained closed off. This stark contrast between their identity and their resistance to true understanding highlighted a profound and unsettling disconnect.

2 Corinthians 3:14-16

 14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day, whenever the Old Testament is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.

 15 Yes, even today, when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.

 16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

The disciples found themselves turning to the Lord Jesus Christ with anticipation as something truly extraordinary was on the horizon. The marvel of their transformation was about to unfold, offering a beacon of hope and change. What’s most remarkable is that this profound transformation is not exclusive to the disciples; it is a possibility for anyone who follows Him, inviting all children of the King on a thrilling and inclusive spiritual journey.

Luke 24:45 He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

REFLECT & PRAY

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. – John 16:13

Father, thank You for giving us the precious gift of Your word. We are truly grateful for the Holy Spirit, who illuminates our understanding of its truth so that we might comprehend it. Open the eyes of our hearts and minds so that we may receive what You have already provided for us.

INSIGHT

When the Lord Jesus Christ revealed Himself to His disciples, He conducted one of history’s most enlightening Bible studies. The Lord Jesus Christ takes the disciples through an old-fashioned, old-time religion Bible study. But it was more than a Bible study; it transcended conventional boundaries.

The Lord Jesus was not merely a teacher; He was a prophet. Prophets are the Father’s spokesman. They are the Father’s seers. When they speak, they open the minds of those that hear to see. When they speak, they enable listeners to gain deeper insights. A prophet’s impact was more about revelation than explanation, often unveiling truths beneath the surface. For instance, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged conventional thinking, unveiling deeper moral truths, as seen in Matthew 5:27-28, where He expanded upon the concept of adultery to include thoughts of lust.

Matthew 5:27-28

 27 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’

 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Recall that real impediments lay not in the Scriptures but in closed minds. The Lord Jesus Christ enabled His followers to truly grasp the meaning of teachings they had previously heard or read. This transformative gift from Jesus opened their understanding, allowing the Scriptures to reveal their full beauty and truth. No longer limited to basics, the disciples could now delve into the profound wisdom and knowledge within, exploring the rich depths of the Word.

The Jewish people divided and ordered the Old Testament into three segments: The “Law,” comprising the Five Books of Moses; the “Prophets,” encompassing Joshua through 2 Kings, as well as Isaiah through Malachi; and the “Psalms,” the rest of the Old Testament. The referred to the Old Testament as the Tenach. Before the first coming of Christ, the Jewish people curated messianic prophecies from the entire Old Testament. They grouped these snippets into various thematic clusters or collections that predicted the coming of the Messiah.

The Gospel of Matthew highlights these fulfilled prophecies. It is one thing to have a list of messianic prophecies. It is quite another to understand them and recognize their actual fulfillment. Where did Matthew’s knowledge and understanding of these prophecies come from? Perhaps it was from the intensive biblical review that the Lord Jesus Christ provided.

The Father’s intervention is necessary to open hearts and minds to the truth of His Word, as spiritual discernment is essential for understanding divine wisdom. What a remarkable and delightful privilege it was for the disciples to have the Lord Jesus Christ personally elucidate these truths. He promised the Holy Spirit would continue this enlightenment, guiding each child of the King on a similar path of understanding and revelation.

John 14:26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

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© Dr. H 2024