Seek the Kingdom of God

Posted on May 8, 2022 by tricialathrop

Day 21 of 49

Norm and I decided to visit Howe Caverns in upstate New York. This was before GPS, in the days of Mapquest, we realized we had passed the road which led to the cavern. We thought about it, then complained that they should have had a sign to indicate the turn. We turned back and found the entrance. 

We discovered that we had missed the HUGE billboard with Howe Caverns in large letters and a giant arrow pointing the way to our desired location. 

You may wonder, how did we miss the huge sign. Right next to it was a sign to another cave. It was about a quarter of the size of the Howe sign, but it had sparkle, shining and twinkling letters and an arrow with lights. We were distracted by the bling. 

We find the central core message of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 

 Mt 6:33.

We are easily distracted. We can worry about our food, clothing and shelter. We can also focus on our financial security, our reputation, or the new fad item that we just have to have. 

What God offers is so much more than our possessions or reputation. He offers us the opportunity to be in his presence forever. He offers us peace, joy and contentment. 

Lord, help me not to focus on the temporal distractions. Give me a greater desire to seek your face.

One thing have I asked of the Lord, 

that will I seek after: 

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord 

all the days of my life, 

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord 

and to inquire in his temple. 

Ps 27:4.

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Getting Along

Posted on May 7, 2022 by tricialathrop

Day 20 of 49

I walked into a restaurant the other day and a sign on the door said, “Be kind to the people who have shown up to serve you today.” What had happened in this restaurant that they felt they needed a sign?

It seems that rude behavior is on the rise. We live in an age where people get offended over everything, whether small or big. People now get offended because someone else got offended. 

Jesus had an answer for this. It’s not one we like because it means setting aside our own personal rights and demands. A citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven will practice forgiveness, mercy and grace towards others.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 

But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 

And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 

Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Mt 5:39-42.

Revenge often becomes a game of one-upmanship. It can escalate to the point that two friends no longer talk to each other. The Law limited the revenge one could take. One could not take an eye and an ear for an injury to the eye. 

But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. 

Ex 21:23–25.

Before I go on, I need to say something. This is not about abuse. If you are in a situation where you are being abused physically, verbally, or emotionally, then pray for your abuser, but find a way out. There are many places where one can get help today if abuse is happening.

Jesus explained a better way than revenge. His recommendations are radical and counter-culture to the way of the world.

If someone insults you, slaps you on the cheek, don’t insult back. Let the insults happen.

If someone sues you, give them more than they ask for.

If anyone forces you to go a mile…This is specific for this time period. A Roman soldier could demand anyone to carry their equipment for one mile. Jesus told them to not only carry it for the mile, but take the equipment of their oppressors another mile.

Give to everyone who asks of you. 

Radical thinking!

Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. 

Pr 20:22.

And as if this was not tough enough,  Jesus went on to explain how we should treat our enemies. 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 

Mt 5:43-45.

Rabbis and Pharisees discussed the question, “Who is my enemy?”. The answers ranged from someone we dislike to someone who is out to do us harm. 

Jesus made it clear that we are to love our brother, our neighbor and those who persecute us. 

What would our witness about the Lord be like if we took this to heart?

  • If we took the insults of those who disagree with us, pray for them and do something nice for them.
  • If we showed kindness to everyone we meet, even those who chose a different lifestyle.
  • If we responded without complaint when someone bad mouths us. Perhaps we could even find a kind word to say back.

Lord you love us even when we don’t show love to the people around us. Open our eyes to opportunities to share the love that you have showered on us.

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 

And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

Mt 5:46-48.

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Yes and No

Posted on May 6, 2022 by tricialathrop

Day 19 of 49

Yes and No

“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 

But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 

And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Mt 5:33-37.

One day I came home to a big pile of lumber in the backyard. When I asked Norm about it he said that he had promised our son a skateboard ramp. When he agreed, he thought Rob was talking about one of the small jumps…but his drawn up plan was a halfpipe. We did try to live with the “Let your yes be yes and your no, no”, so Norm and Rob built the halfpipe and we learned to ask more questions before agreeing to anything.

As a kid, we would make promises with our fingers crossed, because that negated any promise we made. The Pharisees played the same game with oaths. They had levels of oath keeping. If one swore by heaven, one was required to keep the oath. But is one swore by the earth, that oath could be dismissed. They worded their oaths in such a way as to be able to break them.

Making a vow or taking an oath was not required in the Law. But if one took a vow or oath, then they were required to keep it. 

“If you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. 

But if you refrain from vowing, you will not be guilty of sin. 

You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth. 

Dt 23:21–23.

Jesus said it was best not to make a vow. We really don’t know what is going to happen from day to day, and if we make a promise…we may be physically unable to do it. 

He explained that any oath made in the name of anything on earth remained a valid oath, because of God’s hand in all creation.

Generally we feel the need to make a promise when others doubt our integrity. 

If we say we are going to do something, do it. If we say we are not going to do something, don’t do it. If we mess up, then we need to fess up and apologize. 

It seems like such a simple thing, to keep our word, but it carries a big impact on those around us. 

Lord, help me to walk in integrity with the people around me. Give me wisdom about commitments I make to others. When I say I will do something or go somewhere, help me to follow through. 

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 

Tt 2:7–8.

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Exceeding the Righteousness of the Pharisees

Posted on May 5, 2022 by tricialathrop

Day 18 of 49

Exceeding the Righteousness of the Pharisees

Jesus began his sermon with the character qualities of kingdom citizens, explained the effect a citizen can have in the community, assured them that he had not come to destroy, but fulfill the Law. He made the mind-boggling statement, “unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” 

His next section addressed what it means to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. Each part begins with the phrase, “You have heard” or it could be read as “you understand the Law to say”. Then he  countered with “but I say to you”…

Jesus taught as a rabbi, expounding the Law by explaining what it meant, and suggesting ways to put the teaching into practice.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 

But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 

Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 

Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. 

Mt 5:21–26.

He started with murder. Most of us don’t have a problem keeping this commandment.

You shall not murder. Ex 20:13.

Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death. Ex 21:12.

Murder is the end result of a relationship that has failed miserably. Anger and hate take us down a road that may not lead to physical murder, but it may lead to murder of a reputation or quality of life. 

Relationships with one another are so important, that Jesus said to leave the gift we bring to his altar, and make amends with the person who has angered us or we have angered. 

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 

Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 

1 Jn 2:9–11.

He concludes this section with a call to make peace with another before getting to court, with the reminder that the judge may not rule our way.

What your eyes have seen do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame? 

Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret, lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end. 

Pr 25:7–10.

The next section deals with adultery, sexual intercourse with someone other than the spouse. Again, most of us who are followers of Christ only have sex with our spouse. 

You shall not commit adultery. Ex 20:14.

Jesus identifies the first step in betrayal, the lustful desire. 

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

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

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 

And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

Mt 5:27-30

Rabbinic teaching often used hyperbole and exaggeration. Jesus used it effectively. He painted a picture of how seriously God takes sin. Though we won’t cut off a body part and cast it away, we can take extreme measures  like changing our habits or distancing ourselves from relationships that lead us astray.

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 

But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Mt 5:31-32

Jesus teaching on divorce is seen in several passages (Mt 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12). There were basically two different teachings by the rabbis. One group said that divorce was only valid in the case of adultery. Another said that a man could get a divorce if his wife displeased him in any way, and that could even be if he saw another woman that looked better. 

“When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, and she departs out of his house, 

Dt 24:1.

Jesus made the point  that the man who divorced his wife for anything other than sexual immorality, caused her and her future husband to commit the sin of adultery.

It’s a sobering implication that my personal sins can be the cause of another to sin.  

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 

I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 

For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 

So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 

Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 

It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 

Ro 14:13–21.

The Pharisees focused on the outward actions, Jesus focused on the heart. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart! 

Try me and know my thoughts! 

And see if there be any grievous way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting! 

Ps 139:23–24.

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Righteousness

Posted on May 4, 2022 by tricialathrop

Day 17 of 49

Righteousness

Some Christians ignore the Old Testament, believing that since Jesus came, the Old Testament is no longer valid and have denied themselves a look at the rich heritage that is in Christ. 

The Old and New Testaments are chapters of the same narrative, “The Story of God’s Plan for Redemption”. When first century Christians studied the Scripture, they studied the Law and the Prophets.  Over and over we see God’s plan unfold from Genesis to Revelation.

We find stories of great faith and examples of immense failure. We read about miracles where God intervenes and struggles when God seems far away. Every book includes the hope of a coming redeemer who will take upon himself the penalty for sin and open the door for a restored relationship with the Lord God. 

The words and works of Christ are foretold in the OT, and they enrich our understanding of the Lord, his love, his purpose, his provision, and his faithfulness and mercy towards us.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 

For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 

Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 

Mt 5:17–20.

Jesus said he did not come to destroy the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. It’s true we no longer offer animal sacrifices for our sins, Jesus shed his blood on the cross as that sacrifice. Studying about the sacrifices and the Passover Lamb helps us to understand just how seriously God takes sin. He loves us and he knows our sinful nature, that there is no way for us to come into the presence of a holy God on our own. He intentionally provided ways for the Israelites to enter his presence, and through Jesus Christ he provided a way for us.  

He speaks that not an iota or a dot will be removed from the Law. In Hebrew it says, not the smallest letter or stroke (kotz) will be removed until all fulfilled. The smallest letter in Hebrew is the yod, ( ׳ ) and yes, that apostrophe is what a yod looks like. The stroke (kotz) is the part of a Hebrew letter that completes the letter, such as the little upward line in a mem, ( מ )or the tag on a tav ( ת ). 

It’s important for us to engage the entire Word of God, not just the sections we like. I admit, some passages are hard to understand and raise more questions than answers, but continuing to interact with the Scripture brings clarity to the character of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 

Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 

Ps 119:89–90.

Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love. 

The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. 

Ps 119:159–160.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 

Is 40:8.

Jesus then told the people that obedience to the Word is essential in the Kingdom of God. Then he adds, “unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never see the Kingdom of heaven.”

Every listener would be wondering how anyone could enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The Pharisees had the reputation of being very holy and righteous. They held to a strict adherence to the Law, tithing on even their smallest crops. They had an appearance of holiness, but Jesus called them white washed tombs because their hearts were far from God (Mt 23:27). 

When it comes down to it, our best works with perfect motives are just dirty rags. Our only hope for righteousness is that righteousness provided by Jesus Christ. When we accept that we need an advocate in order to stand before the Lord, then it is Jesus’ righteousness that covers us. He took our sin and shame and replaced it with his righteousness.

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 

Ro 3:21–25.

Lord, thank you for providing Jesus Christ to be righteousness for us. You knew we could not approach you on our own, so you made a way for us through the cross. Thank you for paying the penalty for our sin, and then rising again to give us hope of a future resurrection where we will see the Kingdom of Heaven in all its glory.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

 2 Co 5:21.

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 

Php 3:7–11.

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Salt and Light

Posted on May 3, 2022 by tricialathrop

Day 16 of 49

Jesus compared the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven to salt and light. Followers of Christ whose character reflects those of the beatitudes will affect the world around them in significant ways.

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 

Mt 5:13–16.

No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 

Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 

Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. 

If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” 

Lk 11:33–36.

What do salt and light provide to the world? 

The people in the first century used salt to prevent spoilage. They also used it as an aid to healing. They valued it so much, that Roman soldiers received their pay in salt.

Pure salt maintains its properties. Salt that is mined out of brine or from mines with mixed minerals can lose its saltiness. It becomes insipid, tasteless and useless.

Salt interacts with whatever it touches. Since we continue to live in this world, our lives will make a difference in the lives of the people around us. We can be an example of humble righteousness. We can bring healing to others as they struggle in life. We can offer the invaluable hope that is in Christ Jesus.

However, if we compromise our personal walk with Christ by following our own desires, then our witness loses its value in the world.  

Light is so much more than the spectrum we see with our eyes. We need light to survive and thrive. A light in a room gives benefit to everyone within the room. It allows us to see what is happening around us. It allows us to avoid holes or objects that can trip us. Since darkness is the absence of light, a light will always dissipate the darkness.

Jesus called himself the Light of the World. He healed several people who were blind, but he also provided insight into the nature and work of God. And yet, some people preferred to walk in the darkness.

We have been given light to share with those in spiritual darkness. Our light is not meant to be hidden in fear, or kept to ourselves. Our light is to be on display for all to see. Sometimes being light means that we provide help for those with physical or emotional struggles. Sometimes our light means speaking up…sometimes it means shutting up and quietly listening to another.

God knew the world needed salt and light. He gave us the characteristics of those who can be salt and light. He left us in the world so that we can bring the restoration, hope, and insight that are possible through Jesus Christ.

Lord, I feel so inadequate to be salt and light in this world. There are times I want to hide and keep it to myself. Help me to see where the salt and light are needed, and then give me courage to offer the hope that is in you.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 

Php 2:9–16.

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Beatitudes

Posted on May 2, 2022 by tricialathrop

Day 15 of 49

The Beatitudes

Jesus traveled the country, healing people, calling them to repent and sharing the good news about the Kingdom of Heaven. The prophets foretold of a coming kingdom in which the Lord reigned supreme. Israel would no longer be in bondage to another nation. All nations would acknowledge the Lord God.

The Sermon on the Mount provides us with Jesus’ idea of what the Kingdom of Heaven should be. He described the citizen’s character and expectations for behavior. He spoke of motivation as a component of our actions. He set lofty goals. He identified two ways in which to live and the consequences of each. 

His style is typical of rabbinic teaching of the day. He spoke in such a way that those listening could remember and repeat the teaching. He told stories with the standard Hebrew literature characteristics.

He used parallelism as a basic form…think rhyming ideas, not rhyming words. He used metaphor, simile, plays on words, exaggeration, and parables to get people to think outside the religious box. 

He listed the desired character qualities in the Kingdom of Heaven. As a child, I learned them as the “BE” attitudes. Jesus exemplified each of these qualities as he walked on earth. 

   Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

Mt 5:3–12.

We don’t generally see people who are poor in spirit, meek, persecuted, or in mourning as being blessed, in fact we see them as the opposite. While we appreciate those who are merciful and peacemakers, we don’t see them as blessed but as ones who bless others. And the pure in heart and those who seek after righteousness…they are the most at risk for ridicule.

Luke also records some beatitudes, and he added woes. Power and wealth on earth will not transfer to heaven. Through Jesus Christ we can look to a better hope, our suffering here is just for a season.

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: 

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 

“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. 

“Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. 

“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 

Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. 

“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 

“Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. 

“Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 

“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. 

Lk 6:20–26.

Instead of giving you my thoughts on what each beatitude means, I thought I’d just list some of the scripture that explains it. You can decide for yourself what each one means in your life.

Poor in Spirit

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; 

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 

Ps 51:17.

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, 

who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 

“I dwell in the high and holy place, 

and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, 

to revive the spirit of the lowly, 

and to revive the heart of the contrite. 

Is 57:15.

Those who mourn:

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, 

because the Lord has anointed me 

to bring good news to the poor; 

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 

to proclaim liberty to the captives, 

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, 

and the day of vengeance of our God; 

to comfort all who mourn; 

to grant to those who mourn in Zion— 

to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, 

the oil of gladness instead of mourning, 

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; 

that they may be called oaks of righteousness, 

the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. 

Is 61:1–3.

Meek:

  But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Ps 37:11.

The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. 

Is 29:19.

Hunger and thirst for righteousness:

As a deer pants for flowing streams, 

so pants my soul for you, O God. 

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. 

When shall I come and appear before God? 

Ps 42:1–2.

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; 

and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! 

Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? 

Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 

Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. 

Is 55:1–3.

Merciful:

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! 

In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; 

the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; 

he is called blessed in the land; 

Ps 41:1–2.

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. 

Pr 11:17.

Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. 

Pr 14:21.

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. 

Pr 19:17.

Pure in Heart:

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? 

Who shall dwell on your holy hill? 

He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; 

who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, 

nor takes up a reproach against his friend; 

in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; 

who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. 

He who does these things shall never be moved. 

Ps 15:1–5.

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? 

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, 

who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. 

He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 

Ps 24:3–5.

Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 

Ps 73:1.

Peacemaker:

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! 

“May they be secure who love you! 

Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” 

For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” 

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good. 

Ps 122:6–9.

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 

Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 

Ps 34:13–14.

Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. 

Ps 37:37.

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy

Pr 12:20.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, 

who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, 

who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” 

Is 52:7.

Persecuted:

The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place. 

But they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord rose against his people, until there was no remedy. 

2 Ch 36:15–16.

“Nevertheless, they were disobedient and rebelled against you and cast your law behind their back and killed your prophets, who had warned them in order to turn them back to you, and they committed great blasphemies. 

 Ne 9:26.

“Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; 

fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings. 

For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool, 

but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.” 

Is 51:7–8.

Lord, you know our hearts. You desire that we become imitators of you, humbly extending your mercy and grace to all we meet, holding out a hope for peace and reconciliation at all times. Continue to do your work in our lives.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 

2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 

4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 

7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 

8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 

9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 

10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Php 2:1–11.

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Dinner with a Pharisee

Posted on May 1, 2022 by tricialathrop

Day 14 of 49

Jesus engaged all types of people as he ministered in Judea and Galilee. Crowds followed him everywhere…I imagine that some camped outside his door at night so they would be first to see him in the morning.

Some followed him out of desperation for a miracle. Some followed him for his life giving words that provided hope and a challenge. Some followed him for his celebrity status. 

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 

37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 

38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 

39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 

40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 

42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 

43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 

44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 

45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 

46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 

47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 

48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 

49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 

50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” 

Lk 7:36–50.

Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to his house. Basic hospitality required the washing of a guest’s feet. A person of honor also received a kiss and an anointing with oil. Not only did Simon not honor the guest he invited into his house, he refused Jesus the very basic hospitality.

Did he think a country preacher not worth the time and effort to honor? If so, why invite him in the first place? 

Did he see Jesus as a means to up his own celebrity status?

Was he trying to find a way to expose Jesus as a fraud?

Contrast the Pharisee with the sinful woman. She entered the house, probably shocking all who attended. She cried at Jesus feet, washing them and drying them with her hair. She anointed his feet with perfume from her alabaster box. 

Alabaster is a soft stone used often in the day for holding perfume. They used alabaster to make jars with small necks that would be broken to pour out the perfume. The bottles and the perfume cost a lot, and may have been her entire savings.

We are made aware of Simon’s thoughts. This woman is a sinner. If Jesus really is a prophet, then he knows what type of woman she is and would not let her touch him. If he is a prophet and knows who she is, then he is not holy since he let her touch him. Either way, he cannot be who he claims to be. 

Jesus knows his thoughts and responds with a parable. Two debtors owe what they cannot pay, one in greater debt than the other. Both debts are forgiven. Then Jesus asks which would love the forgiver more.

Simon answers with an “I suppose”, he didn’t want to be caught in a trap.

Jesus said, he judged correctly. Then he made Simon look at the woman. He compared the treatment Jesus had received at the hand of each. 

By pointing out the comparison, everyone attending would know that Simon and the sinful woman were the characters in the parable. Not only did the woman need forgiveness, so did Simon.

The woman sought forgiveness from Jesus, and received it. Like the forgiveness of the paralytic, the people at the table wondered about Jesus’ ability to forgive. We have no response from Simon as to whether he sought forgiveness or not. 

Usually sermons and devotionals focus on the woman. Her narrative has power and is a beautiful picture of Christ’s forgiveness.

But I wanted to focus on the Pharisee and his lack of awareness of his need. Jesus offers forgiveness to all, from the most sinful to the person who thinks they have no sin.  

Lord, thank you for your forgiveness. Help us to not take for granted all that you have done for us. 

He was despised and rejected by men, 

a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; 

and as one from whom men hide their faces 

he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 

4 Surely he has borne our griefs 

and carried our sorrows; 

yet we esteemed him stricken, 

smitten by God, and afflicted. 

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; 

he was crushed for our iniquities; 

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, 

and with his wounds we are healed. 

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; 

we have turned—every one—to his own way; 

and the Lord has laid on him 

the iniquity of us all. 

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, 

yet he opened not his mouth; 

like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, 

and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, 

so he opened not his mouth. 

Is 53:3–7.

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Jesus Forgives Sin

Posted on April 30, 2022 by tricialathrop

Day 13 of 49

Jesus Forgives Sin

On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 

18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 

19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 

20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 

21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 

22 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? 

23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 

24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 

25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 

26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” 

Lk 5:17–26.

A favorite Sunday school story, five friends, four take it upon themselves to aid their paralyzed friend reach Jesus. They overcame all obstacles, and finally thinking outside the box, they removed tiles from the roof and placed their friend right in front of Jesus. 

Crowds followed Jesus wherever he went. When he went home, the crowds didn’t stop…they filled whatever house he visited to overflowing. In this narrative, Pharisees and teachers of the Law had come from every village in Galilee and Judea as well as from Jerusalem. 

Jesus gained a lot of attention from his healings, which gave credence to his teaching. The leaders listened to him to see if he taught error. They knew he had not gone through the proper training to become a teacher, and I can see where they wanted to make sure he was scripturally sound.  

In the first century, the teachers and leaders sat. Chosen disciples may sit at the feet of their master to learn, but most who listened stood to be taught, whereas today the teacher stands and the students sit. 

This adds a new twist to the visit of Jesus to the temple: “After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” (Lk 2:46).

Up to this point, Jesus’ contention with the Pharisees dealt with keeping the Sabbath. Jesus healed, the Pharisees considered healing to be work and therefore, forbidden on the Sabbath. Now, Jesus would add a new point of contention, his deity.

In that day, paralysis, blindness, deafness, barrenness…all were believed to be consequences of sin, either the parents or the afflicted. A righteous person received blessing from God, not affliction. This is sometimes a hard concept for us even today. 

So Jesus told the young man that his sins were forgiven. Because his sins were forgiven, he would be able to walk.

All the leaders took offense at his statement, “Only God can forgive sins.” This is still early in Jesus’ ministry. Red flags went off in their minds, had Jesus crossed the line? We know that Jesus is the Son of God, they were still learning.

Jesus brought up a good point. They had witnessed and heard about multiple healings by Jesus, many fulfilling the prophesies from Isaiah. As teachers of the Law, they should have recognized him by his signs. 

They believed the illnesses were caused by sin, therefore, if Jesus healed the afflictions, logically it follows that the healed people had been forgiven.

By connecting the healing to the forgiveness, Jesus let the people know his identity, the One who was to come. And he could not only heal, he had authority from God to forgive sins on earth. The people glorified God for working in their midst.

Some of the leaders also believed, but some…they didn’t want to lose what they had and so denied what Jesus claimed. 

Lord, thank you for the forgiveness you give us through your mercy. Thank you for paying the penalty for every last one of our sins with your blood on the cross. Help us to continue to turn away from sin and to walk in your way. 

1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, 

whose sin is covered. 

2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, 

and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 

3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away 

through my groaning all day long. 

4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; 

my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 

5 I acknowledged my sin to you, 

and I did not cover my iniquity; 

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” 

and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah 

Ps 32:1–5.

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Matthew’s Party

Posted on April 29, 2022 by tricialathrop

Day 12 of 49

Matthew’s Party

In first century Judea, a party or feast, especially with a celebrity, excited a whole village, even the uninvited. The host made sure no other parties had been planned. He sent out invitations and the invitees RSVP’d. He provided plenty of food and drink for his guests. 

The host welcomed the invited into the housing complex containing a number of couches and pillows where the guest could lie down to enjoy the banquet…they didn’t sit like we do. The most honored guests sat near the host, and the least honorable guest…well, you were inside. 

The uninvited watched and listened over the walls of the house. With no TV or radio, a local party held great entertainment.

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 

15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 

16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 

17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” 

Mk 2:14–17.

Tax collectors held bad reputations. Some Jews considered them to be traitors since they collected money from the Jews for the Romans. Some cheated their fellow Jews by saying they owed more tax than they did and then pocketing the difference. Most became very wealthy.

Enter Jesus, he calls the tax collector to follow him…along with Simon the Zealot, whose whole purpose before being called was to take down Rome in the most violent way possible. No wonder there were moments of conflict among the disciples, some were polar opposites.

Matthew, also called Levi, gave a party. He invited tax collectors and sinners as well as Jesus and his disciples. I wonder what was going through the head of the other disciples. “Really? A tax collector?” 

The scribes and the Pharisees were not invited to this party, but they saw who attended and questioned Jesus about his choice of companions.

Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

The Pharisees considered themselves to be righteous, so on one level this made sense to them. But, they also worked very hard to stay clear of the unrighteous so that they would not become unclean themselves. They believed that interacting with a sinner somehow corrupted them. 

Matthew 9:13 adds this sentence, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice’. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus confronted the Pharisees several times, telling them to learn what it means to have mercy. 

Extending mercy to others requires an acknowledgement that we need mercy ourselves. All of us fit into the category of sinners who need a Savior. I think sometimes we forget that and can be a bit judgmental like the Pharisees.

But Jesus, like his Father was always ready to show mercy, to welcome the unloved and unwanted, to extend his grace and open the door for the repentant to come to the Father. He desires that we do the same.

Lord, remind us of our own beginnings with you. Help us to extend grace and mercy to those around us who do not know your loving care and mercy. 

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Lk 6:36.

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