September 1, 2013

Imagine God's Pain....Receive His Promise

Luke 20: 9 - 19

Luke

Now Jesus turned to the people again and told them this story:  "A man planted a vineyard, leased it out to tenant farmers, and moved to another country to live for several years.  At grape-picking time, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop.  But the farmers attacked the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed.  So the owner sent another servant, but the same thing happened; he was beaten up and treated shamefully, and he went away empty-handed.  A third man was sent and the same thing happened.  He, too, was wounded and chased away.

"'What will I do?' the owner asked himself.  'I know!  I'll send my cherished son.  Surely they will respect him.'

"But when the farmers saw his son, they said to each other, "Here comes the heir to this estate. Let's kill him and get the estate for ourselves!'  So they dragged him out of the vineyard and murdered him.

"What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do to those farmers?"  Jesus asked.  "I'll tell you - he will come and kill them all and lease the vineyard to others."

"But God forbid that such a thing should ever happen," his listeners protested.

Jesus looked at them and said, "Then what do the Scriptures mean?  'The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone.'  All who stumble over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls."

When the teachers of religious law and the leading priests heard this story, they wanted to arrest Jesus immediately because they realized he was pointing to them - that they were the farmers in the story.  But they were afraid there would be a riot if they arrested him.    

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Thoughts.....

I have to be honest and tell you that when I read this, I could not figure out the parable.  I am waaaay not good at puzzles and riddles.  Even when I listen closely for Holy Spirit to impart understanding sometimes.  But after checking different sources, I can tell you what this means and what it can mean for you.  So, let us get started.  This story is also reflected in Matthew 21:33-46 and Mark 11:12-19.    

From the notes in the Life Application Bible for Matthew 21:33-46 it reads thus:  The main elements in the parable are

1.  the landowner - God

2.  the vineyard - Israel

3.  the tenants - the Jewish religious leaders

4.  the landowner's servants - the prophets and priests who remained faithful to God and preached to Israel

5.  the son - Jesus (Matt 21:38)

6.  the other tenants - the Gentiles  

You may want to now reread the text for today to get a clearer understanding of what it says in light of what you have now learned. 

The notes from Matthew continue as follows:  'Jesus was exposing the religious leaders murderous plot.'  

Reading further in the notes for Matthew 21:37 it says, 'In trying to reach us with his love, God finally sent his own Son.  Jesus' perfect life, his words of truth, and his sacrifice of love are meant to cause us to listen to him and to follow him as Lord.  If we ignore God's gracious gift of his Son, we reject God himself.'

Matthew 21:42 notes read 'Jesus refers to himself as "the stone the builders rejected."  Although Jesus was rejected by many of his people, he will become the capstone, or cornerstone of his new building, the church (see Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:7).'

Matthew 21:44 indicates 'Jesus used this metaphor to show that one stone can affect people different ways, depending on how they relate to it (see Isaiah 8:14, 15; 28:16; Daniel 2:34, 44, 45).  Ideally they will build on it; many, however, will trip over it.  And at the last judgment God's enemies will be crushed by it.  In the end, Christ the "building block," will become the "crushing stone."  He offers mercy and forgiveness now and promises judgment later.  We should choose him now!'  [I agree.]

In the notes from Luke 20:17-19, we learn Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22, when he referred to the cornerstone.  'Jesus showed the unbelieving leaders that even their rejection of the Messiah had been prophesied in Scripture.  Ignoring the capstone, or cornerstone, was dangerous.'  [Truly death defying.]

The notes in Mark may remind you of those you know....or yourself....as it reads: 'Israel, pictured as a vineyard, was the nation that God had cultivated to bring salvation to the world.  The religious leaders not only frustrated their nation's purpose; they also killed those who were trying to fulfill it.  They were so jealous and possessive that they ignored the welfare of the very people they were supposed to be bringing to God.'  God pictures you as a vineyard.  He has tried to cultivate you to bring salvation to the world.  Are you frustrating God's purpose for you life?  Have you killed him and/or killed Holy Spirit within others who have been trying to reach you?  Has Holy Spirit, once within you, departed?  Has he even taken up residence yet?  Have you literally killed anyone? 

Have you beaten the people who have attempted to give you the message of salvation.  OR hurt those who have lived in the light of God's love around you to help you see God's love through them?  Have you killed Jesus by the choices you've made in your life....maybe told him to 'get lost', 'go away'?  Decided you could 'do it your way'....without him?  Have you left stripes of blood from open wounds on his back from many thrashings by saying you would accept him and then chosen to walk away from him, believing falsely that he is still with you because you gave voice to the words 'I believe and accept you'?   Why would he stick around, if you have ignored him?  Why should he shower treasures of blessings upon you, if you haven't showered blessings of gratitude upon him for forgiving you of your sins?  He even offered you eternal life.  Did you spit in his face?  Could this be you?  What did you really expect you would inherit with this kind of behavior?  Certainly not eternal life. 

Jesus clearly tells us in many places, one of which is in John 15, 'Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.  Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.'   Jesus certainly said it very clearly in todays lesson "All who stumble over the stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls."  

Looking back in John 15 again, Jesus said, "My true disciples produce much fruit."  He also said, "....the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.  You are my friends if you obey me."  Folks, he didn't just lay down his life for you, he allowed himself to be beaten, bruised, spit on.  He literally carried the tree that he would be nailed to....hung from.  He allowed a crown of thorns to be ground into his scalp.  He sweat drops of blood, sweat, and shed tears for you.  He knew he would be stabbed for you, and he went forward anyway.  He knew he would die....be murdered....for you.  He did it so that you might choose him as your Savior.  That you might choose to be forgiven of your sins....and going forth....sin no more.  He did all this so that you might choose the path of eternal life.  That you might walk with him and talk with him.  Follow his ways.  He did it for me, too.  For all the world. 

Have you read in Matthew 11 from The Message the following lines that Jesus said, "Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly."  Are you ready to enter and be embraced by this 'unique Father - Son operation' and receive 'intimacies and knowledge' from them?  Jesus said he's 'ready to go over it all line by line with anyone willing to listen.'  Is it time for you to 'abruptly break into prayer'?        

Praise God that Jesus was released from his suffering, and died, and was raised to a new life!  In doing that he said, 'I love you'.  In doing that he offered you the opportunity for eternal life!  God has offered to forgive you of your sins.  If you are willing to believe in him and ask it of him.  Jesus has offered you his life.  And eternal life.  If you are willing to believe in him and ask him into your life.  Maybe you have done this and need to do it again.  Maybe this is your 'second chance' at life....eternal life with the Savior.  Maybe now it's time to make him LORD of your life....stop trying to do things 'your way'.  I'm ready!  Will you make him Lord of your life, too?

If you are ready, pray this prayer with me now, even if you have prayed similar before:  God, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed.  I have not loved you with my whole heart, I have not loved my neighbor as myself.  I am humbly sorry and I ask you to please forgive me.  Thank you.  I believe in you, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  Please, God, come fully into my life.  I accept you, Jesus, as my Savior, Jesus, and ask you to come into my heart, become Lord of my life, and make me whole.  Please help me that you might never let me go.  Please baptize me with your Holy Spirit so that I might learn everything you want me to know and how to walk this life....and how to help others as you call me.  I praise you God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and thank you.  Amen.      

Once you have done this, start reading the New Testament daily to learn how to live your new life.  Start anywhere.  Read it allowed, too, so Satan, the devil, is clear to whom you belong.  Make sure your choices align with God's word, so Satan and God know by your actions to whom you belong....who you choose to follow....who is really Lord of your life!  If you already have a faith walk, be an encourager to others.  For all....let everyone see Christ through you by how you present yourself to others, by how you walk your life.  How you bear the burdens, and give thanks and praise IN...in the midst of....everything with praise and thanksgiving.  Thank God at every turn.  Learn praise instead of cursing.  Raise praise to keep Satan from bringing you down.  Your troubles may be many, and your travels making you feel weary, but God is EVER with you....he will NOT leave you, nor forsake you, IF you are walking with him, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.  It was never said that life with them would be easy, however, it is easiER because we have them to look to and lean on.  We have their Word and all the promises we can receive are listed in it, IF we are one with them and walking with them, OBEYING them.  

Remember Bill Wither's song, "Lean On Me?"  That's what God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit want us to do.  Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.  "There is salvation in no one else!  There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them."  They really do not want to see you....or me....suffer and die an eternal death.  They want us to LIVE!  Eternally! 

I hope you will take seriously from now on your walk in life, that it may be WITH God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.  That you will not continue to try to do things on your own, but get guidance and direction from the God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  Turn to the Word of God.   'Wisdom cometh from hearing the Word of God!'  If you seek more wisdom, just ask.  God, Jesus, Holy Spirit are never too busy to answer.  But you must listen!  Read Proverbs for additional wisdom.  There is also a topical index with Scripture references in this site on the page entitled 'Dove of Christ'....towards the bottom of the page.  Find it in 'The Family Room'.  Feel free to mosey on over and seek answers anytime day or night.

God gave you life, Jesus offered you an abundant life, Holy Spirit is 'insurance' to see that you not only have it here on earth, but have it forever in the Kingdom of God.  Rest assured, pray always, obey forever.  And love and give thanks as you follow the Trinity:  God who made you, Jesus who died for you, Holy Spirit who lives with you....now. 

May God always bless you and keep you.  May his light of love always shine upon you.  May you be with him in paradise.       

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Let Us Pray   

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, thank you for helping me see that I have not always been on the perfect track...especially the one that leads to eternal life.  There have been times I've tried to 'do it my way'.  But mostly because I've not heard your voice, received your direction.  Okay.  Nor have I asked sometimes....okay....more often than not.  I've been trying to not burden you with yet more problems in life.  But I see now that you want to be burdened....to be a part of my life....my whole life in fact.  It is how you can best show me how much you love me.  It is also how I can show you how much I love, trust, respect you, if I ask....and listen....and follow your lead....your direction.  I've really messed up sometimes, Lord.  I am trying so hard to live life how you would want me to, but the world is particularly cruel sometimes and not open to you, or who they see as you through me....or me.  Doors have been closed, but I am, right now, declaring in your name that, doors WILL open, and I will go forward WITH you FRUITFULLY!  Along the way I will give testimony to you by how I choose to live my life....and I will live an abundant life....to further show who you are, that you are, and how wonderful you are!  I just praise you and thank you IN the midst of my life situations, and I praise you and thank you that I AM rising above those negative life situations, because they are right now....even as I pray to you....changing for the better!  From this day forward, Satan may still try to huff and puff, but he will NOT blow my house down, nor turn my life to 'smitherines', neither will he hurt my family, nor destroy or take away what little we have.  From this breath forward, I am all yours....still....always and forever.  I praise you and thank you for loving me, carrying me, raising me to new heights for YOUR glory, God, Jesus, Holy Spirit.  This day, as many others before, but with a new resolve, I bow down in worship of you.  I thank you.  I love you.  Amen.  

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Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

'All who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.  For you are all Christians - you are ONE in Christ Jesus.'  Galatians 3: 27

  It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!

Teach tolerance....reach in acceptance....worship as one!

Embrace....Respect....Encourage!

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided.  I encourage you to pray your own prayers as well.

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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NOTE:  I said it long ago, but let me say it again.  If you are wanting to lead a group, start a church, or are confined in an institution, or live in a country where the Gospel is not preached, and you don't know what to say or how to say it, and yet feel led to share, teach, or preach, besides just reading straight out of the Bible and sharing what God puts on your heart, please feel free to share any or all of what I've written, if it will help you, as long as you include where it comes from, due to copyright laws.  Jesus gave God's love and healing freely, as well as his message.  Our responsibility is to get the Word out to those who need to hear it.  If what I've written....by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit....or what he has said through me....has helped you, it may help others that you know.  You are welcome to share it.  God calls all of us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.  Please share it with the fullness of love that God, Jesus, Holy Spirit....and I....have given it.  Amen!   

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